Jun 15, 2009

Hammel Honored by the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation

FOXBORO, Mass. - Merrimack College head coach Bert Hammel was honored by the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation for his dedication, success and commitment to the Academic Basketball Awareness (ABA) camp, which he founded in 1981.

Hammel was one of 200+ nominees for the "New England Patriots Community MVP Award". Hammel, who will begin his 29th year of ABA in August, was one of the 20 finalists, who were honored with a luncheon at Gillette Stadium on May 28th. Hammel was nominated for the award by Lawrence Boys Club Directors Steve Kelley and Billy Robertson.

"I am very humbled by this award," said Hammel. "This award is for the ABA camp, not me. My name may be attached to it but it is really about Billy (Robertson) and Steve (Kelly). It was nice to share this day with my wife Jill, Billy and Steve."

The New England Patriots Community MVP Award honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism.

On hand for the event were New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft and his wife, Myra. Patriot and NFL Hall of Famers, John Hannah (1973-1985) and Andre Tippett (1982-1993) were also present.

At the end of the day, the group of 20 finalists had their picture taken with Patriot quarterback Tom Brady.

Hammel will enter his 30th season as Merrimack's head coach with 428 career wins. Hammel guided Merrimack to a second straight NCAA appearance this past winter.

About the ABA camp

In 1981, coach Hammel founded the ABA camp, a program that has touched many lives throughout the Greater Lawrence Community. The camp philosophy:

Based on a curriculum that involves all phases of a youth’s life, the ABA Camp strives to develop the awareness of his or her potential as a person first, then as a student, and finally as an athlete. The ABA program tries to help each youth maximize his or her potential as a student by encouraging higher education after high school and by showing them that "Anything Can Be” if you are willing to pay the price. At ABA, each youth is encouraged to think beyond basketball, to respect differences among people, yet not compromise his or her own uniqueness: to reflect, question, and understand their direction in life. We want young men and women to see themselves as successes by knowing that they have done their best to make the most of their abilities in whatever field that they choose.


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