Entries are now being accepted for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament, to be played August 16-18 on Delaware Avenue in downtown Olean. The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and its 54 corporate sponsors are co-sponsoring this Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament to Olean.
More than three thousand registration postcards were mailed this month to team captains from tournaments held in Norwich, Hornell, Warren, Buffalo, and Olean last year. An additional 7,000 were sent out late May to schools in Allegany, Chautauqua, McKean and Cattaraugus Counties. Entry deadlines for teams interested in this year’s tournament are Friday, July 26 for applications that are submitted by mail, and Monday, July 29 for internet entries. The entry fee for a four player teams is $132.
The three-day festival of basketball begins on Friday, August 16, with a Corporate Cup Basketball Contest and early registration and continues through the division championships on Sunday, August 18. The tournament is open to players of all ages and experience levels who are computer-matched by age, height and experience so that all participants can be competitive.
The tournament, based on basketball played in driveways throughout the U.S., will include players who have no experience to those who have played college and semi-professional basketball. Primarily based on their age and level of experience, players will be placed in divisions where they will be most evenly matched. Depending on the number of teams placed in a specific division, players and the teams they’re on will be playing for first- and second- and third trophies. Also teams that finish last in their divisions could receive “Toilet bowl” trophies.
In addition to the Chamber’s 47 corporate sponsors, other major support for the event is being provided by Sparky Pizza, Third Base Bar & Grill, Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, Adams Service, Pepsi Cola, and Universal Primary Care.
Every player in the Macker is guaranteed at least three games, so no matter how you fare the first time on the court, you’re not out by any means. Those who do make it on to the championship rounds can look forward to trophy presentations for first through third places. A special sportsmanship medal is also awarded at each court for the team that exemplifies good sportsmanship. All registered players also receive t-shirts for participating in the event, which is made by possible by area sponsors.
Registrations forms are available online www.macker.com. Offline forms for registration via U.S. mail will be available at the Chamber office.
Want to play?
What: Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament
When: August 16-18
Where: Delaware and North Barry Streets, Downtown Olean
Cost: $132 per four-person team. Checks, Visa and Master Card will be accepted.
Entry deadlines: Friday, July 26 (mail), Monday, July 29 (online)
For information on the Gus Macker tournament, sponsorships and volunteer opportunities, please contact the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email info@oleanny.com.