15th annual tournament takes Norwich by storm
NORWICH – The festivities kicked off Friday night as residents and visitors alike flooded the city streets in preparation for the 15th Annual Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
Teams began registering at 4 p.m., the preliminary round of the Women’s 3-point Shot Competition was held, Brooks’ Barbeque Chicken served up some tasty grub and the Norwich City Band provided the entertainment as city residents prepare for a weekend of pure basketball frenzy.
“I think this is just a great event for the entire city that brings people from all over,” said Mayor Joe Maiurano. “It’s just a great community event and it shows what a fantastic community we have here.”
An excited Jamey Mullen, executive director at the Norwich Family YMCA, said things were running smoothly and he expected an enormous turnout for the annual event, which typically draws between 8,000 and 10,000 people every year.
“So far, so good,” commented Mullen during Friday’s action, who added, “We’ve never had a bad weekend for Gus Macker. Every year is a little different and special. It’s fun, it’s exciting.”
In the course of its 15-year history, Mullen said he’d determined the tournament had seen approximately 25,000 athletes participate and added the YMCA and other community-based organizations, thanks to the efforts of over 6,000 volunteers, had raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
Mullen reported that 434 teams, consisting of 1,736 players, will participate on 33 individual basketball courts taking up a portion of East Main Street, running from Broad Street east to Silver Street, which will remain closed throughout the weekend, as will a section of the P&C parking lot.
Owner and founder of Gus Macker Scott McNeal, referred to as “Mr. Gus Macker” by Mullen, said the Norwich event is a favorite among the Macker staff year after year.
“As a community event, Norwich sticks out. It’s the little oasis in the middle of New York,” stated McNeal. “The charm of this community really comes out. That’s why the staff loves it here.”
While McNeal said the 13-hour trip to Norwich is a long one, he considered the drive worth it.
“This community always treats us like family and Norwich is one of those places that represents the heart of Gus Macker,” he added. “There’s just a magical feel to it.”
Games will begin at 8:30 a.m. today – following an opening prayer and ceremony – and will continue throughout the weekend with the Women’s 3-point Shot Competition finals, followed by the annual Slam Dunk Contest, taking place at 6 p.m.
Local reggae group Dubstate, followed by the Mutron Warriors, will perform from 5 to 7 and 7 to 9 p.m. respectively in West Park, sponsored by the Chenango County Blues Festival and trophy presentations will take place, beginning at 11 a.m., on Sunday.
Teams began registering at 4 p.m., the preliminary round of the Women’s 3-point Shot Competition was held, Brooks’ Barbeque Chicken served up some tasty grub and the Norwich City Band provided the entertainment as city residents prepare for a weekend of pure basketball frenzy.
“I think this is just a great event for the entire city that brings people from all over,” said Mayor Joe Maiurano. “It’s just a great community event and it shows what a fantastic community we have here.”
An excited Jamey Mullen, executive director at the Norwich Family YMCA, said things were running smoothly and he expected an enormous turnout for the annual event, which typically draws between 8,000 and 10,000 people every year.
“So far, so good,” commented Mullen during Friday’s action, who added, “We’ve never had a bad weekend for Gus Macker. Every year is a little different and special. It’s fun, it’s exciting.”
In the course of its 15-year history, Mullen said he’d determined the tournament had seen approximately 25,000 athletes participate and added the YMCA and other community-based organizations, thanks to the efforts of over 6,000 volunteers, had raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
Mullen reported that 434 teams, consisting of 1,736 players, will participate on 33 individual basketball courts taking up a portion of East Main Street, running from Broad Street east to Silver Street, which will remain closed throughout the weekend, as will a section of the P&C parking lot.
Owner and founder of Gus Macker Scott McNeal, referred to as “Mr. Gus Macker” by Mullen, said the Norwich event is a favorite among the Macker staff year after year.
“As a community event, Norwich sticks out. It’s the little oasis in the middle of New York,” stated McNeal. “The charm of this community really comes out. That’s why the staff loves it here.”
While McNeal said the 13-hour trip to Norwich is a long one, he considered the drive worth it.
“This community always treats us like family and Norwich is one of those places that represents the heart of Gus Macker,” he added. “There’s just a magical feel to it.”
Games will begin at 8:30 a.m. today – following an opening prayer and ceremony – and will continue throughout the weekend with the Women’s 3-point Shot Competition finals, followed by the annual Slam Dunk Contest, taking place at 6 p.m.
Local reggae group Dubstate, followed by the Mutron Warriors, will perform from 5 to 7 and 7 to 9 p.m. respectively in West Park, sponsored by the Chenango County Blues Festival and trophy presentations will take place, beginning at 11 a.m., on Sunday.
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