William Rouse 
July 13, 1996 
William Raymond Rouse, 54, Of Mesa Oaks Circle, Austin, Texas, Died Saturday 
In Austin.

A Giant Inclination 
Big Brothers-big Sisters Stands To Benefit From Annual Hill Climb

By JOHN BATTISTA; Times Leader Staff Writer
 Sunday, July 14, 1996 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A 





WILKES-BARRE -- Championship pennants dominate an area high school
basketball court. But the symbols of victory Saturday came from a higher
place, said participants of a church basketball tournament. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Mount Zion Baptist Church Youth Celebration Basketball Tournament was
held Saturday at GAR Memorial High School. The event opened the 11th annual
Youth Celebration, which will conclude next Sunday at Mount Zion Church, 105
Hill St. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's something that helps them off the streets and invites them to Jesus
Christ," said James Breese, tournament supervisor. "There are no losers.
Everyone goes home winning if they found Christ." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He said the program began more than a decade ago when kids complained there
was nothing to do during the summer. Since then, the Youth Celebration has
blossomed, Breese said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 About 1,000 people participated last year -- and monetary support from
Mount Zion members and other outside organizations has created a lasting
foundation for the weeklong event, he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 This year's version is right on target for attendance, as about 120
basketball players turned out for Saturday's tournament. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Vincent Breese, 6, of Wilkes-Barre, said he liked learning about
basketball. Amir Bey, 7, of Wilkes-Barre, said he had so much fun he planned
to tell his friends about the clinic. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 George Barilla, head coach of the Bishop O'Reilly girls basketball team,
didn't have to worry so much about winning and losing on Saturday. This time,
he was coaching a summer league team comprised mainly of current and former
high school basketball players. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "As long as we are invited (we will come back), " Barilla said. "The
outcome is not as important as the socialization. (The committee has) been so
gracious." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Saturday's events included three-point and foul-shooting contests and a
basketball clinic during the morning, and three afternoon games for boys,
girls and adults. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Breese said each event -- swimming, softball, and arts and crafts -- in the
week-long Youth Celebration is free and all are welcome. But you've got to
register for each activity before you participate. For more information call
824-0146. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 TIMES LEADER/FRED ADAMS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Children practice their basketball skills Saturday at GAR Memorial High
School, Wilkes-Barre. Nearly 120 people participated in the 11th annual Mount
Zion Baptist Church Youth Celebration Basketball Tournament. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tournament Offers Young People Loftiest Of Goals Church And Community Get Together To Show Youth There Really Is Something To Do During The Summer