By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
From Friday, Aug. 25, through Sunday, Aug. 27, some streets near downtown Otsego will as soon as again be changed into basketball courts.
That’s when the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will make its yearly drop in Otsego.
The celebrations begin Friday night with package pick-up for groups that have actually signed up along with a series of charity video games. Teams for the charity video game are consisted of regional groups, such as City of Otsego workers and Otsego Public Schools team member.
City supervisor Aaron Mitchell bets the City of Otsego group.
“The charity games start at 6 p.m. and I think it’s usually around 6:10 that me and my team realize how old we are between everything hurting and our inability to get enough oxygen,” Mitchell said.
The charity video games will raise money for Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance.
“Last year, Wishbone actually had some animals to be adopted, which was pretty cool,” Mitchell said.
The Macker made its very first drop in Otsego in 2015. The just substantial modification to this year’s occasion as compared to previous competitions, according to Mitchell, is the entity hosting it.
The previous variations of the Macker were sponsored by Otsego Main Street. But with that program having actually ended at the end of 2022, a brand-new group required to step up if the Macker was to return.
Enter TOP—Together Otsego Prospers.
“Some of Main Street’s volunteers wanted to find a way to keep the successful programs going forward and continue to serve the community,” Mitchell said. “So, they started TOP, which has taken over a handful of the events that Main Street previously sponsored, including the Macker.”
In addition to bringing countless gamers and viewers to Otsego, the Macker likewise supplies money for Otsego High School athletic groups.
Through a revenue-sharing program, groups that offer volunteers for the competition receive money for their program.
“Considering the event requires so many volunteers, the school is able to bring in a significant amount of money for each sport program that provides volunteers to work the weekend,” Mitchell said. “That could be setting up the courts, registering players or keeping score.
“No matter how they are working, the volunteers are able to earn their sport a significant amount of money. This revenue-sharing program is great for Gus Macker and the local athletes.”
The Otsego Band Boosters likewise raise money by offering hamburgers and hot dogs.
Opening events for this year’s Macker are slated for 8 a.m. on Saturday, with video games starting at 8:30 a.m.
A 3-point competitors will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the finals happening at 4:30 p.m.
The constantly popular dunk contest will occur at twelve noon. Top reward is $500, with $200 for 2nd location and $100 for 3rd location.
And simply to minimize any worries, Mitchell made it understood that he will not go into the dunk contest this year.
“I will not be competing, so if someone is interested in winning a trophy, it is up for grabs,” he said with a smile.
Saturday video games ought to conclude by 6 p.m., with play resuming at 8 a.m. on Sunday.
A totally free toss contest is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and all video games ought to be done by 6 p.m.
