Courtside volunteer a true all-star
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

HOLDING COURT- Matt Flood watches a recent youth league basketball game at the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club while his infant son, Theo, catches a quick nap. The Camarillo man volunteered as the league's commissioner- - a position that has driven many away because of parents' unreasonable demands- - so that the youngsters wouldn't have to miss a season of play.

The sight of Matt Flood cradling his infant son as he stands courtside in the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club gym reminds Dianne Glick that everyday heroes do exist.

Glick's 12-year-old son, Miles, plays in the seventh-grade boys' basketball league. The league would not have played this season if Flood hadn't volunteered as its commissioner.

The 26-year-old father took the job even though his own son is 6 months old and won't be ready to hit the court for another few years.

"He gives of his time without getting any direct payback, so to speak," Glick said. "I've been really impressed by his integrity."

Glick and a group of parents will present Flood with a plaque and a $300 check on Saturday to show their appreciation for his unselfish act.

A commissioner is needed for each of the Camarillo Youth Basketball Association's nine leagues, which are organized according to age.

The association historically has had difficulty finding a commissioner for the seventh-grade boys' league. Most people shy away because the parents tend to be more aggressive and competitive, said Mark Schienbein, program director.

"That's one of the hardest positions to recruit for," Schienbein said. "I'm really, really fortunate that he stood up and did that."

Flood called Schienbein in October, after reading a notice posted on the Naval Base Ventura County, where he works as a Navy aviation electrician. The association began recruiting for commissioners in the summer.

"It gives the kids a chance to do something that keeps them out of trouble," Flood said. "I remember what sports meant to me, and it gives them that opportunity."

Matt and his wife, Sherri, moved from Hawaii to military housing in Camarillo early last year. Their son, Theo, was 2 months old when Flood volunteered as commissioner.

Sherri said her husband has always played a supporting role in youth sports, so it seemed natural that he'd get involved with Camarillo kids.

"He loves basketball, and he thinks everyone who wants to play should be able to play," Sherri said.

The Floods have had to make financial sacrifices so Matt can devote time to the league.

In addition to his military job on the base, Matt delivers pizzas on the weekends. Sherri agreed that he could cut back his hours to attend the league games on Saturdays. It means a loss of about $150 a week.

To compensate for the loss, Sherri is taking on more clients in her job as an animal caretaker.

Theo accompanies his dad to the games, because Sherri works Saturdays.

"It's been a bit of a financial hardship," Sherri said.

In spite of the financial strain, the Floods plan to buy eight trophies to award to one boy on each team on March 17. They've named it the Charlie Hustle Award- to recognize the boys who've "hustled" by showing effort and the best attitude.

"He's got a soft spot for the guys who try their best and aren't necessarily the best," Sherri said.