http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.com BATTLE CREEK SHOPPER NEWS Thursday, August 15, 2024 43
BASKETBALL
Continued from Page 42
There will be 10 total home games
on the Blaze’s schedule.
Gibson explained why he’s bring-
ing an ABA team to B.C. – 11 years
after the Cereal City’s last semi-pro
basketball team, the Battle Creek
Knights, played in three leagues
between 2005-13 – thusly:
“Because for me, it’s like coming
home full circle,” said Gibson, who
most recently has been running a
basketball league in Lansing.
“I’m from here, my dad’s from
Battle Creek, I coached for Battle
Creek Public Schools some years
ago, starting in 1986, and now I’m
happy to be bringing some great and
exciting semi-pro basketball back to
the city I came from. Everyone callsme coach, and I just know that Battle
Creek is a place that will support this
team very well.”
Gibson – who noted that he’s still
looking for sponsors and partnerships
(contact the Facebook page or phone
number noted above for more infor-
mation) – said he plans on having 20
players on this team’s roster.
Gibson said that every player
signed to the franchise will receive
an insurance/compensation package
worth $15,000 – and all players will
be eligible for a paid shoe deal with
Bergamme Fashions.
Gibson also said that as of this past
Monday, at least two players with
local ties are on the team’s preseason
roster.
Those players are former Battle
Creek Central High star Richard
Mason, a 6-foot-5 forward; and for-
mer Harper Creek High standout
Khylin Watkins.
Others on the roster at this time
(prior to the upcoming tryouts),
Gibson said, include:- Jonah Robinson, 5-8 guard, Spring
Arbor. - CJ Johns, 6-2 G, Lansing CC.
- Jordan Henry, 6-2 G, Roberts
Wesleyan. - Colin Jones, 6-5 guard/forward,
Olivet. - Adam Wood, 6-8 center, Olivet.
- DJ Swift, 6-2 G, Monmouth
College.. - Don Baker, 6-5 F, Kalamazoo.
- Adrian Young, 6-7 F, Northern
Illinois. - Cody Diamond, 6-3 G, Galesburg.
- James Malik, 6-2 G, Kalamazoo.
- Adam Farrini, 6-1 G, Kalamazoo.
- Jeremiah Richards, 5-8 G,
Kalamazoo. - Marc Woodson, 6-4 F/G,
Kalamazoo. - Amarie Jones, 6-3 F/G, Lansing.
“We’re going to provide fans with
exciting, top-level basketball soon in
Battle Creek, and we’re really look-
ing forward to our upcoming tryout
date on Aug. 25 and the Community
Day on Sept. 8,” Gibson said.
“Battle Creek deserves a top-level
pro basketball team, and we’re going
to supply that for the Battle Creek
community.”
The Calhoun County Public Health
Department (CCPHD) is celebrat-
ing National Breastfeeding Month in
August.
This year’s theme, “WIC Supports
Superheroes,” focuses on “boosting
confidence in clients and their abil-
ity to breast/chest feed,” according
to CCPHD spokesperson Victor
Jovanovich.
“The CCPHD WIC program is ded-
icated to promoting the benefits of
breast milk and ensuring that fami-
lies have access to the resources they
need to be successful,” he added.
The WIC program offers a range of
services, such as:
- Personalized Lactation
Support: Access to a board-certified
lactation consultant, who provides
one-on-one assistance to address
such things as breastfeeding chal-
lenges and technique improvements.
Calhoun Health Dept.
celebrates Breastfeeding Month
- Educational
Resources: Information on breast-
feeding benefits, nutrition and practi-
cal tips for new mothers. - Peer Counselors: Connections
to breastfeeding peers and support
groups, where mothers can share
experiences and encouragement. - Comprehensive Referral
Services: Guidance on additional
health care services and community
resources.
“The breastfeeding program at
CCPHD WIC is an absolute gem,
filled with support for moms and
their young families,” said Hailey
Black, Family Public Health director.
“If feeding your baby breast milk is
something you want to accomplish,
we have a team of supportive and
highly trained nutritionists, a board-
certified lactation consultant and peer
counselors – moms who have been
there – to walk this journey with
you.”
Free breastfeeding support is avail-
able by calling or texting (269) 339-
- In related news, the CCPHD and
Milk Like Mine, along with others,
will be holding Breastfeeding in the
Park on Saturday, Aug.
The event will be held
from 10 a.m. to noon at
Mill Race Park, located
at 11 Michigan Ave. in
Battle Creek.
More information is
available at http://www.calhoun-
countymi.gov/publichealth
or by calling (269) 969-
Call Anytime for
Reminder Classifieds269-945-9554 or
1-800-870-7085100 East Columbia Ave.
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