Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
For the seventh time in the past eight years, some of the streets in Otsego were transformed into basketball courts for the Gus Maker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28.
And according to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, this was the biggest Macker yet.
“We had about 325 teams this year, which is the most we’ve ever had,” Mitchell said. “Someone told me it was the second-biggest in the state this year in terms of the number of teams that participated.”
As in the past, this year’s Macker featured much more than just the tournament itself. There was also a 3-point contest and a dunk contest as well as a children’s area and a number of vendors offering various food choices.
The charity tournament also returned, kicking off the festivities on Friday evening. This year’s event featured teams that represented the City of Otsego, Otsego basketball coaches, Otsego Public Schools teachers and Otsego High School students.
The students took top honors, going undefeated for the evening.
Proceeds from the charity game went to Wishbone Pet Rescue. In previous years, Christian Neighbors had been the beneficiary.
“We loved working with Christian Neighbors and appreciate everything they do, but we wanted to mix it up a little this year and Wishbone was really excited to be a part of this,” Mitchell said. “They helped get the word out and, even though I don’t have final numbers yet, I’m pretty sure this was our most successful year yet in terms of what we were able to raise.”
Mitchell was part of the City of Otsego squad that participated in the charity games.
“It was a lot of fun, but I was breathing pretty heavy after being out there for a little bit,” he said.
While the plan is to have the Macker back again next August, there will be a slight change. Namely, Otsego Main Street will no longer be the primary sponsor, as it will cease operations at the end of the year.
“In terms of the Macker itself, there shouldn’t really be any noticeable change,” Mitchell said. “There’s a non-profit that’s in the process of forming for the purpose of taking over the things that Otsego Main Street used to do, and the Macker committee will stay the same.
“The Macker is a great event for our community and we want to keep it going as long as possible.”
