Sons of Coach Edgar Randall Revive Basketball Camp at WCA
Early this year we mourned the loss of former WCA Athletic Director Edgar Randall, who passed away after fighting a tough battle with cancer. Coach Randall was beloved by so many at WCA both past and present, and also by the hundreds of athletes he coached through his summer basketball camp he held each year here at the WCA gymnasium. Upon hearing of Coach Randall’s death, it was surmised that his basketball camp would end as well, but by the grace of God, we are delighted to report that his two sons Brandon and Bryan will pick up the torch and lead this year’s camp.
The Edgar Randall Basketball Camp (formerly known as Flying Eagles Basketball Camp) started in the summer of 1993 with less than a handful of campers. Since then over 1,000 young people have laced up their sneakers as camp participants. Coach Randall transitioned to Heaven on January 24, 2019, but he had already prepared his eldest son, Brandon, to pick up the whistle and keep the camp running. Coach led the camp for 25 consecutive years.
Those with children who would like to register for the camp can visit the camp website at https://erbballcamp.com where they can register online. During the month of May, WCA will also be awarding free camp admission to the first ten students who enroll in the month of May.
We caught up with Brandon Randall to ask him a few questions about the camp, how it came to fruition, and what the camp will be like this year.
1. What inspired you to carry on the legacy of your father’s camp?
I feel that the basketball camp is a big part of my father’s legacy. We spoke about the camp last year, and he communicated to me that he was planning for last year to be the final year of the camp. I just felt that it was important to keep it going. He has touched so many young people and their families through his camp. Personally, basketball camp was always a highlight for my brother and I coming up, and we want kids to continue to have that same opportunity we did. We have both been involved with the camp in various capacities since it’s inception over 25 years ago. I had been a bit out of the loop for the last few years, so I shadowed him last year to ensure that I had a feel for everything. I cherish that time so much now, and it will be very special walking back into WCA this summer.
2. What did the process look like – first thinking about it to now, where you are registering kids for the camp?
I have been reviewing notes that my Dad kept for the last few months. He did a great job of recordkeeping, so I had an excellent foundation. I knew that I wanted to add a bit of technology into the mix to enhance the process, so we developed a camp website – http://www.erbballcamp.com. Campers can now register there, and so far the process is working very well.
3. What aspects of the camp will you be carrying over from the way your dad ran it? What ways might it be different?
Much of the fundamental aspects of the camp will remain the same. We will still do many of the same drills, contests, and games that have become staples at the camp.
We’ll also add a few new wrinkles in there, which my Dad actually encouraged us to do last year. We also have done a few things already to streamline the process and rebrand the camp in his honor. Our website is up and running, and folks are able to pay online through Paypal, which was never done before. We will send an invoice upon registration at the site. The camp will also now be officially called the Edgar Randall Basketball Camp. It was formerly the Flying Eagles Basketball Camp, and I received overwhelming support from the WCA family in changing the name.
4. What would you say was the biggest thing your Dad wanted to accomplish when running the camp?
He wanted kids to leave camp feeling a sense of confidence and accomplishment at the end of the week. He had a special ability to make every camper feel better about their game and about themselves. He was committed to giving them simple lessons about basketball and life that they could take with them for the rest of their lives.
5. Will you be taking the same number of registrations, or will be camp be larger or smaller in scale?
My Dad was very sensitive about the camp size to ensure that each camper got the proper amount of individual attention. That focus will not change. We are going to hold to the camp size to 50 campers per week, which was consistent with his limit. We may look to increase the size a little bit next year and beef up the staff, but I think this number will be good for this year to ensure we continue to execute at the same high level that he did.
6. Your Dad is looking down watching this unfold, as we know. What do you think he is saying or feeling about this decision and your plans? 
I thinking he is proud that we are keeping it going. I am thankful because he knew this before he transitioned. We had the opportunity to talk about this passing of the torch, so I am excited to follow through on the promise I made to him. I am honored to be able to keep such a great event going! I pray that he is pleased with the final product, and I pray that we continue to raise the bar in his honor!
7. What is the biggest thing you would want to pass on to all the prospective registrants out there?
I want all of our prospective campers to know that we plan to provide a game-changing experience at our camp. You will leave better in every aspect. You will have a ton of fun. And you will create memories that will last you the rest of your life. And you will not be just a camper. You will become family. My father stayed in touch with nearly every camper that walked through the doors of the WCA gymnasium. That’s what made him and the camp so special. We will do the same.
8. How can people who are interested in helping out contact you?
I think we’re in pretty good shape right now, and our staff is pretty much set. But people are welcome to email me at erbballcamp@gmail.com or call me at 757.784.4575 if they have any questions.
We thank Brandon Randall for some great answers to our questions and encourage all of our young ballplayers to join, it’s sure to be a fantastic training experience and a lot of fun!! Here are some more specifics on the camp:
Join us for a game-changing week (or two) of fun, games, contests, prizes, and learning.
We welcome players of all skill levels from rising 3rd grade to the rising 11th grade level.
