Duarte 's new asset in developing programs for local youth knows the rules of the game, and how to keep kids in play.
When Rodney Jefferson went to high school as part of Duarte 's class of 1978, while playing basketball during his three years at the school, he didn't have a mentor to keep him on track in terms of academics and college.
"I wish there would have been a Rodney Jefferson for me when I went to school here," he said while standing in front of his alma mater recently. "Someone who would have given me all of the information I needed to be successful."
Years later, that desire would help contribute to what developed as a passion for helping youth excel.
The Cal State L.A. graduate is now the founder and director of the nine-year-old "A" Game Fundamental Basketball Clinic, which operates out of Santa Fe Middle School in Monrovia and teaches basic fundamental basketball skills, and more, to youth.
"The most important part of the clinic is the life skills segment," said Jefferson, 48, of Duarte . "Everything from drugs, to gangs, to academics."
A UC Irvine student heads the tutoring program while Jefferson and his staff, which consists of 10 to 14 alumni and local coaches, help program participants pave athletic and academic roads that lead to colleges and universities.
Jefferson was approached by the city of Duarte and has now been contracted as a consultant to help enhance existing youth programs.
"This is something new that we are trying," said Deputy City Manager Karen Herrera, who said that youth programs are a big concern among city council members.
His work with "A" Game Fundamental Basketball impressed them.
"Whether it's abut additional coaching, or even college choices ... he (Jefferson) really stays involved with the kids," she said. "We feel very good that it's going to work out very well."
During Jefferson's six-month contract he will focus on three main services: a youth council, or discussion group, to help facilitate open communication between youth and community leaders; a basketball clinic to be held during spring break from April 13-17; and a midnight basketball program designed for children of all ages and young adults.
The latter is based upon a similar program that Jefferson recalls the school had many years ago.
"We have a different name on it, but basically it will have the basic fundamentals that the program did years ago," he said. "(It's) giving kids a positive venue where they enjoy a positive atmosphere and are able to interact and network with people from all over the San Gabriel Valley."
The weekly games would begin around 8 p.m. on a Friday or Saturday and conclude at midnight.
"We want this available to all kids," Jefferson said. "Although it is targeted to at-risk youth, (we) want to incorporate all youth."
He believes it won't be a difficult task.
"(With) everybody bringing all of their skills and networks together I think that can be accomplished rather easily," he said.
While playing as a guard for the Duarte Falcons, Jefferson credits his coach, Hank Hodges, as the one who helped him improve his game.
"He provided some fundamental structure for me that enhanced my abilities to embrace different ideals and concepts about basketball," he said.
His first coaching job came from Mel Sims, then the head varsity coach at Monrovia High School . Jefferson said Sims was the first to combine academics with athletics.
"When I got it (the job) I was just so overwhelmed." "He (Sims) said, `If you stay at this long enough, your footprints will be everywhere. Kids need footprints to follow, as long as they head in the right direction."'
The programs are scheduled to begin in March and April. For information, call City Hall at (626) 357-7931
lafayette.hight@sgvn.com
Back to top
|
