Sauk Rapids Storm Magicians Teaches Kids “Tricks” Of Basketball [VIDEO]
SAUK RAPIDS -- The Sauk Rapids Storm Magicians held their first practice today at the Mississippi Height Elementary School.
The Magicians opened up their fifth year with over 100 children from the area came out to learn ball-handling and shooting skills.
Magicians coach Larry Stracke says the program is a fun way for kids to learn the fundamentals of basketball.
"If you tell [kids] that we're going to work on 'skills and drills', that doesn't sound like much fun, but if you tell them you're going to work on 'basketball tricks', they love that," Stracke says.
The program is meant to increase interest in the sport as well as providing a fun way for kids to stay active in the cold weather months.
Several former Magicians, such as fourth-graders Ethan and Mason, come back as part of the REACH program (Responsible Educated Athletes Can Help).
"We usually shoot baskets and stuff, and then we do different kinds of drills - dribbling and shooting," Mason says.
"It's really fun."
Stracke says the REACH Athletes' assistance help is greatly appreciated.
"It's a neat aspect of the program," Stracke says.
"They know all the tricks that we're doing and it also provides opportunities for them to be leaders within the program."
After a number of practices, the Magicians display their skills at halftime performances at area high school and college games.
Stracke, a retired middle school principal, says getting to work with kids is what makes it worth while.
"It's kind of the hook for me - I love to stay engaged with [kids] so I really enjoy it, it's been fun," Stracke says.
The Magicians are open to boys and girls from Kindergarten through 2nd grade and goes until mid-December.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Tourney Time In Minnesota! Snow Being Forecasted For Next Week](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/03/attachment-freestocks-MG9mdMr-yq8-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Welcome All! MN’s First Bar Dedicated to Women’s Sports Opening](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2017/10/GettyImages-853989382.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Schools Adjust to New Shot Clock Rule](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-Shot-Clock.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Johnnies Top Gusties; Bennies Fall at Gustavus](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/02/attachment-SJU-Basketball-2-1-23-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Johnnies, Bennies Fall at Concordia-Moorhead](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2022/11/attachment-Johnnie-basketball-2022-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Donkey Basketball Taking Over Holdingford High School on Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2022/11/attachment-Untitled-design-2022-11-15T055604.558.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MN Timberwolves Star Called Out for Faking His Wordle Score](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2022/02/attachment-KAT-Wordle.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![SJU Rugby Knocked out in Semis, Gopher VB Advances to Elite Eight](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/12/attachment-110421_OSUvMinn-0532.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![“Teddy Bear Toss” Planned for SCSU Basketball Game on December 11th](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2021/12/attachment-__-drz-__-XGoqsrXWmgw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)