This year represented the third year, that eleven year old, Trajan Seay went to the Michael Jordan Flight School Basketball Camp, and it also represented the third consecutive year that he comes back home a “Jordan All-Star.” As a matter of fact, that’s not all he has came back with, in three years, Trajan has came back with a total of seven awards, the most of any camper during that span. Each year a maximum of 800 campers embark on a 5 day, 12 hour a day, Camp Session, conducted at The University of California, Santa Barbara. All applicants must be between the ages of 8 to 18 years old.
Trajan’s awards have been a Knock-Out Competition Winner, his first year (2005); two Team Competition Championships (2006-2007); three Jordan All-Star Selections (2005, 2006, and 2007); along with winning this year Best Defensive Player Award.
Although, Seay’s ultimate goal was to be the MVP of the camp, and although he has not obtained that accomplishment, as of yet; he is learning some very important lessons off the court. Last year, he had a tremendous camp, and the MVP was awarded to Alonzo Mourning’s son, Alonzo Mourning, III. Many of the parents thought it was unfair and wrong that Trajan did not receive the award. Well, it happened again this year, to Trajan’s credit, although disappointed, he understood, as a matter of fact, just like last year some of the camp counselors came up to him and his parents and informed them why. “Seay is a great player, we only give out 7 awards, and he is taking home the major awards (Knockout Competition; Free-throw Competition; and Camper of the week are the not so major awards). This year, he won the Team Championship, All-Star and Best Defensive Player, that’s three of the main ones, only thing that is left is MVP, with 800 campers, and approximately 100 plus at his age group alone, although it appears to be unfair, many parents complain when one person receives all the awards,” says one of the camp counselors.
Santa Barbara, about an hour and a half from Los Angeles, is still near enough to attract that Hollywood atmosphere during the weeks of the Michael Jordan Camp. Trajan’s outstanding play last week drew the attention of and praise of celebrities such as Wood Harris (Avon Barksdale, HBO, “The Wire); Romeo Miller (Lil’ Romeo); Alvin Joiner (Xzibit, MTV, “Pimp My Ride”); and Kyle Massey (Corey Baxter, The Disney Channel, “That's So Raven”).
True Testimonials
The Oakland Press
August 14, 2007
Seay Shines at Jordan Camp
A year ago, nine year old traveled west to Santa Barbara, California to attend the 10th Anniversary of the Michael Jordan Camp. He didn’t know how or why but he had been receiving invitations to football and basketball camps across the country. When making this trip a year ago, the only thing on this kids’ mind was to participate and have fun in an experience that to his knowledge only his friend Juwan Moody had had the opportunity to enjoy, from this area.
A year later, Trajan Seay has attained two All-Star trophies; two team MVP honors; two league MVP Runner-Up honors; the 2005 Knock-Out Competition Championship, the 2006 Team Championship, each year bringing back to his home, Pontiac; more hardware than any other camper attending except that of Romeo Miller (Lil’ Romeo) both bringing home the same amount of awards the last two years.
Last year he met and established relationships with Malik Harriston (Detroit Renaissance High), who attends the University of Oregon; Joe Crawford, (Detroit Renaissance High), who attends the University of Kentucky and Shannon Brown (formerly of MSU) recently drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He and Shannon Brown were actually email buddies throughout the past year. This year he spent time with a new buddy Glen “Big Baby” Davis who attends Louisiana State University.
Sure it’s a basketball camp, but it’s not like any other, its Hollywood at the child level. In one end of the gym you can see Brian McKnight, Macy Gray and Gary Payton watching their kids; in another you will see Reggie Theus, while Raven Simone attends and supports her co-star buddy Kyle Massey.
Over 800 kids attend each of two sessions, coming from all over the country, with as many as 10 coming from as far as Japan.
It doesn’t stop there though, along with our local Tra are two other Trey’s; one is Willard “Trey” Smith, the son of Will Smith and the other is Alonzo “Trey” Mourning who Trajan dueled it out with in the Semi-Final and Final game in route to winning the team Championship.
