It all started 21 years ago in a driveway in Lowell, Michigan. 18 friends played competitively for $18 in a driveway. Today, the Gus Macker basketball tournament has grown so much that thousands of people lace up their shoes to participate.
This weekend, Wausau is hosting the tournament in the area of Newman and Wausau West High Schools. So far it’s been a successful even though there’s been some rainfall. More than 2,000 athletes compete in the annual event that brings anywhere from 12,000-15,000 spectators.
The tournament is planned throughout the year. Now, ever though the first day of the competition is in the books it wouldn’t have happened without some late minute hard work.
Randy Pagel, the Coordinator of the Wausau tournament says, “The last two weeks are always really tense. What happened yesterday morning was the topper when that high wind storm passed through here.”
Organizers for the Macker had a real mess on their hands after Thursday night’s high winds. Parts of the back boards had blown across the courts and Macker officials had to have it cleaned up and ready for this weekends competition.
Luckily the entire crew worked tirelessly through Friday evening to put everything back together. The Macker action continues tomorrow.
