UTPA baseball camp a success among collegiate prospects

It wasn’t a good season for the past coaches after nine seasons of consecutive losses. Nevertheless, Coach Mantrana, the University of Texas-Pan American baseball team head coach, hopes to turn the baseball program around with a new season and new ideas.

            Athletes from Bay City, Houston, George West and Florida made their way this past weekend to take part in UTPA’s 2009 baseball camp. The winter baseball camps aim for high school athletes wanting to pursue a career while attending a university. These camps help engage athletes into networking, bringing them to the university and showing them what UTPA has to offer.

The first camp took place December 12-13, and the second was this past weekend December 19-20, 2009. Even with great feedback from athletes and parents, beginning the camps wasn’t easy.

            “It’s very hard work. The old coaching staff wouldn’t do much, engagement speaking, so it’s like starting from ground zero.” Mantrana said.

            However, it didn’t seem that way for the athletes participating.

            “It’s a great camp, one of the best. I would definitely participate in future camps.” said Brett Epperson, a senior at George West, who plays outfield.

Epperson and his mother, Katy Epperson traveled from George West solely to attend UTPA’s winter baseball camp. Where many camps took place, Epperson decided to participate in the winter camp due to the fact that his high school coach recommended UTPA’s baseball program.

            “I chose this camp because of the baseball program. It’s awesome.” said Epperson who hopes to attend the University of Texas Pan American and play baseball.

             So what sets UTPA’s baseball camps apart from all the rest? Both the athlete and parent said they enjoyed the particular camp because the university offer hands on experience and engagement with the coaches, whereas in other camps the only engagement is with the athletes as the coach’s watch and scout.

            “Other than the other baseball camps I’ve been to, this camp is very hands on, especially with the coaches at this level and status. The athletes leave with a learning experience and wanting more,” Katty Epperson, who also mentioned camps would be a great asset for parents waiting for their children, said

            “For parents and athletes, our seminars educate both parties,” Mantrana said.  “Recruitment, academic, and eligibility, everything’s tied up together.”

            Although these camps are beneficial to the aspiring athletes, they also facilitate parents of the athletes who have questions that aren’t baseball related. Each camp holds a two day session, where the first day targets the academic, recruitment, and eligibility aspect for not only the athlete but parents as well; making full aware that skills isn’t the only factor a collegiate coach looks for in an athlete.

Besides winter camps, summer camps are held as well targeting children from ages 11-13. This year marks their second year of having camps for children and high school learners. Though, the athletes weren’t the only ones leaving with satisfaction.

“This is the greatest camp I’ve been to and I already have friends who have previously attended and will be coming back for future camps.” Katty Epperson said.

 The turnout for the winter baseball camps was more than the coach’s expected. Athletes from all around Texas, even Florida, were able to attend and comprehend the atmosphere and relationship with a UTPA coach.

“For what we’re trying to do, yes, I would say the turnout was very good,” Mantrana said.

For more information and future camps visit the website at www.utpa.edu/athletics.