Trey Mourning and Trajan Seay actually began the camp (August 1, 2006) on the same team that being Louisiana State University, yet it was clear after the first day that some modifications needed to happen. Trey Mourning is 9 years old; 5’3” 145 lbs, clearly on his way to being a very big boy in terms of size. He was the center, and Trajan, age 10, 4’ 8” 81 lbs was the point-guard. The two made a very dominant combination, much like that of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal. As the first day of games ended (first day games don’t count) the two teamed with their support group to beat three other teams by a combined 80 points. The following day, another team, Vanderbilt requested a trade to balance the teams, and the request was a trade for Trajan.
The first game (August 2, 2006) with his new team Trajan led the team in points, steals, assist and rebounds; however they lost in triple overtime. As the week went along, because of that triple overtime loss, Trajan’s team found themselves in a must win situation for the remainder of the tournament.
On Friday, August 4, 2006, Trajan knew going in that the results of the day, would determine who would play in the championship. Vanderbilt, his team and two others tied with one loss; while LSU, Trey Mourning’s team remained undefeated. The first game Vanderbilt beat one team whom had one loss; and LSU beat the other. As the teams went to dinner, members of the Mourning team taunted Trajan and his team, asking one simple question, “Who gonna stop Trey?” to which a confident Seay responded, “That’s the question that you must answer”, meaning that they must find and answer for him.
After dinner, as could only be depicted in a Don King Promotion, not only did they have the final game of the evening, it took place on center stage at the University of California-Santa Barbara. Who would check Trey Mourning? Who would check Trajan Seay? The two most elite players were on center stage but no one seemed to have the answer to these questions, well except them. They would simply check each other. The first quarter ended 12-12 with both having six points, but that is pretty much where the great dueled ended. Seay on the defensive end noticed that Mourning was predominately a right hand dribbler and negated Mourning’s ability to penetrate, thus resulting in him having to give the ball to someone else. On the offensive end, Seay realized that he was a faster than Mourning, therefore he implemented an attack approach that found Mourning confused trying to defend the smaller Trajan at the top of the key and in the open court, resulting in very easy lay-up baskets for Seay. By the time the time had elapsed, Trajan’s Vanderbilt team had defeated Trey’s LSU team by 6, but to all who had witnessed it, including Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat (Trey’s Dad), Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley, there was very little doubt that the championship game of the next day, would be much like the game they had just saw.
The final game was at best, a coming out party for Trajan Seay, as he dazzled the crowd with cross-overs, pump fakes, no look passes, and ball hawking defense, in route to a blow out win in the championship game which featured a three minute onslaught where he hit 12 consecutive points.
In talking with Trajan, none of the aforementioned seems to matter, it’s the lessons outside of the camp that seem to get his attention.
•Michael Jordan now retired makes money from Hanes, Gatorade, Nike, Upper Deck. “Some kids want to be professional athletes, but a good reputation allows the athlete to explore other (career opportunities) areas as well. Basketball (or any sport) can be used to get an education, and a career outside of basketball (or any other sport). Everybody won’t go pro and each year less than 40 new slots are created for (professional basket) ballplayers. ”
•Sometimes giving your best effort is not enough, but that if you give your best, then there is no real disappointment. “I outplayed Trey, but my Dad told me to leave it all on the court. I did and he is the MVP and I am a Champion.”
•No matter where you are, you never really know who is watching you, and almost always there is someone watching, you may not always know who. “A lot of people told my parents that I performed well, my parents didn’t even know them. Some people I didn’t know came up and told me that too.”
•The most important two words that a young person can know is “Thank You!,” George Raveling, Camp Coordinator. “I have a lot to be thankful for, I agree."
