On March 7th, St. Dominic invites alumni members back to the Family Fallon center for a day of fun-filled basketball games. This day is a highly anticipated event that combines a class reunion with school spirit.
This event not only includes fun and games, it also benefits the Legacy Scholarship for incoming freshmen.
“The alumni tournament is a basketball tournament for anyone that is an alum. They try to break it up by class but there are teams that consist of multiple graduation years,” Athletic Director Kevin Roberts said.
Before the big day, alumni members are invited to sign up for the tournament. After signing up, their family members and friends are also welcomed to attend. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, the Basketball tournament has declined in popularity.
“Over the past couple of years there have been fewer and fewer teams to sign up. It’s a small group, but they’ve all gotten really close,” Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach Wilmes said.
Although it’s usually a small group, St. Dominic hosts a gathering for those in the Sister Mary Bender Lobby. Before or after the games, tables are set up for family and friends to hangout while enjoying snacks and beverages. Although the basketball tournament is known for its competitive games, it’s still great entertainment for those who are less-competitive.
“There’s a social gathering in the Lobby, and families are invited to come up and shoot some hoops,” Wilmes said.
For those that enjoy playing basketball, Dominic hosts games all throughout the day. Usually, alumni are arranged into teams, depending on their graduation year. This ensures they know other individuals they’ll be playing with throughout the tournament. Upon registering and paying the fee of $45, they are given a St. Dominic T-Shirt.
“The tournament is a one day tournament on March 7th. The winners get bragging rights over all the other teams and champion t-shirts,” Roberts said.
After registering, St. Dominic creates a bracket for teams to finally compete against one another. Similar to the NCAA March Madness tournament, St. Dominic creates a bracket where if you
win, you continue to play. In the end, two teams reach the championship game and compete for the winning title.
“Seeing all the old guys that used to play for me. Interacting with all of them again is my favorite part,” Roberts said.
St. Dominic is no stranger to hosting alumni events. Whether it be the Alumni BBQ in the fall, or the upcoming Alumni Basketball Showcase, St. Dominic will stay in touch with past students. If you are an alumni member, or are related to someone, make sure to sign up for the Alumni Basketball Tournament!
