Orchard's Around The Horn Sports Doubles As Youth Center

By Logan Lawson
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One of the surest signs of summer is the many bikes out front of Around The Horn Sports.
Since 1998, Orchard kids have spent their summers at Around The Horn Sports, trading cards, playing darts, trying their hand at dice games or, more recently, having Nerf wars in the back of the store. 

An avid sports collector and fan, Jeff Shabram — also the head football coach for Clearwater-Orchard, ­— needed something to do in the summer to keep himself occupied before fall camp started. 

He decided, along with his friend Dan Elsberry, to open a place to display their favorite sports memorabilia for people to see. The store was an instant hot spot for area children.

“The kids were pretty excited about it,” said Shabram.

The store’s hours are limited to three hours each afternoon during weekdays and is only open from May until football practice begins in late summer, but that doesn’t stop kids from spending as much of their time as they can there. 

For 19 years now, it has been a routine for many children to stop by Dusty’s or TJ’s Market and grab food to take over to the shop while they trade cards of their own or just visit with Shabram.

A new favorite activity has gained popularity among the kids, as many now enjoy having Nerf wars. 
Nerf guns are toy guns that fire foam darts or discs, with guns coming in many shapes and sizes. According to Shabram, kids will regularly bring entire duffel bags full of Nerf guns for battle in the area in the back of the store that has been set aside for such activity. He won’t be caught up in the heat of battle, however.
“I’m more of a full-time referee,” Shabram said, laughing.

Around The Horn Sports may be a favorite for the younger population, but there is still plenty there for those that don’t wish to participate in the Nerf wars. 

The store is full of basketball, baseball and football trading cards as well as numerous collectibles and memorabilia. Shabram counts an autographed and framed Joe Montana Notre Dame Jersey, an autographed Paul Hornung picture, and replica 1995 and 1997 Nebraska Cornhusker championship rings among some of his more prized possessions. 

Possibly his two most valuable possessions, however, come courtesy of an all-time NBA great. 

“I have a couple of Wilt Chamberlain autographs,” said Shabram. “It’s some high-value stuff.”

Included in his Wilt Chamberlain collection are the hall-of-famer’s rookie card, valued at $1,300, as well as a picture and two pieces of the gym floor from Chamberlain’s record 100-point game, one of which is autographed. 

Collectors and travelers from all over like to come through and buy, sell, trade or admire the collection Shabram has. 

He makes it well known that everything is for trade or sale, and he enjoys doing so. He enjoys having a good space for the kids as well.
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“Even though we have all this stuff for sale,” he said,”it’s nice to have a safe space for kids to come hang out each day.”