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HAGERSTOWN, MD News (10/10/2024) – On October 8, 2024, the Hagerstown Warthogs, a semi-professional basketball team, presented their plans for the upcoming season during a work session with the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council. The presentation, led by team owners James Meunier and Shawn Perry, along with head coach Eric Stubbs, highlighted the team’s community-focused mission, growth, and involvement in local youth programs.

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The Warthogs, previously known as the Hub City Hogs, have been a fixture in Hagerstown for six seasons. When the team folded in 2023, Meunier and Perry—both retired military veterans—stepped in with the goal of not only reviving the team but also using it as a vehicle for community engagement and development.

“We wanted to use this as a method of giving back to the community and providing community service,” Meunier said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to mentorship and outreach programs.

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Community Involvement and Outreach

The Warthogs are dedicated to fostering positive youth development through basketball. A significant portion of the team’s outreach efforts includes basketball clinics aimed at local children. Starting next week, the Warthogs will offer an eight-week clinic, providing professional basketball instruction to young players. Through their nonprofit foundation, the team plans to offer scholarships with the target goal of 50% of participants attending for free, targeting underprivileged youth.

The team has already established relationships with local organizations like the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club, with the goal of expanding their reach. Additionally, they are in discussions with Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to create pathways for students to continue their education while playing basketball, further enhancing the connection between sports and academic success.

New Season, New Leagues

The Warthogs will compete in two leagues this season: the V League, which runs from November through April, and the reborn Street Basketball Association (SBA), which will hold its season in the summer. The team also announced a partnership with Street Ball to Pro, which could provide players with opportunities to play internationally.

Coach Stubbs, a well-known figure in the Hagerstown basketball community, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season. “We have some excellent talent that we’re excited to show the city,” he said, referring to the strong turnout at tryouts and the impressive roster they’ve built.

Looking to the Future

Meunier and Perry have ambitious plans for the Warthogs, including potential partnerships with the newly opened Hagerstown Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility. While they currently practice at the YMCA, the owners hope to eventually call the Fieldhouse their home venue.

The Warthogs’ commitment to community service extends beyond the basketball court. They are working on establishing the Warthogs Foundation, which will focus on providing essential items like clothing and food to local children in need. The initiative, dubbed “The Rebound Club,” aims to create a supportive environment for youth, centering on basketball while addressing broader community needs.

Upcoming Events

One of the highlights of the presentation was the announcement of “America’s Next Street Ball Star,” an event scheduled for November 9-10. This doubleheader will feature open tryouts and a game led by street basketball legends, including Hagerstown native Randy “White Chocolate” Gill and and veteran Hugh “Baby Shaq” Jones. The event will showcase local talent and kick off the SBA’s return next summer.

The Warthogs’ efforts to create a family-friendly, community-centered basketball experience have already garnered attention. With a renewed focus on professional play, mentorship, and local engagement, the Warthogs are set to make a significant impact both on and off the court in Hagerstown.

For more information on the Hagerstown Warthogs and their upcoming schedule, follow their Facebook page or contact the team directly.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors

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