New boys’ basketball team formed
The Warsaw Warriors boys’ basketball teams started having open gyms practices about a month ago. (Submitted)
Kyle Dunfee is the pastor at New Beginnings Ministries and for the last nine years has been the coach for the boys’ basketball team at the Coshocton Christian School. He and his wife, Lisa, are taking on another vision – one he feels the Lord placed on his heart. The Warsaw Warriors boys’ basketball teams started having open gyms practices about a month ago.
“We are in Warsaw because that’s where our home base is. Warriors is because we want to help young men grow in their faith and become warriors for God,” Kyle said. There are two teams – junior high, grades five to eight and varsity, grades nine to 12. It is a traveling team and will compete in the ICSO (Independent Christian Sports of Ohio) league. There are 20 teams in Ohio and divided east/west. We are in the east.”
Kyle said all of the team’s home games will be played at Kids America and he’s very thankful to them for giving the team a place to play. “We’ll play 20 regular season games, then compete for the state championship.”
“This is just our first year, so we are really looking for more players. The season will run November through February. We don’t have a girls’ team, yet, but if any girl is interested, please message me through the Warsaw Warriors Facebook page. If we have enough girls that want to play, we’ll start looking for a coach.” Everyone is welcome to play, and Kyle would like to encourage anyone who loves basketball to contact him and play on the team.
“I think lots of young men want to play ball in a God-friendly environment,” he said. “I think parents want this, too. We want to open doors for kids to play ball, have fun and be with others in their faith.”
Open gym is on Monday evenings, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Warsaw Camp Retreat. However, Kyle would like everyone to check their Facebook page before coming to be sure nothing has changed. “I update the Facebook page with all new information – that’s the best way to learn about what’s going on.”
Kyle said playing in a Christian league is different from high school ball. “It’s a simple fact that our players, coaches and families are there to support each other. Uplift each other. We want our players to relax, have fun. Everyone is there to encourage others. I tell my players we may not be the biggest or the fastest, but we have each other’s backs. The kids feel loved and appreciated. And they can enjoy the game of basketball with others like them.”
The team is looking for businesses and individuals who would like to sponsor the team to help with the financial needs. They will also be doing fundraisers, including a golf outing on Sept. 3 at Hickory Flats Golf Course.
The Warsaw Warriors promotes God, family and basketball. All are welcome. “Our players become like a family,” Kyle said.