The Citizen's Post Recorder
August 21 - September 2, 2006
Dos for Tra
The Oakland Press
November 2, 2007
JV Panthers survive last minute scare to advance to NYFL Semis
An 85 yard scamper by Joshua Flye, and a 7 yard dash by DaShawn London, gave the JV Panthers a 12-0 lead going into half time; the game pretty much stayed that way until a late touchdown with 4:56 left in the game by the Birmingham Patriots and an extra point brought the score to 12-7, two turnovers by the Panthers in the closing minutes of the game, made it interesting until a 4th down pass attempt was deflected by Panther Safety, Trajan Seay in to Panther Cornerback Jawan Nelson's hands with 29 seconds left. The Panthers then took a knee to close out the game. Both the Freshman Panthers (8-0) and JV Panthers (7-1) will go to the Semi-final games of the NYFL tourney to be played respectively at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm at Birmingham Seaholm.
The Varsity team who had a day off will play in its leagues Semi-Final round in a game in Brandon.
December 28, 2007
Dear Parents of Trajan Seay:
Trajan is invited to become a member of People to People Sports Ambassador Programs delegation to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. As a member of the delegation, Trajan will have the opportunity to improve as an athlete, join the Sports Leadership Academy, and gain a better understanding of the world.
By participating, he can foster the world peace envisioned by our organization...
Sincerely
People to People in partnership with Adidas
People to People / Adidas
December 28, 2007
Invitation to be a Sports Ambassador to
Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
January 15, 2008
Congratulations Trajan, you are formally
invited to participate in the 2008 Buckeye
Prep Report Elite Showcase, which is
currently scheduled for March 1, 2008,
at Westerville High School in Westerville,
Ohio (Columbus suburb). Because of your
reputation as a talented basketball player,
and / or your performance at other elite camps
or events, you have been invited to showcase your skills along
with other top players from across the region.
The Buckeye Prep Report will be hosting this "Invitation Only" one day showcase for current 6th, 7th and 8th Graders...As an elite player you will go head-to-head with other select players from around the Midwest and beyond.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Taylor, Sr.
Showcase Director and Publisher
January 16, 2008
Dear Invited Athlete and Parent,
Congratulations! You have qualified to attend the Ohio Quarterback University Camp on May 30-June 1. Trajan is invited to participate in a unique football mini-camp in that it is not for most athletes, just the top 200 football players in each region (100 top high school and 100 top youth football players) per region. These athletes are instructed by former NFL coaches and NFL greats who are top instructors at their position. They instruct athletes for the entire 3 day mini-camp weekend. Again, thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you in Ohio and your training with Football University.
Sincerely,
Tim Silo
Air 7 FBU, Director of Admissions
Buckeye Prep Report Magazine
January 15, 2008
Invitation to Play in the Elite Showcase
Air 7 FBU
January 16, 2008
Invitation to Participate in the Elite Mini-Camp
I would like to invite you to my LeBron James King’s Academy. King’s Academy will be held at the University of Akron June 21th – 25th. Although my career is relatively new, basketball has been a vital tool for me in opening many doors to fantastic personal opportunities. It is my sincere desire to give something back to the game. My King’s Academy is just one of the events I use to do this. At the Academy, we will be concentrating on increasing your basketball skills and knowledge of the game. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop personal relationships with others who love the game as both you and I do. You will participate in basketball drills, fun contests and daily 5-on-5 games, all under the watchful eyes of our expert coaching staff. The emphasis will be on learning and having fun. I will directly be involved on a daily basis and intend to make this a memorable experience for everyone. I look forward to hanging out with you.
Sincerely yours,
LeBron James
LeBron James King's Academy
January 19, 2008
Invitation to Participate in the Camp
Jr. All-American Camp
February 1, 2008
Invitation to Participate in the Camp
February 1, 2008
Dear Parent:
Trajan is invited to participate in The Jr All-American Camp, which is the premier basketball exposure venue for the nation’s best young ballers!
The TOP 300 rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade BOYS and TOP 300 rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade GIRLS (100 in each grade) will compete in Chantilly, VA, just outside of Washington, DC, our nation’s capital!!
The Jr All-American Camp is invitation-only. If others you know would like to be considered for selection to the national camp they MUST first attend a regional camp in your area. If they have game and our regional camp coaching staff feels that they were one of the better players there, then they too can earn an invitation to the prestigious national camp June12-15, 2008. So now what? GO now to our Regional Camps page, find the next camp near you, then sign up! And we'll see you in June among the next All-Americans!!!
