Gus Macker
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The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is a nationwide event open to a variety of ages and skill levels. It has developed renown as a large-scale event involving dozens of temporary courts that occupy entire parking lots. Tournaments are mid-level to major sports media events and are held virtually every weekend from spring through summer and into the fall.
[edit] History
The "Macker" began simply enough; in the driveway of one Scott McNeal (alias Gus Macker) in 1974 in Lowell, Michigan. McNeal and 18 friends teamed up to vie for a cash prize of $18. Interest grew, and in 1987 the tournament was moved to Belding, Michigan. From there it took to the road in order to serve demands of other communities. That first year, more than 10,400 players participated in five cities.
Today, the Macker is held in 75 cities, with 200,000 players and 1.3 million spectators turning out for what is billed as "competition and family fun" every year. To that end, organizers of the Macker cite six objectives for the tournament:
1. A wholesome, family-oriented event. 2. A tournament designed by players, for players. 3. A value to sponsors. 4. An outstanding fundraising event for the local community. 5. A major media sporting event. 6. Entertaining for the spectators.
Gus Macker Hall of Fame...In 1998, in Belding, Michigan a Gus Macker Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held. Twenty five of the outstanding individuals and teams were honored.For example, one of the teams honored was Miss Elizabeth's Fan Club of San Diego, CA, who have travelled nine times to participate in Gus Macker tournaments in Michigan. These hoopaholics are all over 50 years of age but continue to play basketball as much as they can. They include Bernard Balanay, Jerry Fike, Ralph Mora, and Richard Paff. Five years later, in 2003 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, five more individuals and teams were inducted. It is indeed an honor to be named to the Gus Macker Hall of Fame, as hundreds of thousand of people have participated in the tournaments but only 30 teams and individuals are included in the prestigious Hall of Fame.
