RFH coach Shempy and his summer basketball programs are back
RUMSON, N.J. — Coach Shempy’s summer basketball programs have returned after last year’s hiatus due to Covid. Chris Champeau, the legendary RFH boys varsity basketball coach known affectionately as “Coach Shempy,” has coached the team for 11 years and established a highly successful program based on community, inclusion and Bulldog pride.
“I wanted to build a program from within the town that is organically made up of kids who come up through the Rumson and Fair Haven programs,” says Coach Shempy. “I wanted to give the community something to be proud of and give local kids a feeling of belonging.”
In order to invite budding ballers into his “basketball circle of life,” Coach Shempy hosts a number of summer programs that expose the younger Dawgs to his elite level of coaching and the incredible camaraderie that comes with being part of the team.
The D League: This league will be renamed THE DOC this summer to honor longtime Rumson basketball legend Dr. Ed Gangemi, who passed away from Covid this winter. Coached by RFH varsity stars, this outdoor league is for rising 7th-10th grade boys and takes place at Victory Park on Friday nights. Seven games plus playoffs. (July 2 thru August 12)
The B League: The BELIEVE league was inspired by former RFH team manager Jack “the hammer” Velcamp and is coached by RFH JV stars for rising 3rd-6th grade boys. It takes place at Victory Park and the RFH gym on Thursdays. (July 1 thru August 21)
Tuff 100 Beast Week: This is Coach Shempy’s most elite camp where participants train on outdoor courts with Coach and the varsity Dawgs. It is for boys in 3-8th grade and limited to 20 participants. (August 16 thru 19)
Visit teamshempy.com to register. Coach Shempy is also leading basketball camps through Rumson Rec for boys and girls in grades 1st -8th (rumsonrecreation.org).
“It’s a great way for families to watch their kids play in the summer,” says Coach Shempy of the D League games on Friday nights, which attract as many as 500 fans. With local sponsors, Coach Shempy on the microphone, and a talent show featuring dancers, singers and musicians between games, these are unforgettable summer nights for both Bulldogs and their fans.
Coach Shempy and Coach Dave Callahan, the RFH girls varsity basketball coach, are launching a new basketball program at The Fort Athletic Club, a brand new 50,000 square foot high-end fitness facility located at the former Fort Monmouth (1600 Avenue of Memories, Oceanport). Memberships to The Fort are available for pre-sale and a soft opening is planned for August 1st. To discover more about The Fort and its incredibly vast fitness and athletic programs available for adults and children, visit fortathleticclub.com and follow @fortathleticclub on Instagram and Facebook.
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