Sincerely,
Clay Dade
President, Jr. All-American Camp
Adidas Phenom 150 Camp
February 23, 2008
Invitation to Participate in the Camp
February 23, 2008
Attention Parent,
Your son was selected by the Michigan adidas Regional Camp to receive an invitation to the adidas Phenom 150 Camp.
The Phenom 150 Camp is a prestigious “invitation only” national exposure camp. The 2008 camp will attract the country’s “Top 150” players from the class of 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Sincerely,
Lima Pereira
Regional Director
MI Adidas Phenom Camps
What began some four years ago as a vacation for his family, and an opportunity for Trajan Seay, now is an annual showcase of his talents at the Michael Jordan Flight School Basketball Camp, at the University of California-Santa Barbara.
For the fourth consecutive year, Seay has been one of the leaders in being a recipient of awards. In a camp that hands out only 7 categories of awards, per each age group; Trajan has brought home a minimum of two each year. In his first year, 2005 he received his first Camp All-Star selection, he currently now has attained that award four consecutive years now, as well as being the “Knock-Out” Competition Champion that year. In 2006, he followed that up with leading his team to the Championship and winning it, he now has done that three consecutive years, with this years’ team finishing undefeated. Over the last three years, his various teams has compiled a record of 19-2 over this period, with him as the lead point guard. In 2007, he was selected as the “Best Defensive Player” and this year he added to the others, with his team winning a “Team Shooting” Competition, bringing his award total to 10 over 4 years, which is amongst the largest amount of awards that any recipient has received over this period.
The past three years, Trajan has been a fan favorite for the MVP of the camp, however with the number of awards he has won over the past 4 years, coaches have came up to him and his parents after the camp to tell them, “He probably is the best player…He probably deserves the MVP, however, if we gave him every award he probably should get, other parents might complain.” And to that, Trajan has learned many lessons including, as he says, “its more important to win the team championships, some of the guys on my team, aren’t as blessed with the talent that I have, some aren’t basketball players at all, by winning the championship, this gives my teammates the same opportunity to celebrate the camp as I have.”
His mother, Lena Chism says, “This is no accident that he does well, although we are surprised by the many accomplishments that he has attained. Trajan gets up every day at 5:00 a.m., and works out for an hour over the summer break, in order to perform well at this camp. It means a lot to him and he tries to get in the best possible shape that he can be in by the time the camp starts.” In addition, he plays baseball in the Waterford League, his team finished third in the regular season; and loss in the playoff semi-finals, none-the-less, Trajan was selected to the league All-Star team and plays in the game on August 2, 2008.
Seay’s team coach at the camp, “Coach Skip,” performed an evaluation of Trajan’s skills and he gave Trajan, “very good” to “excellent” in categories of attitude, defense, passing, rebounding, ball-handling, shooting, defense, dribbling, team work, and coachability. “Coach Skip”, went on to say in his evaluation that Trajan “has all the tools and skills to make a great basketball player…” He praised Seay, for his abilities and concluded that an avenue to improve his game is to attack the basket more to make the game even easier.
Trajan’s dad, Richard says, “We are working to instill into him that it takes three “A’s” to be a successful student athlete. One is Athletics, the second is Academics, the third is Attitude, not in any specific order. If Trajan excels in these three areas, the ultimate result is that he will be a great person, outside of sports.”
Additionally, along with another great performance in the Jordan Camp, and making the All-Star game in the Waterford Baseball League, during the month of July, Trajan was apart of Camp Teams at the Village Basketball Camp in Pontiac, and the Rodney Heard Basketball Camp in Southfield that won Championship. At both basketball camps, he was selected to their respective All-Star teams, and at the Rodney Heard Camp, Trajan was selected the Most Outstanding Camper. Rodney Heard who is the Director of Scouting for the New York Knicks, said about Trajan, “he is gonna be good.” Locally, Trajan plays for “The Family – Detroit”, coached by Durand “Speedy” Walker. With all of this, and more, you can keep up with his future feats via his website www.trajanseay.com.
