Salvation Army prepares for annual hoops tourney

Published: March 15, 2010

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Team participants in the Seventh Annual Salvation Army Adult Benefit Basketball Tournament will be on a first-come, first-served basis, it was announced during a meeting of the Salvation Army Advisory Board Thursday in the Army headquarters, 1300 W. Spruce St.

Sponsored by The News-Item and Shamokin Youth Basketball League (SYBL), the three-day tournament will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 16, 17 and 18, at Shamokin Area High School gym.

Chris Venna, principal of Shamokin Area High School, and Brian Persing, local masonry contractor, both members of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, are tourney co-chairmen, along with Randy Whitcomb, representing SYBL. Henry Nyce, publisher of The News-Item, is a member of the tournament board.

Venna suggested that teams register for the tournament as soon as possible to guarantee a spot in the tourney bracket. Thirteen teams participated last year and organizers are hoping to add at least a 14th team this year.

Teams may register by contacting Venna at 205-1144 or at cvenna@verizon.net or Whitcomb at 797-4473. Entry fee is $125 per team. Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. during a pre-tourney meeting at the high school. A bracket will be finalized during the meeting; rosters and entrance fees must be submitted during that meeting.

Venna said Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) officials have volunteered to work all games. Officials will be assigned by Dwayne Scicchitano of the Shamokin Area Chapter of PIAA Basketball Officials.

Persing said food will be available throughout the weekend.

Games will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, April 16, and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The top four teams will receive team trophies during a presentation following the championship games Sunday afternoon. Last year's champion was Dorko's Cafe, with the Shamokin Greyhounds as runners-up.

The annual benefit is a big hit with area basketball fans and features top scholastic basketball players from past years at Shamokin Area, Mount Carmel Area, Southern Columbia Area, Line Mountain and Our Lady of Lourdes high schools.

All proceeds benefit the Salvation Army. The tournaments have raised more than $12,000 in the past six years.

Venna, Persing and Whitcomb, along with officials of the SYBL and The News-Item, expressed their appreciation to the PIAA officials for their volunteer services over the last six years.

Games will consist of two 20-minute halves with the clock running continuously except for the last two minutes of each half. All teams must have the same uniform tops with a number on the back. Each team must supply one person to either keep the official scorebook or operate the scoreclock.

Venna and Whitcomb said no unsportsmanlike conduct will be accepted. Any player or spectator receiving a technical foul will be required to leave the premises and will not be able to return or play for the remainder of the tournament.

Anyone with any questions concerning the tournament may contact Venna or Whitcomb.

'Army' finances improve

During the business meeting, Judy Orner, of Social Services, gave an encouraging financial report noting that the Army is in a much improved financial standing. She said Christmas collections at the red kettle were better than ever and mail-in donations increased vastly over that of last year. She said collections at Wal-Mart were outstanding, and board members praised store officials for their cooperation.

Orner said a financial audit was completed and Envoy Tina Streck was praised for her financial efforts.

It was also noted that the Thrift Store on Independence Street was doing exceptionally well and is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Streck gave a report on efforts to purchase a new van, and said there has been great progress.

She also gave a report on the Salvation Army becoming a partner with a free government-sponsored cell phone program, which includes a free cell phone, free monthly minutes, voicemail account, carryover minutes, call waiting and national and international long distance. Persons may apply at the Salvation Army headquarters, 1300 W. Spruce St.

Henry Linton, chairman of the advisory board, introduced Earl Sheriff, Coal Township businessman, as a new member of the board. Janice Kotwica, who attended last month's board meeting, was also approved as a new board member.

Attending Thursday's meeting in addition to Streck, Orner, Linton, Venna and Persing, were Lois McCormick, Violette Feudale, Ned Sodrick, Harry Deitz, Paul Metrocavage and Mark Anonia.

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