KIDS `HOOP IT UP' WITH COPS AT MINI-BASKETBALL CAMP

By late afternoon Thursday, as the final games of the U-High tourney were ready to get under way, action in the Southeast Missouri State University's recreation center was just hitting its peak.

The Bulls faced off against the Spurs for the title. Dozens of spectators gathered round to witness the this ultimate matchup of skill and teamwork.

No, the National Basketball Association did not have a scrimmage in the rec center; the Cape Girardeau Police Department -- with the help of university basketball head coach Ron Shumate -- had its first "Hoopin' With 5-0 at SEMO '93" mini-basketball camp.

"It went great," said Cape Girardeau Police officer Roger W. Fields at the end of the day. "I think we accomplished at least part of what we set out to do."

The mini-basketball camp was designed to be an ice-breaker of sorts, between the police officers and area boys, ages 12-16.

"A lot of times you see us riding around in our cars and don't get a chance to talk to us or meet us when we are on the streets," said Trooper Larry Clark of the Missouri State Highway Patrol as he told the group why the police wanted to have the camp. "This is to let you know us a little bit better and to see that we are all people too, just like your moms and dads.

"We aren't like the cops you see on television, always jumping out of their patrol cars with guns in their hands," he continued. "A lot of us have kids your age. We want to get to know you on a personal level; we don't want you to be afraid to come and talk to one of us if you've got a problem or you need some advice."

The day started out with about 20 officers representing the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Southeast Missouri State University Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, dressed in full uniform, giving a brief introduction to the day.

After short speeches from a couple of law enforcement officers and former Indians players Otto Porter and Terry Mead, the helm was handed over to Shumate.

"My players are always looking for excuses not to succeed," said Shumate. "I've learned in my life that you have to take what opportunities are offered to you and make the most of them.

"You have an opportunity today to get to know these officers and learn a little bit about basketball," he continued. "Let's all make the most of it."

During the morning hours, Shumate divided the 46 boys into smaller groups, instructing them through a series of drills. The officers -- who shed their blues and donned sweats and shorts -- got into the act and practiced right along with the boys.

At first, the boys were wary of the officers, as well as of each other. But gradually they began calling each other by name, cheering one another on and turning their attention toward their police officer teammates.

Jamelle Austin, 12, had never really talked to a police officer before Thursday.

"I found out that (officers) are like us...they yell at each other and joke around and stuff," said Austin. "Everybody thinks the cops are bad, but they're not bad people -- they're bad basketball players."

Demarco Williams, 13, enjoyed the chance to meet Shumate and listen to his instruction.

"I learned how to dribble better; I was doing it all wrong," said Williams. "I really liked this."

Mike Harris, 15, said that if he sees an officer patrolling on the streets, he plans to make an effort to talk to him.

"I first came just for the basketball and to meet Coach Shumate," said Harris. "But I really liked playing with the cops. They're O.K."

After lunch, the boys were again divided into groups to play in a round-robin tournament. Each team was named after a professional basketball team, with a police officer to serve as head coach and chief cheerleader.

Those teams that were not playing in the tournament at the time, engaged in a free throw competition -- the winner to receive a $50 gift certificate.

By the time of the Spurs-Bulls face off, dozens of boys who had been energetic eight hours earlier, were looking drained and ragged.

Police officers who looked equally tired, stayed to watch the final game, cheering the boys on. Police Chief Howard Boyd Jr., took a place on the bleachers where he could best view the action.

Parents, who had been filtering in since tournament play began at 1 p.m., watched their young athletes take the floor.

In the end, the Bulls took the title. Winning team members took home a brand-new NCAA basketball a trophy. The rest of the boys received T-shirts to commemorate the day.

"We're going to do this again next year," said Fields. "You can bet on it."