The summer sports camps that have been taking place on campus recently exist to serve a number of purposes.

The programs, which run throughout the months of June and July, are offered in a number of different sports and for different age groups. They are usually conducted by the Eastern head coaches of their respective sports, and are staffed by current Panther players.

The first purpose is obviously to offer a chance for youth, both local and statewide, to benefit from the knowledge and instruction of the Eastern coaching staffs and athletes. The main mission of these programs is to offer a chance for youth and prep athletes to improve their skills.

Secondly, the programs serve as a source of revenue for the athletic department. While it may not be much- program fees include compensation for faculty time, snacks, use of athletic facilities, medical attention, beverages, and room and board in the dorms- it does offer a small amount of income for the programs hosting the camps.

The last function of the summer camps may be the most important, both for the athletes attending and for the Eastern athletic program: the programs serve as a recruiting tool.

Some of the prep athletes attending the camps are top-tier athletes being recruited by a number of schools; some are unheard-of players simply looking to improve their game. The camps cater to both groups.

The most talented athletes receive the opportunity to work with the Eastern coaches and potential future teammates. They also get to test out the facilities the school has to offer, which could be important to them in making their decision. The players also get a taste of campus life by staying in the dorms and living on campus for a week, which could be considered a trial run at the school to see if it is the right fit.

Players that attend the camps who are not being actively recruited also could benefit greatly. For them, the camp could be considered a sort of try-out; Eastern coaches may not travel to see them play, but by coming to the camp, a player could be discovered by the coaching staff and end up on a short list of potential future Panthers.

Even if their talent is not up to the level of Division I competition, being discovered by an Eastern head coach could still have a benefit.

“We have players come to us who just love playing the game and want to have fun at camp, players who we recommend to other DII and DIII and JC programs,” head softball coach Kim Schuette said, referring to the high school softball camp.

In the end, those on both sides benefit from the camps. Eastern athletics gets to show off it’s facilities, knowledge, and opportunities for recruits, while prep players get to display their talent in hopes of being discovered. The summer camps certainly are more than what they seem.

Jeff Jurinek can be reached at 581-7943 or at densportsdesk@gmail.com.