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For this month’s Camp Spotlight we are again highlighting our Summer Camp program.  We hear from Coach Ryan Kittleson.  Coach Ryan has been working with our youth camps for over seven years and has been involved with basketball throughout his entire life.

Tell us a little about yourself- playing and coaching experience, international travels, etc.

As a player, I was a high school state champion at Billings West High School before playing in college.  I then attended Dickinson State University where I was a team captain and starting point guard.  After playing, I took the assistant coaching job at Dickinson State where I was in charge of player development and skill training.  I also began to run camps and clinics across the midwestern states before moving to Central Florida to work with the National Basketball Academy.  I’ve now coached in over ten countries and worked with countless professional players across the globe.  I take pride in running some of the best camps and programs right here in Central Florida.

Aside from basketball, did you participate in any other youth sports programs growing up?

When I was younger I used to participate in all kinds of sports programs including football, baseball, and track & field.

What does a standard Orlando Magic camp look like?  Can you walk us through the week?

A standard Orlando Magic Camp is a way for all players to improve while also having a lot of fun.  We work on skill development stations for all players as well as have live game play each day.  There will be competitions and contests each day for campers to win prizes and giveaway items.  One great thing about Orlando Magic camp is you never know which guests will show up to share basketball knowledge and teach in’s and out’s of the game.  Included in camp, each camper will also receive an evaluation from the coaching staff on some of the strengths or weaknesses so they know where they stand, and what areas of the game they can continue working on.  Lastly, campers will get an official Orlando Magic basketball, T-shirt, and a ticket to watch an Orlando Magic home game for the upcoming season!

Approximately how many participants have you instructed during your time overseeing Orlando Magic camps?

During my seven years with the Orlando Magic Camps I have instructed over 10,000 players and counting.

What is an underrated skill or drill that you like to see from your campers?

Two of the most underrated skills that I always try to teach are jump stops and ball fakes.  Both are basic fundamental skills but if used correctly they can really give you an advantage.

Any advice for a child that is interested in playing the game of basketball?

Approach the game with a positive attitude and give great effort.  When you do that you will always be able to have fun playing the game.

What is your favorite aspect about our camp program?

For me, the favorite part of our camp program is watching the progression each camper shows over the course of the week.  It doesn’t matter where the campers skill level is on day one, it is always elevated by the end of the week.  In addition, campers are able to meet new teammates and interact with one another to form friendships that go beyond just basketball.

Why should a potential participant choose our camp over any other camp in town?

Our camp program really is unique as it continues to evolve and change the lives of our campers.  Our professional staff is fortunate to teach a great game of basketball, but we instill values of hard work, discipline, communication, and teamwork to name a few.  All of which all are equally important off the court as they are on.

Do you have a favorite Magic player and/or Magic memory?

My favorite player would be Terrence Ross and I loved seeing the Magic win game 1 in Toronto in the 2019 playoffs!

Obviously you have a very busy summer with our camp program.  Do you have any travel plans after the program wraps up?

I will be keeping busy traveling to Atlanta and Las Vegas to coach our 11th grade travel team.  In October, I’ll also be headed back to Europe to do some more coaching internationally.

Lastly, tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I grew up in Montana, lived there for 23 years but I actually dislike snow and cold weather.

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Camp Spotlight - Ryan Kittleson

Each month we will feature a different Jr. Magic partner so you can learn about the leagues in our community.  This month we talk with Mitch Devore. Mitch is the Sports Director at the Lakeland Family branch of YMCA of West Central Florida.  This Jr. Magic partner has recently had the opportunity to attend both Orlando and Lakeland Magic games!

When did you begin working with the YMCA of West Central Florida?

I first began working with this Y back in 2010 as a sports assistant and gymnastics counselor. In 2012, I left to study sports management at FSU and returned in 2015 for a summer to manage our sports and gymnastics camps. Finally, in January of 2018 I was hired on as the Sports Director.

Did you have a role in youth sports before beginning this career?

I have been involved in youth programming for as long as I can remember. From summer camps and church programs, to even working in elementary school fundraising for a number of years. However, any time I have been involved with youth sports it has always been with the YMCA.

What sports did you enjoy most as a child?

Growing up I competed in soccer, swim, dive, and pole vault. For two seasons, I tried my hand at basketball but quickly learned it wasn’t going to be a sport I excelled in.

What is the best part of your role at the YMCA?

I love getting to see our athletes develop over time. Of course in their athletic ability, but even more so in their character as the continue to play season after season and learn the real values that sport can teach.

Do you have a favorite memory from working in youth sports?

In my summer as camp manager I had one sports camper who was increasingly difficult week after week. Instead of writing him up over and over and getting him kicked out, I made him “assistant to the manger.” He loved that role and was on his best behavior so he could keep his role and help me with whatever tasks I was working on.

Our Jr. Magic leagues run in winter, spring, and in the fall.

How many participants do you average throughout the year?

We run up to 900 participants in our Jr. Magic program each year.

Some of your participants recently attended a Lakeland Magic playoff game.  How was their experience?

