As John Fiorina made his first attempt to direct a youth basketball program, he was thrown into a frenzy when his plans nearly shattered.

As one of only two full-time employees, Fiorina, director of Parks and Recreation for Murphysboro Park District, planned to have ample assistance from childrens’ parents. Unfortunately, not all could help.

Just weeks before the start of the park district’s year-round program, Fiorina was short three coaches for the 12 co-ed basketball teams, which include 100 first- through sixth-graders.

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I really wanted more volunteers to provide the kids with a better experience, Fiorina said. We typically rely on parents. There are always parents who are willing to get involved and give their time. But not all of them have that time.

Luckily, all Fiorina’s frustrations cleared as he stumbled upon an obliging group of volunteers. Solving Fiorina’s problems were members of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, an option he never considered.

Volunteering himself and his fraternity was Josh Spencer, a junior in education from West Frankfort.

I ran into Josh, and we were just making small talk, Fiorina said. I told him about my situation, and he said he knew a couple guys who would be willing to help.

Now, the fraternity assists with the program about four hours a week.

The children from mostly the Carbondale, Marion and Murphysboro area, are divided into two leagues an instructional league of first-, second- and third-graders and a competitive league of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders.

Although participation is mandatory for the fraternity, Spencer said he would jump at the chance to help anyone, especially children. However, he was a bit skeptical of his basketball skills.

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I was a little hesitant at first because I wasn’t that good in basketball in high school, he said. But I try to take some of the ideas I learned from previous coaches and relay it to them. I run with them in practice. I shoot with them in practice. And we do lay-ups, fast breaks, everything.

But, it really was about presenting myself as just being a friend or a big brother kind of thing. I get to teach them sportsmanship and get them to improve themselves not only in basketball but to improve their grades as well.

Fraternity member Mark Fellhauer, an undecided freshman from St. Louis, admits he wanted to get involved because of the fraternity’s volunteer requirement. But after devoting his time into the program he believes he will have a long-lasting influence on the children.

Hopefully I’m giving them a positive impression of a role model, he said. I really want to give them more than just teaching them about basketball. I want them to gain some leadership skills and have a good time.

Fiorina said that since the fraternity has worked with the children, they have instilled an impression of enthusiasm. College students as volunteers may be the answer to providing youth with positive motivation.

Not only does it help me with the program, but it also provides me with contacts as far as volunteer resources, he said. They have been very responsible. And they’re here all the time.

They really work with the kids well. One of the things I like is that kids really look up to college students. I think it’s because they’re (college students) young and the kids are impressed with them.

So far, working with the fraternity has been a positive experience. In the future, Fiornia is looking forward to integrating more college students into the program.

He said being around the volunteers may encourage youth to realize the importance of volunteering and become one themselves.

We got off to a rocky start, but I was really happy when I met Josh, Fiornia said. Hopefully we’ll be able to do this more with more fraternities and college students as well.

The kids learn just like if they were in a classroom. Maybe as they get older they will get out and volunteer too.