The new St. Anthony’s gym hosted the first competitive basketball games last weekend as former St. Anthony’s cagers took on this season’s squad.
This was the second annual alumni games and was well attended as the school builds the new tradition. There was camaraderie in the court as well as in the stands.
Athletics director at the school, Gavin Makse, said it was great to see the turnout.
“It went over very well, it was good to see kids come back and nice to show off the new, beautiful gym,” said Makse. “The big thing was how any alumni had their parents come, it was good to see.”
While St. Anthony’s did not put a senior girls squad on the court this season, junior high school players came up to participate. About seven alumni came out for the game and it was a close one. The alumni won 46-39.
About a dozen former men returned to play this year’s St. Anthony’s squad, and age and size won out as the alumni cruised to a 61-27 victory.
In all it was in fun and for a good cause. During the event they held a silent auction to sell the aging basketball uniforms, and so far they have raised $400 to purchase new uniforms. Former players and parents were snapping them up.
“We only have 10 left; six of the boys and 10 of the girls,” said Makse.
He said the uniforms are still available and for a bid of $25 a fan can pick up a jersey. A bid of $50 gets the shorts as well.
They are continuing to build the tradition. Next year’s alumni game is already slated for the weekend after the provincial finals. They are looking at adding more events to the contest.