It was great! It was awesome to take a win at the conference semifinals at home.

Who is your favorite Orlando Magic player of all time and why?

My favorite player of all time would have to be Tracy McGrady. He was an incredible player and grew up right here in central Florida.

With it being April, Easter is just around the corner.  What’s your favorite holiday?

Lately I have really begun to enjoy Thanksgiving. I love that it doesn’t have quite the same hype as other holidays and is more about the people you are spending time with.

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Jr. Magic Spotlight - Mitch Devore

Since 2008, Car Wash Palace has proudly served Winter Springs, Waterford Lakes, Orlando and Kissimmee. The team at Car Wash Palace makes a concerted effort to be deeply rooted in the community through working with local residents, schools and businesses in these aforementioned areas.

Car Wash Palace offers a wide range of services, including express washes, full service washes, details (depending on the location) and an unlimited wash club. The unlimited wash club utilizes RFD stickers, placed on the vehicle, which provides access at all Car Wash Palace locations.

Why we utilize our partnership with Magic:

Car Wash Palace's partnership with the Magic has provided a unique opportunity to engage with fans and potential customers throughout the community. The Magic and Car Wash Palace recently teamed up on a co-branded "STUFF" car freshener that was distributed to fans as they left the arena. This giveaway was the perfect fit for an endemic partner and generated overall awareness to the Car Wash Palace brand. This partnership with the Magic has also allowed Car Wash Palace to interact with and establish relationships with fellow Orlando Magic sponsors.

Visit our website at: thecarwashpalace.com

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Meet the Partner - Car Wash Palace

Each month we will feature a different Jr. Magic partner so you can learn about the leagues in our community.  This month we talk with Krista Batten. Krista is the Association Sports Director with Volusia Flagler YMCA.  VFYMCA became a Jr. Magic partner this past fall and recently attended a Magic home game.

How long have you worked at VFYMCA and have you always had a role in youth basketball?

I have worked for VFYMCA since 2008. I started as an intern in youth sports and have worked in various roles since, all of those roles involved youth sports.  In short, I have had a role in youth basketball for over 10 years.

Growing up, were you involved in any youth sports?

Growing up I was involved in youth sports, specifically travel softball. I started at age 10 and never looked back. Those are some of the fondest memories I have growing up. The friends you gain while playing youth sports are lifelong.

Did you participate in any youth sports growing up?

Yes, I played basketball primarily but also baseball, football and swimming

When are the VFYMCA Jr. Magic leagues offered throughout the year?

We offer VFYMCA Jr. Magic leagues twice a year, in the summer and winter.

These leagues are hosted at each of our 5 family centers and this summer we are adding basketball to another location.

How many kids collectively participate in your Jr. Magic leagues each year?

This is our first year back with Jr. Magic and this winter alone we offered the program to 675 kids. This summer we anticipate another 900 kids that will benefit from this partnership.

What is your favorite memory from working with VFYMCA?

The first season we started offering our youth volleyball program and after that first season we had 16 kids make their high school teams. This year we had one of our youth basketball players (Marlon Bradley) who started at the age of 8 with the Y receive several offers for a full ride basketball scholarship. I have accumulated some amazing memories over the years and that’s why this job is so amazing. You get to help bring out the best in these kids and see the passion they have for their sport.

Do you have a favorite Magic related memory or favorite past/current player?

My favorite player of all time of course was Shaq

Kids from your Jr. Magic league recently attended a Magic game.  What did they think of their time at the game?

The kids loved the experience and the chance to go to a Magic game.

After the game they were able to cut down the basketball net and take home as a keepsake.  How did they enjoy this experience?

Cutting down the net was the highlight of their night.

Speaking of cutting down the nets, this month is March Madness.  Which team do you think will win it all?

I am rooting for Wisconsin to take home the win

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Jr. Magic Spotlight - Krista Batten

Each month we will feature a different Jr. Magic partner so you can learn about the leagues in our community.  This month we talk with Chris Demetriou. Chris works for the Central Florida YMCA and oversees two branches, Roper YMCA Family Center and South Lake County YMCA Family Center.  Chris is also a key liaison for our Jr. Magic partnership.   

When did you join the YMCA of Central Florida team? 

What area(s) do you currently oversee at CFYMCA?

I am the Executive Director of the Roper YMCA Family Center and the South Lake County YMCA Family Center. I also help lead our sports programming and initiatives across our association.

Yes, I played basketball, soccer and baseball.

How many YMCA of Central Florida locations currently offer Jr. Magic leagues and when are these leagues offered?

We have 18 locations throughout Central Florida and leagues are offered throughout the entire year.

Roughly how many kids participate in the program each year?

For the three seasons mentioned, we have roughly 4,800 children participating yearly.

Last year we had more than 8,000 participants!

What do you enjoy most about working with CFYMCA and specifically the Jr. Magic program?

I enjoy seeing our youth thrive and grow in the program. Utilizing the fundamentals of basketball, our participants learn sportsmanship and teamwork. The collaboration between the YMCA of Central Florida and the Jr. Magic has been instrumental in our efforts to continue to impact the community through youth development.