The Oakland Press
August 31, 2008
Twelve Year Old is making a name for
himself nationally through athletics
The Pontiac News
December 6, 2008
Trajan Seay named All-American
Football Player
The Pontiac News is proud to announce that Trajan Seay has received the distinction of being named an All-American Football Player; and has been invited as 1 of 8 Michigan Recipients to play in the National 8th Grade All-Star Game, in San Antonio, TX on Sunday, January 4, 2009.
Trajan is an 8th student at Orchard Lake Middle School, he is a good student with a Low B - High C GPA. He is the son of Richard Seay and Lena Chism-Seay. He has two younger brothers Quanye and Vegas. Trajan is the grandson of Louis “Duty” Seay and Marie Seay and Leon and Frankie Chism.
According to Trajan's father “Trajan has been afforded some unbelievable exposure opportunities, to which he has taken advantage of. As hard as he works, he can work a great deal smarter, by just learning from others, the positives and the negatives. The great student/athletes learn as they get older, you don't have to run and jump over everyone every time, patience and escalating your game from the physical aspect, to the mental aspect of the game is the next transition. In saying that, we are all extremely proud of Trajan for his accomplishment in all sports."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 9:10 AM EST
By MARVIN GOODWIN
Of The Oakland Press
Trajan Seay, an eighth grader at Orchard Lake Middle School, was among six Michigan youngsters identified as one of the nation’s top youth football players. A slot in the first Eighth Grade All-Star football game Jan. 4, 2009 in San Antonio would have been his reward. But due to a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) eligibility rule against all-star competitions, which penalizes participants, Seay will not play.
The condensed ruling, which includes athletes from seventh through 12th grades, states “students shall not compete at any time in any sport under MHSAA jurisdiction in all-star contests or national championships, regardless of the method of selection. Participation in such a contest shall cause that student to become ineligible for a maximum period of one year of school enrollment.” The rule was implemented “because member schools wanted it,” said Tom Rashid, an associate director at the MHSAA. “All-Star prohibitions have been in place a long time. They do not serve the education missions of school. They serve the interest of a few individuals and the interest of for-profit promoters.”
Jonas Gray, a running back from Birmingham Detroit Country Day, last year was selected and participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which features the nation’s top high school athletes. Although he was a returning All-State track athlete, under MHSAA rules, he forfeited his chance to compete in sports the rest of his senior year. He now plays football for Notre Dame.
The Eighth Grade All-Star and All-American Bowl games are administered by Football University (FBU), a New Jersey-based organization which identifies elite high school and middle school football players, provides camps and showcases them in All-Star competitions. Football University is affiliated with rivals.com, a national recruiting and talent evaluation service. John Gallagher, director of youth football for FBU, said there had been demand for national competitions for youth. “We did some regionals and folks were asking ‘Why don’t you guys do it on the national level’ and we took a shot at trying to pull it off,” he said. “The response has been unbelievable. It’s unfortunate these guys can’t play in the game.”
Along with Seay, who represents the Pontiac Panthers, Chauncey Bridges, Gairus Coleman and Edward Huckleby, all from the North Farmington Vikings, David Houle of the Plymouth Crusaders and Wyatt Shallman of the Hartland Eagles were Michigan selections, the most of any state.
Huckleby, the son of former Michigan standout Harlan Huckleby, was disappointed. “I don’t understand why he should be denied this opportunity,” said Huckleby, who was leaning toward not letting his son participate. “He doesn’t even play football for his school team.” It is not known whether Houle, Bridges or Shallman will participate. Those who do, however, are responsible for their own transportation and lodging.
Richard Seay, former Pontiac School Board president and Trajan’s dad, along with Mill Coleman and Tyrone Wheatley, a pair of former college and pro players, are committee members representing Michigan. They contacted coaches and parents concerning prospective players, and submitted film and player accomplishments to Football University, who after evaluating film and assessing recommendations from coaches, made the selections.
