By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The Otsego Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament has reached double digits.
That’s right. The Otsego Macker is turning 10 years old this year, as the first tournament was held in 2015.
No event took place in 2020 due to COVID, meaning this is the 10th annual Macker for Otsego.
This year’s tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24.
In the past decade, the Otsego Macker has continued to grow in popularity. In fact, according to organizers, the Otsego-hosted tournament has been the second or third largest Gus Macker Tournament in the nation.
“Clearly the Gus Macker Tournament has become quite a highlight in our community,” Together Otsego Prospers (TOP)—the organization that runs the Otsego Macker—said in a statement.
The reason for the event’s continued growth and popularity, organizers say, can be traced back to the six primary objectives that have guided development of the Macker across the nation. Those objectives are that the event is meant to be:
- A wholesome, family-oriented event
- A tournament designed by players for players
- A value to sponsors
- An outstanding fundraising event for the local community
- A major media sporting event
- Entertainment for the spectators
“The Gus Macker Tournament not only benefits businesses in our community, but it benefits our schools, too,” TOP said. “We share the profits with the volunteer groups from our local schools and organizations.”
As for TOP’s portion of the profits, a portion of the proceeds are reinvested back into such economic development efforts as festivals, other events and grant opportunities for local businesses.
As for the tournament itself, one change for this year is the addition of an 8-and-under division.
Packet pickup and registration will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at City Hall. Courts will be open to practice and for having fun.
At 6 p.m. that evening, the annual charity games pitting Otsego Public Schools employees, City of Otsego employees and others against each other will take place. Money raised will be donated to the Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance.
Registration/packet pick-up will also be available from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, with Opening Ceremonies taking place at 8 a.m. Games begin at 8:30 a.m. and are slated to wrap up for the day at approximately 6 p.m.
The 3-point Competition will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the finals at 4:30 p.m., while the Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled for 12 p.m.
Prizes for the dunk contest are $500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place.
Games pick up again at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, with the final contests slated to conclude by 6 p.m. The Free Throw Competition will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As has been the case throughout the Macker’s run in Otsego, volunteers will be its lifeblood this year.
“We could not do what we do without the many volunteers that pour in their time and effort,” organizers said.
