ALUMNI SCRIMMAGE FUN HELPS WITH FOOD PANTRY NEED

by Krista Norton | December 5, 2024

The Herndon Gym was filled with excitement for the annual Alumni Scrimmage Saturday, November 30. Admission was a donation to the Hamilton County Food Pantry and fans could enjoy pulled pork sandwiches and homemade desserts with proceeds to benefit the basketball program. 
The junior varsity girls kicked the morning off, scrimmaging against each other followed by the junior varsity boys. The alumni girls then challenged the varsity girls. The alumni bench only had three players on it, so the alumni on the court worked hard keeping up with the Lady Bulldogs with little time to rest. 
It was the complete opposite for the varsity boys however, the alumni bench had nearly 15 relief players, giving the alumni on the court a break often.
The referees for the day were alumni, Drake Durler, Jay Gould, Chase Keller, and spouse of alumni Diedra (Holdren), Kenny Smith.  
Girls Head Coach, Casey Finlay thought the scrimmage went well and appreciated the alumni coming out to help. “I thought the turnout of alumni players and spectators was amazing,” added Finlay, “It was good to see the stands full for the scrimmage and really appreciate the support of the teams and the food pantry.”
After two weeks of practice, he said it was good for the girls to go against competition other than themselves. “We did some good things in the scrimmage, I thought we moved well offensively and made shots,” said Finlay, “I would like for us to be more aggressive defensively and on the boards, but those things will come as we continue to get more into game shape. 
“We definitely have some things to work and improve on, but I like where we are at this point in the season. I am looking forward to getting the season started this Friday at home against a good Holcomb team,” he added.   
Vance Keller, boys head coach also thought there was a great turnout for the boy’s scrimmage! “I had almost twenty returning alum to participate in the scrimmage,” he said, “We definitely saw some good things but also, found some things we need to work on.  I’m excited for the upcoming season and look forward to coaching this group.”
The crowd enjoyed seeing their favorite players both past and present. The alumni did receive some laughs and a little heckling from the crowd. One alumni boy commented it was just like old times and was happy to be back on the court while another commented that it might be the last three minutes of basketball he will play! 
Monday following the scrimmage, seniors, Emily Pena, Brisa Montes, Brody Keller, Alvaro Leyva along with Coach Finlay and Coach Keller delivered what they guessed to be about fifty pounds of food items to the food pantry. 
Representative for the food pantry, local K-State Research and Extension agent Lora Horton was pleased with the generosity of the community.  
She reminds readers that the food pantry is a 501 (c) (3) run by volunteers, with representatives from several churches in Hamilton County along with Chris Squire serving as the treasurer. 
They are not funded by the county but receive commodities from the USDA. They hope to begin receiving fresh produce from Kansas Food Bank Program which recently opened in Garden City. 
This time of year, monetary donations are something that is needed as well, due to the addition of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. “Monetary donations are used for purchasing food items locally,” said Horton, “It is also used for emergency or situationally poverty.”  
Recently 110 boxes were distributed at Thanksgiving and 125 boxes have been spoken for at Christmas, “Our need has outpaced our supply,” said Horton, “In addition to Christmas, there could be a hardship when children are out of school over break so food items that are easily microwaved, or food bars, fruit cups, or items you might purchase for your grandkids work well for a lot of families.”
“Many larger households have limited refrigerator space so shelf stable food is a must,” she added. 
Commodities are distributed on the fourth Tuesday of the month, one box per household, and you must live in Hamilton County. 
Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Extension Office, 520 N. Hamilton, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, or mailed to PO Box 300, checks made to Hamilton County Food Pantry. For more information call the Extension Office 620-384-5225