Tourney Time!!!

The Holidays are once again upon us! While this time of the year encompasses all the usual activities – shopping, parties, children’s Christmas concerts, etc. – the month ends with the event that trumps all others – The Everett High School Alumni Basketball Tournament. This year’s tourney will take place 12pm on Saturday December 31st at “The Pit”. While the ’06-’09 team will surely be back to defend their crown, it will again be a time to celebrate the friendships, camaraderie, successes, and tradition that embody the Everett High School basketball program.

Once again, the Everett High Blue and Gold Club (special thanks to Ross Rettenmier, Ross Johnson, and Allan While for their help) has taken the lead in securing the facility for our group’s event. Additionally, much thanks to Head Coach Aaron Nations for his commitment to having his players dedicated to participating in the many facets of the day’s activities (officiating, scorekeeping, set-up and clean-up, etc.).

Because of the giving nature of the aforementioned entities, it is my hope that our Alumni group can reciprocate in giving back to the program and school. We are requesting that each participant make a minimum $5 donation to participate in the tournament. In this climate of state budget deficits, the budget for public education has been decimated and will continue to be cut. As a result, budgets for athletic programs have taken a huge hit. It is my hope that by giving back to the program in this capacity, we are able to help the basketball program in their efforts to provide a quality experience for the kids that want to put on a Seagull uniform. If our donations are able to help a player cover the cost to participate in the program, or help send them to team camp, we know it goes a long way towards ensuring these kids can have the same life-changing experiences we had.

In an effort to further enhance the event, we are also taking steps to make the tournament more of a family-friendly experience. To this end, this year’s tournament will consist of the usual on-the-court action, but will also include concessions (Pizza, drinks, snacks) and basketball activity stations for kids to keep them busy while the adults are battling it out on the court. So plan to bring out your family and friends to witness some great basketball action. Maybe not the run-and-gun style we were all accustom to playing as youngsters, but solid basketball nonethelessJ

We will have more posts coming in the days leading up to the event, so stay tuned for updates. I look forward to seeing you all on the 31st!

Thanks,
Bobby Thompson
Class of 1996