To the Editor:
The dilemma that Ryan Lawrencelle and his friend Matt Cicchese were facing was where to play pick-up basketball in Montville in the winter.
In years past, they played pick-up basketball at the Norwich YMCA, but unfortunately that facility closed last year, leaving them no access to a gym in the area to play basketball. (Montville does not have a community center.)
Ryan had asked his family why the town did not allow them to simply use the school gym. They told him that it was most likely the cost to have the gym open and insurance. But, they also told him that if he wanted something badly enough he needed to try to find a way to get it. Ryan's parents told him to see if any of his friends would be interested in the idea of playing pick-up basketball on the weekends. That's when Ryan and Matt took the ball and ran.
They showed great initiative and leadership skills and put together a plan. They e-mailed the Parks and Recreation Department with their concept and asked how to proceed. They were told to formalize their plan, submit it to Parks and Recreation, and then present it at its monthly board meeting.
The plan they put together requested two hours of gym time for high-school-age kids to play non-organized basketball. Ryan and Matt's parents would oversee the games to ensure nothing got out of hand-they did not want to set up teams, coaches, or referees.
Their parents presented the plan to the Parks and Recreation Department back in November of 2009. The idea was received very well by the board. The board asked if it was possible to include adults to play with them. Ryan and Matt had no problem with that idea, since that was the way it was at the Norwich YMCA. The board asked them to see about the availability of Montville High School and Tyl Middle School gymnasiums. The board stated they would take the idea under consideration and get back to them.
The boys began investigating the possible use of the two school gyms when the board got back to them stating that the gym at Saint Bernard School would be available to them on Sundays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Access to the gym was made possible by a reciprocating arrangement that Montville has with Saint Bernard's for gym and field use in the town. The gym was made available before the holidays.
Through word of mouth the numbers of players began to grow. This past weekend was the best turnout yet with more than 20 people playing; half kids, half adults. Four teams were chosen and two games were played simultaneously. After each game the teams are rotated and roster changes are made as necessary to make the teams even.
Because of their passion for basketball, Ryan and Matt have successfully organized a healthy outlet for themselves and their friends. As an extra bonus their fathers are getting into shape and everyone is having a good time.
Sadly this year's indoor basketball ended on Feb. 27. Ryan and Matt are planning to continue this league outdoors at Camp Oakdale this spring. Anyone 14 or older interested in playing can give Ryan a call at 860-889-5556.
The boys would like to thank the Montville Parks and Recreation Department and Saint Bernard's for making this possible.
Glenn Knowles,
Montville