Determination plus dedication equals success.

That’s the motto of PowerHouse Basketball, a… Determination plus dedication equals success.

That’s the motto of PowerHouse Basketball, a non-profit organization intending to provide a positive atmosphere for young student-athletes.

“It was created for the youth,” said Marsha Collins, a local basketball coach who has been coaching for 17 years. “We want to empower the youth by teaching them about responsibility and dedication.”

On Sept. 25, PowerHouse Basketball will hold College Fun Day 2004, an event that aims to help teach young student-athletes how to achieve their goals.

The organization holds camps and mini-sessions throughout the year, and this is the second year for College Fun Day.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and is being held at the West Penn Recreational Center in Polish Hill.

There will be a variety of local college basketball players who will talk to kids about what it takes to be successful. One of the main messages that will be offered Saturday is that student-athletes are students first, and athletes second.

One guest, who will be on hand Saturday, is Nathaniel Duck, athletic director of a traveling basketball clinic called D-Star Productions. Duck says that his focus has been on family. Some of his children will be in attendance Saturday, and he says that they are all excited about the opportunity to teach. Duck says his main role, however, will be to warm the kids up when they arrive at 11 a.m.

“My role is to help wake them up,” Duck said. “They’re going to do some calisthenics to warm up when they get there.”

The event should offer a unique learning experience to all area youth. There will be free refreshments, along with guest speakers, mini-workout stations and even one-on-one competitions.

For more information on College Fun Day 2004, call (412) 853-0908, or send e-mail to [email protected].