The Gold Standard

As we continue to prepare for BAM Jam 2009, the staff took our traditional trip to Spokane, Washington this past weekend for Hoopfest.

Hoopfest once again did something that they have been doing over the last several years, breaking their own attendance record. This year, according to their event guide, Hoopfest had 6,700 participating teams, breaking last year's record and continuing to prove what community support for a great event can do.

With nearly 600 courts on 40 square blocks, Spokane proved that it is the current home court for 3 on 3 basketball.

There were a few things that stood out that are worth noting:

1. The Nike Center Court was again the spot to be for not only great hoops but also great entertainment. In addition to the games there were dance performances from the Sea Gals (the Seahawks dance team) and men's and women's dunk competitions. The crowds seemed bigger this year than last year.
2. Their staff continues to incredibly welcoming to our staff. Kathlene Sulivan (in charge of their registration, check in, player changes, etc.) may be one of the coolest people we've met. And Lori and Chad Smith were awesome with the Court Monitor trainings.
3. The food and booths continue to get better and better. In addition to all the food options, participants also got a chance to get autographs from current Gonzaga players.
4. The Court Monitors and Court Marshalls continue to be some of the nicest and hardest working volunteers around. They give their weekend and stand in the heat so that the tournament can go on and be successful. You really have to respect that.

So, as we return back to Boise to finish planing for this year's BAM Jam, we do so energized by what we just saw and with a goal of where we someday could be.