MUSCATINE, Iowa–For many aspiring basketball players in Muscatine, Joe Wieskamp has offered them inspiration, showing them how a local resident and Muscatine High School graduate could continue his basketball career at the University of Iowa and go on to get drafted and play for the San Antonio Spurs. This summer, Wieskamp, along with his fiancée, former University of Iowa basketball player Makenzie Meyer, will host a basketball skills day camp July 19 at the Muscatine Community Y at 1823 Logan Street in Muscatine.
As someone who got his start in basketball by playing on youth teams in Muscatine, Wieskamp has know for some time that he wanted to pay it forward and give local kids a chance to work on their basketball skills too. “Ever since getting drafted, having a camp back in my hometown is something that I really wanted to do to be able to give back,” he shared.
Wieskamp and Meyer will hold two different sessions for both boys and girls, one from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for children in third through fifth grade and another from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for students in sixth through eighth grade. In each camp, Wieskamp and Meyer will work on fundamental basketball skills, including ball handling, defense, passing, and of course Wieskamp’s specialty, shooting. Kids with all levels of experience may attend, as the skills they will work on will benefit players no matter how much they have played. It will also give seasoned players a chance to brush up on their skills before the get back on the basketball court this fall and winter. “We are welcoming anyone that would like to come and learn!” Wieskamp emphasized.
Anyone who would like to sign a child up for the camp may do so by visiting the registration website or by calling the Muscatine Community Y at 563-263-9996 for assistance. Registration for either session costs $50 per child. Both First National Bank of Muscatine and MidwestOne Bank have generously sponsored this event to make the cost to attend lower for participating kids. Interested players should register sooner rather than later to make sure they get a spot.
As Wieskamp and Meyer prepare for their basketball skills camp, they hope many kids will come and join them so they can share what they know and have a good time in the process. “The thing I’m looking forward to most about hosting this camp is to be able to give back and share my knowledge to everyone!” said Wieskamp. “We’re super excited to hopefully teach these kids a thing or two, and most importantly, we want this to be a fun opportunity!”
This winter, Wieskamp will play for the San Antonio Spurs for his second season. He welcomes the opportunity to continue developing as a player and to learn more skills and techniques to teach younger players in the future. He reflected, “I’ve loved playing for the San Antonio Spurs and I’m excited to keep working hard and get better every day.”
