Jamestown News
Posted by Chris Anderson
#INTEGRITY FIRST SPEAKS TO CLUB
Rotarian Mark Baldwin welcomed Kayla Crosby of the Jamestown Jackals, a minor league men’s basketball team based in Jamestown, NY. Kayla graduated from Jamestown Community College and St. Bonaventure University. For the past 4 years Kayla has worked at JCC as a residence director. Kayla’s true passion is to positively affect the lives of others in our community. She works full time at JCC while fulfilling the duties as General Manager of the Jackals. She is a busy girl!
As part of her presentation, Kayla explained that the Jamestown Jackals are owned by a non-profit organization called #IntegrityFirst, Inc. Kayla went on to explain that #IntegrityFirst, Inc. is a New York State charitable corporation, based out of Jamestown, New York. The non-profit's purpose is to provide educational and character building programs and opportunities for children and adults. The mission of #IntegrityFirst, Inc. is to help individuals develop their potential and achieve success academically, athletically, financially, socially, and professionally by fostering integrity, motivation, responsibility, hope, perseverance, confidence, and sportsmanship. Additionally, #IntegrityFirst exists to help break the cycle of crime, substance abuse, and poverty by promoting positive lifestyle changes for all participants through multi-disciplinary programs and partnerships.
The idea for a minor league professional men's basketball team was born in August 2014, when Kayla first heard about the Premier Basketball League - PBL. Intrigued by its mission, she wanted to become involved and ended up assisting with the Erie team. Kayla has always loved basketball and was a player at JCC. As the creative wheels started to turn, Kayla started thinking about starting a team in Jamestown and telling a few people about her idea. After much research and counsel from others, Kayla continued to move forward with her dream.
In the Fall of 2015, the Jackals had 4 different tryouts in different locations around the country. On December 27, the team brought in 15 players to training camp. This team is unique in that its players do not get paid. This is an opportunity for these young men to further their basketball careers and give back to the community. While the team does not get paid, there have been many generous sponsors who have made housing, food, and other items possible. For example, Comfort Inn sponsors rooms for the players while they are in town. The players receive housing and meals and anything else that can be given though sponsorships.
Kayla then introduced Head Coach Lee Gray, who has experience playing professionally overseas. A native of Alabama, he came to the team as a player, but unfortunately got injured in training camp and started as the head coach. Coach Lee has stepped up and has been a big leader for the team. Kayla and Coach Lee shared some photos of the team doing a lot of community outreach. Coach Lee talked proudly about the team's community outreach. Some players come from challenging backgrounds and they really enjoy the effect they can have on the community. All of these young men came to play basketball but they also came here to be involved in the community.
Currently, the Jamestown Jackals have 10 players under contract plus Coach Lee. The team has 10 games left in the season. 6 of the remaining games are played at home, at the JCC Physical Education Complex. Tickets are available! Tickets are $7 general admission; Students/Seniors $4; under age 6 is free. The team would love to have your support! Please visit the Jamestown Jackals web site to learn more. www.jamestownjackals.com.
Thank you Kayla and Coach Lee for your informative and uplifting presentation. Go Jackals!
In the photo: Rotarian Kenneth Omeruo, left, and District Assistant Governor, Sharon Hamilton, right, greet General Manager, Kayla Crosby and Head Coach, Lee Gray, of the Jamestown Jackals following a recent Rotary Club of Jamestown meeting. Crosby and Coach Lee updated the membership on the inaugural season for the local men's minor league professional basketball team.