Southern Miss baseball player and Bunker Hill native Slade Wilks is set to host a youth baseball and softball camp Thursday at The Yards in Columbia.
The former Columbia Academy star, alongside former minor league baseball players Sam McWilliams and Luke McKenzie, said it was an easy decision to give youth in Columbia an opportunity he seldom saw at a young age.
“It’s something that I’ve always really wanted to do,” Wilks said. “There was nothing consistent (growing up). I remember going to one hitting camp that was in Columbia when I was younger, but there was nothing like this at all.”
Wilks said he was contacted by a group, including McWilliams, that holds youth baseball and softball camps like this in various locations. He added the experience of himself, McWilliams and McKenzie will give the best instruction possible, while maintaining the fun aspect of a camp.
“The parents can expect some high talent that will be teaching their kids. We’re going to have a lot of fun, and we’re going to help them advance their skills, anything from outfield to the infield, hitting and base running,” Wilks said. “We’re going to try to go after all facets of the game.”
The camp will be available for boys and girls ages 6-14, and it will take place at The Yards July 6 from 9:30 a.m. until 1p.m. The registration fee is $60. Contact (601) 660-1512 for registration.
