People look at the Westside with scorn. It’s a rundown community, they say. There’s crime and poor people, they say. There’s no culture, no commitment, no future. They say plenty of things like that.
They do not live on the Westside.
There are many people here on the Westside, some in the poorest pockets around, which are dedicating their lives to bringing back a high standard of life to the community. One of the beacons on the Hilltop is the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center. A staff dedicated to bringing high standards and character to the minds and hearts of children work every day for the goal of community excellence.
On July 17 the youth center hosted its first annual Mike Redd basketball clinic. Dozens of children showed up to learn from rising NBA star Michael Redd. Redd graduated from West High school and played for Ohio State before playing professional basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The fact that the Westside has produced a man such a Mike Redd should be enough to stifle the verbal degradation afforded to this side of town. Of course, Redd had a good source of inspiration from his family.
Wes Redd, Michael’s father, was the first High School All American to come out of West High. He was labeled such in 1974. The next High School All American from West was his son in 1997. So there were genetics and intimate culturing that helped. But Mike Redd has shown himself to be a man of character that the youth in this area can look up to with admiration. Adults should show him respect for his dedication to working hard at a dream.
Redd is polite and youthful. He seems gracious for his blessings. He seems so gracious as to not credit himself for the hard work that it’s taken him to get where he is.
The success of this first clinic, said Redd, was phenomenal. “This is what I envisioned—to give back to the community.”
Redd reflected on his days growing up. “I didn’t have anything in the neighborhood to go to.” That was until he started going to the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center at its old building.
Redd said, “It’s definitely helped me out.” He said the new facility is great. It ought to be, with it’s hardwood floor on a regulation NBA-size court.
Redd lauded one of his mentors, Keith Neal. “He’s done a wonderful job running the basketball program.” He also said Jaymes Saunders has done a wonderful job.
Never do you hear him talk about his own efforts and accomplishments. It’s always to others that Redd points the finger of praise.
To get some of the perspective on Mike Redd’s accomplishments, you have to talk to others, like his father. Wes Redd said, “I’m proud of him. I’m just elated. He’s worked hard for this.”
Wes said his son was practicing basketball at 2 years old. Last summer Mike Redd spent countless hours in the West High School gymnasium practicing his three-point shot so that he could excel his professional game. Work, work, work.
It’s not all about basketball. It’s an entire ethic. Mike Redd said he wants to teach kids about basketball and life, to provide a positive influence on living.
Clark Kellogg was present for the clinic. He explained to the kids the importance of education. Kellogg, a former OSU player and later pro player for the Indiana Pacers, had to rely on education for employment after a knee injury had ended his career prematurely.
Neal said that Kellogg’s remark was the most memorable moment of his day at the clinic.
While the kids were ecstatic to get to see the tall NBA stars, and their minds may not have picked up everything, the whole intent was to get the kids to see that hard work can pay off. The influence of these sports heroes will hopefully help the kids, said Neal.
Wes Redd said, “I wish I could have rubbed some shoulders with professional players when I was a kid.” Even Sacramento Kings player Lawrence Funderburke was on hand to sign autographs and give the kids here on the Hilltop something to cheer about.
Mike Redd said that the clinic will be back next year, along with a basketball camp. And more kids, likely.
So who says there’s nothing unique and valuable coming from the Westside? You certainly won’t hear that from the Redd family or anyone who works at the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center. And hopefully you’ll not hear that from any of the kids who attended this first clinic.
Perhaps some of these kids will see the ethics involved in success, and some of them sill start saying, “I wanna be like Mike.”
Wes Redd said that he’s tremendously proud of the ethics his son shows. He said, “Not only me as a parent, but the whole Westside should be proud.”
Mike Redd points out an open spot to a student.
Wes Redd, Mike Redd and Keith Neal.
Keith Neal shows this youngster what defense is.
Youngsters running a drill.
Mike Redd watches a shot go to the basket.
This youngster hopes to get a little taller in years ahead.