Gus Macker Basketball returns to Elkhart

ELKHART, Ind. -- Basketball brought the City of Elkhart together this weekend for the return of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament.

Participant turnout was not limited to Michiana. Gus Macker Planning Committee Member Scott Matthews is thrilled by the attendee response. “We got about 90 teams that came really from all over the country. We got people from Vegas from Texas from Chicago from Detroit,” he explained.

Organizers of the popular tournament say they’ve hosted well over one thousand tournaments over the last 45 years.3-on-3 teams of four people are made up of all ages and experience levels.

The common trait among everyone is the desire to play basketball.

Volunteer referee Michael Span says he loved to see participants came together from all sides of Elkhart. "I like everybody in Elkhart to mingle and get to be around each other and see that everybody is the same and no one is different around here. We’re all the same people, we all love basketball.”

Families and the community all gathered at Woodland Crossing for food and basketball.

Participant Chris Newman was excited to get the chance to play with his daughter.

“To come out here and see something positive going on with kids and families, everybody out playing, having a good time, that’s heartwarming,” Newman said.

Event organizers of the 2-day tournament are already gearing up for next year.

For the next three years under contract, the committee hopes to grow the tournament each year.

The City of Elkhart, River Oaks Community Church and Zion Missionary Church collaborated to co-host the event.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament benefit Child and Parent Services and YWCA Safe Haven Women’s shelter.

“This is all about the community, all about giving back the good of Elkhart,” Matthews said.