June 14, 2022

Contact:  Black Cager Press Office, (856) 366-0992, blackcager@gmail.com

Camden City Mayor Victor Carstaphen and Camden School Board President Wasim Muhammad are highlighting and addressing the issue of student-athlete academic eligibility for college scholarships and trade school opportunities. Mayor Carstarphen and School Board President Muhammad are working to facilitate strong and effective relationships between schools, coaches, counselors, parents, students and college coaches. Athletics has long been a means of accessing higher education for Camden youth. Camden City kids are currently playing at places like Texas A&M, Kentucky, South Carolina, Massachusetts, South Carolina State, Michigan and Temple among others.

Mayor Carstarphen was a legendary schoolboy player at Camden High. He is currently 4th on Camden High School all time scoring list with 2,136 points. Carstarphen was the starting point guard on the 1986 USA Today #1 High School basketball Team in the country. He played 4 years of varsity basketball, 3 times he was names All South Jersey and 2 times he was a first team All State selection. At Temple University, he enjoyed a stellar collegiate basketball career as a 3 year starter under Hall of Fame Coach John Chaney. Carstarphen was captain for 2 years and helped team advance to 2 NCAA Elite Eight games in 1991and 1993.

“Our children have proven that they can compete at the regional, state and national levels in many sports. We want to provide the information and tools they need to successfully transition from high school to trade school, college or competitive employment.” said Mayor Carstarphen. “We will ensure that parents and student-athletes have accurate information regarding the NCAA eligibility process.”

School Board President Wasim Muhammad

School Board President Muhammad was also a starter on the the undefeated 1986 team. He was able to leverage his athletic ability and earn a scholarship to the University of New Mexico. He has pledged to identify constructive ways to help parents and student-athletes engage early as freshmen and sophomores. “Parents provide critical perspective, and they should always have a seat at the table whenever decisions are made that impact their children.” said Muhammad. “Like Mayor Carstarphen, I used athletics to access higher education. We want to make sure our talented Camden kids can continue to access higher education through sports.”

“Black Cager Sports congratulates Mayor Carstarphen and Board President Muhammad for focusing attention on the transition process for student-athletes,” said Delgreco Wilson. “As former college student-athletes, Carstarphen and Muhammad understand the importance of a solid foundation. The athletic talent in Camden is phenomenal. Because of the efforts of Carstarphen and Muhammad more Camden kids will go to college for free.”

In the coming weeks, NCAA eligibility information will be disseminated to all high school athletic directors and coaches. Over the summer, educational consultants will hold local listening sessions with parents, student-athletes, principals, and school community members to better understand the needs of student-athletes as they start the 2022-23 school year.