By: Shayla Terry

Payton McGhee, a 2008 graduate of Luverne High School, decided long ago to give back in a major way to his community. He has put on several sporting events that promote unity. Next week, he will host his first free speed camp open to youth throughout Crenshaw County.

“A lot of people have been asking the question, ‘what is a speed camp?’” McGhee said. “It’s basically a bunch of different drills and techniques used to enhance speed and speed development.”

The speed camp will be held on Thursday, June 29. There will be a morning session from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and an evening session from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each session will hold 25 available slots. The camp is open to children ages 6 to 18.

McGhee served as a volunteer track coach for the sprint division at Luverne High School this year. The track team made a showing at the state level.

“I chose to start this because this a good season for everyone,” he said. “High school sports are about to start back up, but I want all ages to participate.”

After graduating high school, McGhee went on to attend Troy University on a track scholarship. He graduated in August of 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in business management and human services.

“I know camps can get expensive, and kids are looking for things to do for the summer,” he said. “In contrast to sports like football, baseball, and basketball, you have to have a niche for it. Yet, running is universal. I think the proper way of running is the foundation for everything. If you have that then you are only better equipped to move into your athletic career.”

McGhee hopes that the camp can be a stepping-stone to launch more track-related activities.

“I have ambitions to be a track coach in the near future,” he said. “I want to develop my own AAU team. So, the more I can equip the people here, the more I can recruit.”

Since the camp is open to everyone, McGhee says he hopes that the participants come to learn and grow.

“I hope they make friends, so that they can become more sociable, and gain the basic fundamentals of running,” he said.

The location of the camp is still to be determined. To register or for more information, contact pure1events@gmail.com. Registration is first come, first serve.