|
 Games
began early Saturday morning and lasted into the evening, then
resumed on Sunday, culminating in championship games at the end of
the day.
The tournament filled every gymnasium in town this weekend with
games being played at the host school - Lincoln Junior High, Lincoln
College's Jack Nutt Arena at Lincoln Center and Davidson-Sheffer
Gymnasium, Lincoln Park District Recreational Center, Carroll
Catholic School, Central School, Chester-East Lincoln, Washington
Monroe, West Lincoln-Broadwell, and Zion Lutheran School.
On Saturday, February the 24th, the 2018 John Welsh Memorial
Basketball
Tournament began at 9 a.m. and lasted in some gymnasiums until past
8 p.m.
Tournament time brings out all types of emotions, the cheers, the
jeers, and the tears. And on that rare moment, it brings the home
team fans and visitors alike to their feet to applaud a great play
that needs to be recognized.
The atmosphere was electric at the Saturday games. Grandpa and
Grandma, sister and brother, cheering on family members and friends
as they did battle on the hardwood.
At each location vendors were selling memorabilia, and of course,
food. There's nothing better than a tournament hot dog, bag of chips
and a cold soda to wash it all down with on a big game day.
Then came the battle of the baskets. Young boys and girls giving
their all to take the lead and maintain it until the final buzzer.
Using all the techniques that their coaches have taught them, the
skills they have honed over time, and working as a team, players
battled to reach that ultimate goal of being the winner. It's a
great thing to experience and a great event to support.
It was
refreshing to see people come together to watch the players, visit,
and just get away from the rat race and the humdrum of life.
[to top of second column] |
This huge local event couldn't or wouldn't take place if it
weren't for the people behind the scenes. To create an event of this size
requires the ultimate in teamwork. The folks behind the scenes work hard for
this event to come off without a hitch. There are more moving parts in an event
like this than there are parts in a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle.
The tournament is a prime example of what can happen when everyone comes
together. And, while the focus is on the various teams, there are other huge
benefits to the community. Games are scheduled so that each team plays at least
a time or two, but the games are spaced out so that those who wish to go
exploring in our fair city have the time to do so.
Locally, restaurants stock up with extra burgers and chicken bites and are well
armed with extra staff to accommodate the hundreds of people who may be walking
in their doors over the two day period.
The area motels enjoy extra visitors over this weekend, which is a boon for them
in what is typically a slow season, and good for the city in that in generates
extra hotel/motel tax that supports local tourism, as well as the summertime
Third Friday Downtown Lincoln events.
Local stores also enjoy the added benefit of moms and grandma’s who may decide
it’s time to stretch their legs. Ultimately, the community benefits from this as
well in the sales tax is returned to the city for use in managing the town and
also it benefits the local schools through the one percent school sales tax.
So while the games over the weekend were all about gaining one win at a time,
this great annual event is an instant win for the town and the local businesses.
Congrats to all the organizers, volunteers, and of course, the young men and
women athletes who make this weekend possible and profitable, year after year.
[Mitch Douglas] |