“I’m more honored for Trajan being selected and I had nothing to do with it,” said Seay, who said Trajan will not play in the all-star game. “The disappointment is the fact that they don’t get to play in the game. (But) the positive thing is Football University is committed to recognizing each athlete.” Selected athletes will be featured in the program, and they’ll receive a certificate and jersey presentation at their respected schools in an assembly format, according to Richard Seay.
Michigan is one of only a handful of states that has strict rules regarding national and all-star competitions for middle school and high school athletes.
“I don’t agree with it necessarily,” said Mill Coleman Sr., the grandfather of Gairus, who is Mill Coleman Jr.’s nephew. “I guess it just depends on the family. (But) I’m sure the ruling is there to keep an emphasis on academics. If they didn’t have the rule, kids would probably consider athletics over academics first.”
THETUESDAY
OAKLAND PRESS
July 2, 2009
Dear Trajan
Congratulations on your invitation to TOP GUN at Football University (FBU), the nation’s most elite football training experience for top high school and youth athletes. Your football ability at an FBU Mini-Camp has earned you an invitation to train with the nation’s best athletes and our staff of former NFL players and NFL coaches who currently train top college and NFL athletes.
Your invitation is to attend the FBU Top Gun for the 8th Grade as a WR on July 23-25, 2009. This camp will be for those entering 9th grade in the fall.
The FBU Top Gun is being held at the All-Star Sports Training facility in Paisley, Florida. For three competitive days, all the athletes in your Top Gun Experience will be housed on the 90-acre campus that features a NFL-style football training complex with two grass fields, indoor turf, a speed and strength center and on site dining facilities. http://as-camps.com/
The tuition for the Top Gun Experience is $599.00 and covers your room, board and all instruction. You are responsible for all your transportation and other costs to and from the All-Star Sports Training facility. On site registration for your FBU Top Gun Experience will take place between 2:00 – 5:00 pm on July 23, 2009 and check out will be 1:00 pm on July 25, 2009 at the conclusion of the experience.
There are no on-campus facilities for parents but hotel options are available in nearby Deland, Florida. Parents will be permitted to attend the Top Gun sessions from after breakfast until the athletes congregate for dinner.
Every year, several of our All-Americans are selected from our Top Gun Camps but there is no guarantee that any athlete makes All-American by just attending.
To accept this invitation, you must register at www.footballuniversity.org in accordance with the instructions on the reverse side of this letter using your personal registration code, TG83 within one week of this invite otherwise your registration code will become inactive and your position will be made available to the another athlete.
If you have any questions about the registration process please contact the FBU administrator at registration@footballuniversity.org or call 973-366-5027.
Sincerely,
Rich McGuinness
Founder of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and Football University
Football University
During one full court scrimmage, Trajan Seay looked to pass before shooting, which often caught his teammates by surprise.
Seay (13-15-year-olds) was one of the 3-point shooting contest winners, along with Quinton Hawkins (10-12-yearolds) for the boys
The Oakland Press
July 17, 2009
Pontiac pair headed to Orlando to
compete with nation’s best
While Disney World may beckon 10-year-old Kahlee Hamler and 11-year-old Ja’Mar Antwine on their upcoming trip to Orlando, Fla., football will be their first order of business.
That’s because the pair was selected among the top 80 elite seventh graders in the country by Football University, a national organization which identifies and helps develop elite age-group players.
Hamler and Antwine will take part in the Top Gun football training camp in Orlando with other youngsters from around the country.
Garius Coleman, Trajan Seay and Wyatt Shallman were also age-group selections, but will not attend because of freshman high school football obligations, according to Richard Seay, regional director for Football University.
Coleman will attend Farmington Hills Harrison, Seay is going to Birmingham Brother Rice and Shallman will be at Novi Detroit Catholic Central.
Both Antwine and Hamler play for the Pontiac Panthers of the Northern Youth Football League.
Michael Jordan now retired makes money from Hanes, Gatorade, Nike, Upper Deck. “Some kids want to be professional athletes, but a good reputation allows the athlete to explore other (career opportunities) areas as well. Basketball (or any sport) can be used to get an education, and a career outside of basketball (or any other sport). Everybody won’t go pro and each year less than 40 new slots are created for (professional basket) ballplayers. ”
