On June 17, 2023 Wisconsin football wide receiver, Chimere Dike held his 2nd Annual Chimere Dike Football Camp (benefiting the Kai Lermer Memorial Fund). He was joined by over a dozen of his current Wisconsin Badgers teammates. The senior from Waukesha led the charge as campers worked through multiple stations learning from their Badger football heroes.
Dike, the Athlon preseason 2nd team All- Big Ten selection, is the elder statesman of the Wisconsin football wide receiver room. The veteran exudes leadership and this camp illustrates just how good of a teammate he is. Look no further than the contingent of Wisconsin teammates he chose to be camp coaches.
Each station was led by groups of current Badgers football players. Players from All-Big Ten teams, current starters, reserves and a few highly touted transfers additions. The vast array of camp coaches illustrates his ability to the lead and connect with players both old and new.
Wisconsin Football is Family
For the Dikes’, football is a family affair. As the campers checked in they were greeted by Chimere’s mother, Mary Dike. She thanked each person for coming – not just the camp participants. The Dikes’ immediate and extended family, as well as the family of the late Kai Lermer were standing by to do whatever it took to make a successful camp experience.
With it being the Saturday before Father’s Day, it would be understandable if there wasn’t much of a turnout. It was the opposite. The field was full of campers ranging from 3rd-10th grade looking to soak up knowledge from the Wisconsin football players.
If you were to scan the field to try and find Chimere’s father, Uche Dike, it would not take long at all. He was the man with a brimming smile as he greeted those around the football field that his son once starred on.
I had the opportunity to catch up with the elder Dike and get his thoughts on his sons camp. “I am just so proud of Chimere,” Uche told BadgerNotes. “This is something he has always wanted to do – to give back to the community”.
It only took a few moments with the Dike parents to understand why Chimere is a leader he is. The Dike family is humble, hard-working, and genuine. All these are necessary traits for effective leadership – inside and outside of the locker room.
New NIL Legislation Proves Important for Youth Camps
Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) is the new era in college athletics. It is a frequent topic of discussion across all fanbases and within recruiting departments. The NIL conversations can often come with some negative connotations, but stories like today are just one of the examples of why the NIL is good for college athletes.
Prior to July 1, 2021, NCAA athletes were not allowed to host youth camps. Many who oppose NIL voice their displeasure often. However, today’s camp was a prime example of the good that can come from NIL. Not just the good for current players but for the communities that these players call home. Throughout the camp, there were smiles in abundance, fellowship and friendly competitions between campers and the coaches.
The camp provided a connecting moment for young athletes wanting to follow in the footsteps of their favorite players. The mission of the camp was to raise money and awareness for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) that took the life of Chimere’s former teammate, Kai Lermer. It did more than that. It allowed these athletes to have connect with the youth and be the good mentors our young people need.
To learn more about the Kai Lermer Memorial Fund or make a donation, visit their website by following this link.
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