Macomb, IL – Football and baseball often dominate the sports pages this time of year, but a different sport was the big story in Macomb over the weekend. The city hosted its first Gus Macker Basketball Tournament.
The three-on-three competition drew around 100 teams. Most came from the tri-states region but some traveled from as far away as Michigan and Kansas. Convention and Visitors Bureau President Katherine Walker estimates each team brought with it around 10 people, including the players.
The teams competed in a variety of divisions based on factors such as age, height, and skill level. The courts were set up on Carroll and Randolph Streets around Chandler Park.
Walker says the economic impact of the event is still being evaluated. The license fee for hosting it was $8,000. Half was paid by the CVB and the rest came from local businesses.
You can listen to an interview with Walker by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Walker says Gus Macker has a national following and a good reputation. She says it's designed to promote good sportsmanship and healthier lifestyles.
*Walker says the CVB signed a two-year contract so the tournament will return next year. A local committee will review this year's event to determine what improvements might be made for next year.