DURHAM, N.C. - Lebanon Valley men's basketball player
Travis Conrad has the unique opportunity every summer to experience every hoop kid's dream. Since the age of 12, Travis has been attending Coach K's Basketball Camp at Duke University each year.
His most recent trip to Durham came last month when he returned as a veteran of the camp to assist a number of big-name players and coaches in teaching the game to players aged 9-18. The soon-to-be LVC senior has participated in the instruction in every way, originally as a camper, and more recently, as a counselor and camp coach.
During his camper years at Duke, Conrad learned from some of the best to ever set foot on Coach K Court at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Under the leadership of legendary five-time national championship-winning head coach Mike Krzyzewski, he interacted with Blue Devil players both past and present. J.J. Redick, Nolan Smith, Miles Plumlee, Quinn Cook, Grayson Allen, and Shane Battier are just a few of the players he rubbed elbows with. He vividly remembers each of the players speaking to the campers about their journey to Duke.
"All of the messages were very similar, they talked about words that meant a lot to them." said Conrad about his experience. "As a young kid, I really only looked forward to receiving autographs."
Some years later and with a different perspective as a counselor, Conrad has learned to value the true meaning of their messages - respect.
"All of these players receive full rides and all the latest gear, yet they take the time to stand in front of 750 campers and teach the importance of respect. They talk about the true meaning of hard work – the early morning runs and lifts, taking summer courses, and the amount of time they put in."
The brotherhood, dedication, and commitment shared among players and coaches fuels the program. It's this camaraderie that is one of the aspects admired by Conrad. The combining of the development of basketball skills with the stories of returning Duke legends creates a powerful and lasting experience for campers, counselors, and coaches who take part in the annual session.
On a personal level, Conrad is especially thankful that his father, Terry, allowed him to participate in the camp from such a young age. With another year's camp in the books, he's already looking forward to returning to Duke next summer.
A two-year returning starter and 2015-16 captain for the Flying Dutchmen, Conrad is LVC's top 3-point threat and one of the team's top scorers, rebounders, and distributors on the team. Lebanon Valley opens the 2016-17 campaign at Division I George Mason on Nov. 15.
