It's a Hardwood-Homecoming Thing

This week has finally arrived and the weather promises to be great; let's do it! 'It is the 43rd Annual Decatur/Team Soy Capital "Turkey Tournament." Eight of Illinois' finest prep boys' legendary basketball programs will compete before eight thousand plus fans and a number of Division I coaches from Tuesday through Saturday. If you believe that I use the term 'legendary' freely, I suggest you do just a tad bit-of research on the following schools' basketball history: Harvey-Thornton, Peoria Central, Decatur, Springfield-Lanphier, Pekin and East St. Louis.

This is my twelfth year to serve the Decatur Public School District as 'Coordinator' of the 'Turkey Tourney.' I usually begin working casually on the pending event in mid-August and by mid-September all systems are full-throttle with a number of corporate sponsors coming on board to offset approximately $38,000.00 needed to meet team guarantees, officials, hospitality room services, game workers' expense, security and administrative costs. The financial health of the tournament is documented in its ability to offer monetary support for numerous other school-district-sports' programs.

The tournament has become more than basketball games perse'. Each night offers some additional 'special' features. This year, we will honor Denver 'Nuggests' NBA star Andre Iguodala and his family. Iguodala is one of 55 Division I players coming out of the Turkey Tournament over its 43-year history and of course, Andre was a member of this past summer's USA Olympic Gold Medal Team at the 2012-London Games. The tournament will also honor five (5) citizens who serve the city of Decatur in various volunteer roles, we call them 'Heroes.' Finally, one night, members of the 1963-64 Decatur High 3rd Place State Team will be celebrated as those players and Coach Kenny return for one more round of applause.

If you want to see some of the best prep basketball in Illinois then checkout the action at the Decatur/Team Soy Capital 'Turkey Tourney.' Stop by the raffle table and buy a chance; you might win a year's supply of Pepsi or some forty other prizes.