Fun Is the Name of the Game for Bellmore-Merrick Basketball

For kids dreaming of being the next Michael Jordan, there's good news: the Bellmore-Merrick Basketball League is now starting their fall season.

The 32 year-old, volunteer-run organization includes boys and girls, grades two through twelve. Their fall season runs from November through March, and games are held at local district schools.

Mike Kruter, owner of Lifestyles Sports in Wantagh, has been involved with the League for 15 years; the last 12 as its President.

"When I first got involved there were about 100 kids in the League," he said. "While I was president we stepped it up, got organized, made divisions; last year we had 625 kids."

"The success of the league is the clinic we started seven years ago," he added, referring to their training program for youngsters. "It's the foundation of the league."

Kruter emphasized that Bellmore-Merrick is all about fair play and being inclusive; no one spends a game riding the bench.

"We have eight four-minute periods per game," he said. "Each player plays a minimum of four periods, so everybody gets to play."

Kruter himself played basketball growing up, as did his children; you could say that basketball is in his family's blood.

"Sports are very important for kids," he said. "It's about getting along with others, being a part of a team, and having fun in a non-competitive way - winning isn't everything."

However, Kruter says one of the greatest problems facing the league is a lack of parental participation.

"We always ask for volunteers, but many parents don't want to get involved," he said. "That's the hardest part, because we need it."

Recently, Patch was contacted by an individual, wishing only to be credited as "concerned parent," who made several allegations against the Bellmore-Merrick League.

The first complaint was regarding the rising costs of joining; this year's fall fee is $190.

"This year we went up $15. Last year we did not raise the fee," Kruter responded. "On weekends, the schools we play in charge us upwards of $85 an hour. Also, referees cost $45 a game; many games need two to keep things under control."

In comparison, West Hempstead's Island Garden Basketball charges $625; Sayville's Interstate Sports Academy, $495; and Dix Hills Basketball Association, $175.

The second complaint was regarding Kruter's store being the league's sole outfitter; a possible conflict of interest.

"I give a very fair price and the best quality," he said. "I don't dictate to the League's Board; if they voted that they didn't want Lifestyles doing the uniforms, I have no say. They've gotten bids from other people, which I've always met or beat. Last year, the kids got reversible jerseys and shorts - the charge was $20 each."

Kennedy High School soccer coach Jason Elias disputed "concerned parent," recalling Kruter's charitable nature.

"He's donated equipment and apparel and been more than kind to our program," Elias said. "His son was in the program for four years, and I never found anything but kindness and fairness from the entire family."

Kruter wants parents to know that he has nothing to hide.

"The league is non-profit, we file tax returns- we do it by the book," he said. "I'll meet with anyone face-to-face if they have any issues."

Despite the hardships of running the League, Kruter remains steadfast due to his passion for the sport and its young participants.

"The main reason I still bother is because I love kids," he said. "I also love this sport - it's taught me a lot about life."