Who is your favorite Magic basketball player of all time?

Do you have a favorite Magic related memory?

The year the Magic made it to the finals against the Houston Rockets. That team was fun to watch!

My goal for 2019 is to stay in the moment. My wife and I welcomed our first child in June, and I feel like he has grown so much in the past seven months. I am doing my best to soak it all in.

Lastly, tell us a fun fact about yourself or about CFYMCA.

I have been a part of the YMCA family for the last decade, starting my career as a Sports Director in the Philadelphia area. I love the impact we are able to make in our communities, and my family and I could not be happier to be in Central Florida!

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Jr. Magic Spotlight - Chris Demetriou

Each month we will feature a different Jr. Magic partner so you can learn about the leagues in our community.  This month we talk with Clay Baker. Clay is the Activities Director with Orange County Parks and Recreation, one of our largest Jr. Magic partners.  In addition to this, Clay is originally from Central Florida and is a longtime Magic fan.   

How long have you been with Orange County Parks and Recreation? 

I have been with Orange County Parks and Recreation for 24 years and in my current position of Activities Director for 19.

Growing up I played Pop Warner football, little league baseball and basketball here locally in Orlando.

When and how did OCPR first become a Jr. Magic partner?

Orange County Parks and Recreation initially started participating in the Jr. Magic program approximately 18 years ago. At that time, we managed a community center in Apopka and that was our first site to partner with the program.

How many OCPR sites currently offer Jr. Magic leagues and when are these leagues offered?

We currently offer the Jr. Magic program at six different gyms throughout the county. Five of those gyms are the Orlando Magic/Orange County Recreation Centers built by the Orlando Magic. They are South Econ Recreation Center, Silver Star Recreation Center, Meadow Woods Recreation Center, West Orange Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center. Our other gym was built by Orange County and is located at Barnett Park. We currently offer a Fall League at all six gyms from September thru November, a Winter/Spring league from January thru March and one Summer league at the Orlando Magic/Orange County West Orange Recreation Center from June thru July.

What is your favorite memory during your time overseeing the Jr. Magic program at OCPR?

My favorite memory would probably have to be the morning we broke ground on the first Orlando Magic/Orange County Recreation Center at South Econ. For many years we rented various facilities to run our program and it was always our hope to one day have our own in order to expand our Jr. Magic program. That morning our dream was coming true and it eventually expanded to five more gyms, which now helps us offer youth basketball to nearly 5,000 children yearly.

That’s a tough one. My family were original Magic season ticket holders back when the franchise started, and we have had a lot of great players through the years. It is really hard to pick but I would have to say I enjoyed all of those players on the original team. Sam Vincent, Reggie Theus, Terry “Pump Fake” Catledge, Jerry “Ice” Reynolds, Nick Anderson, JT, Scott Skiles and Otis. Being an Orlando native, it was so cool to have our own team back then. The whole city loved them, it was a great time.

I have several actually. The first would be seeing Scott Skiles set the all-time single game assist record in person, second would be when Greg Kite took Rony Seikaly over the table at the end of the court versus the Heat (the O-rena was going nuts) and last would probably have to be when we defeated LeBron to make it to the NBA Finals. There are many more, but those stand out for sure.

What do you enjoy most about the holiday season?

Things I enjoy most about the holiday season are putting up lights and decorating plus spending time with family and friends.

I apparently set my high school’s record for free throw percentage or makes in a game. I was more of a defensive specialist back then and in one game I went 17 for 19 from the line, scored 28 points but we still lost.

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Jr. Magic Spotlight - Clay Baker

A graduate of the University of Vermont, Bob holds a bachelor's degree in political science. He lives in Winter Park with his wife and three daughters. Mr. Owens serves on a number of prestigious boards including University of Vermont Foundation's Leadership Council, Florida Hospitals' Foundation Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of Give Kids The World, and as a board member for New Image Youth Center. Also since 2002, he has awarded the Owens Scholarship for Scholastic Achievement to an Orlando student who exemplifies academic excellence and community service.

Owens provides management and operations for facilities with high visibility in the community such as stadiums and arenas, public and private schools, as well as government buildings. Owens Realty Services saves our clients on average 10-20% in facility operating expenses while improving management operations. Additionally, Owens provides janitorial services to some of the biggest venues in Central Florida, including the Amway Center.

Why they utilize their partnership with Magic:

The Owens Realty Services team is honored to align with a corporation dedicated to shared values both on and off the court. Our partnership with the Orlando Magic has allowed us to better serve our clients and the Central Florida Community. We have established a professional and responsive team with the experience, passion and creativity to deliver the industry's best service, as well as extend our mission to the surrounding area.

Although our long-standing partnership with the Orlando Magic has resulted in many memories and opportunities, the Owens Team was particularly humbled to join forces with NBA Green Week to become a more environmentally responsible organization. Our efforts have reduced toxic pollution, conserved resources and increased the overall health and wellbeing throughout all our facilities.

For business inquiries, please contact Bob Owens at bowens@owens-services.com

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Meet the Partner - Owens Realty

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We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.