Week 1: June 17-21, 2019 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm daily
Week 2: June 24-28, 2019 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm daily
Location: Williamsburg Christian Academy | 101 School House Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Cost: $125.00 per camper/week
Have questions? Call us at (757) 784-4575 or email us at erbballcamp@gmail.com
Sons of Coach Edgar Randall Revive Basketball Camp at WCA
Early this year we mourned the loss of former WCA Athletic Director Edgar Randall, who passed away after fighting a tough battle with cancer. Coach Randall was beloved by so many at WCA both past and present, and also by the hundreds of athletes he coached through his summer basketball camp he held each year here at the WCA gymnasium. Upon hearing of Coach Randall’s death, it was surmised that his basketball camp would end as well, but by the grace of God, we are delighted to report that his two sons Brandon and Bryan will pick up the torch and lead this year’s camp.
The Edgar Randall Basketball Camp (formerly known as Flying Eagles Basketball Camp) started in the summer of 1993 with less than a handful of campers. Since then over 1,000 young people have laced up their sneakers as camp participants. Coach Randall transitioned to Heaven on January 24, 2019, but he had already prepared his eldest son, Brandon, to pick up the whistle and keep the camp running. Coach led the camp for 25 consecutive years.
Those with children who would like to register for the camp can visit the camp website at https://erbballcamp.com where they can register online. During the month of May, WCA will also be awarding free camp admission to the first ten students who enroll in the month of May.
We caught up with Brandon Randall to ask him a few questions about the camp, how it came to fruition, and what the camp will be like this year.
1. What inspired you to carry on the legacy of your father’s camp?
I feel that the basketball camp is a big part of my father’s legacy. We spoke about the camp last year, and he communicated to me that he was planning for last year to be the final year of the camp. I just felt that it was important to keep it going. He has touched so many young people and their families through his camp. Personally, basketball camp was always a highlight for my brother and I coming up, and we want kids to continue to have that same opportunity we did. We have both been involved with the camp in various capacities since it’s inception over 25 years ago. I had been a bit out of the loop for the last few years, so I shadowed him last year to ensure that I had a feel for everything. I cherish that time so much now, and it will be very special walking back into WCA this summer.
2. What did the process look like – first thinking about it to now, where you are registering kids for the camp?
I have been reviewing notes that my Dad kept for the last few months. He did a great job of recordkeeping, so I had an excellent foundation. I knew that I wanted to add a bit of technology into the mix to enhance the process, so we developed a camp website – http://www.erbballcamp.com. Campers can now register there, and so far the process is working very well.
3. What aspects of the camp will you be carrying over from the way your dad ran it? What ways might it be different?
Much of the fundamental aspects of the camp will remain the same. We will still do many of the same drills, contests, and games that have become staples at the camp. We’ll also add a few new wrinkles in there, which my Dad actually encouraged us to do last year. We also have done a few things already to streamline the process and rebrand the camp in his honor. Our website is up and running, and folks are able to pay online through Paypal, which was never done before. We will send an invoice upon registration at the site. The camp will also now be officially called the Edgar Randall Basketball Camp. It was formerly the Flying Eagles Basketball Camp, and I received overwhelming support from the WCA family in changing the name.
4. What would you say was the biggest thing your Dad wanted to accomplish when running the camp?
He wanted kids to leave camp feeling a sense of confidence and accomplishment at the end of the week. He had a special ability to make every camper feel better about their game and about themselves. He was committed to giving them simple lessons about basketball and life that they could take with them for the rest of their lives.
5. Will you be taking the same number of registrations, or will be camp be larger or smaller in scale?
My Dad was very sensitive about the camp size to ensure that each camper got the proper amount of individual attention. That focus will not change. We are going to hold to the camp size to 50 campers per week, which was consistent with his limit. We may look to increase the size a little bit next year and beef up the staff, but I think this number will be good for this year to ensure we continue to execute at the same high level that he did.
6. Your Dad is looking down watching this unfold, as we know. What do you think he is saying or feeling about this decision and your plans?
I thinking he is proud that we are keeping it going. I am thankful because he knew this before he transitioned. We had the opportunity to talk about this passing of the torch, so I am excited to follow through on the promise I made to him. I am honored to be able to keep such a great event going! I pray that he is pleased with the final product, and I pray that we continue to raise the bar in his honor!
7. What is the biggest thing you would want to pass on to all the prospective registrants out there?
I want all of our prospective campers to know that we plan to provide a game-changing experience at our camp. You will leave better in every aspect. You will have a ton of fun. And you will create memories that will last you the rest of your life. And you will not be just a camper. You will become family. My father stayed in touch with nearly every camper that walked through the doors of the WCA gymnasium. That’s what made him and the camp so special. We will do the same.
8. How can people who are interested in helping out contact you?
I think we’re in pretty good shape right now, and our staff is pretty much set. But people are welcome to email me at erbballcamp@gmail.com or call me at 757.784.4575 if they have any questions.
We thank Brandon Randall for some great answers to our questions and encourage all of our young ballplayers to join, it’s sure to be a fantastic training experience and a lot of fun!! Here are some more specifics on the camp:
Join us for a game-changing week (or two) of fun, games, contests, prizes, and learning.
We welcome players of all skill levels from rising 3rd grade to the rising 11th grade level.
Week 1: June 17-21, 2019 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm daily
Week 2: June 24-28, 2019 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm daily
Location: Williamsburg Christian Academy | 101 School House Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Cost: $125.00 per camper/week
Have questions? Call us at (757) 784-4575 or email us at erbballcamp@gmail.com
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