ANNUAL TOURNAMENT BRINGS BUSINESS TO AREA AND CROWNS LOCAL CHAMPIONS
The annual two day Syracuse Youth Athletics Association basketball tournament was held last weekend, and it was great for the community businesses.
Black Bison Pub owner Janet Thomeczek said, "It did so much for our business. We haven't had a weekend like that since Christmas!"
Country Cafe also reported an uptick in sales. Eagle Convenience store manager Janelle Buchanan said, "Monday through Friday is our busiest times but Saturday was busier."
U Pump It also reported a heavier volume of traffic to their business.
Twelve teams including Western Kansas Elite from the Hays area, Tribune, Lamar, Holly, Ulysses, and more.
Third and fourth grade boys champions were Syracuse's own PrimeTyme team winning over Stanton County.
In the fifth and sixth grade division, Lamar won over Syracuse.
While there were not enough teams to get a fifth and sixth grade girls tournament, WKE all stars beat Ulysses for the third and fourth grade girls championship.
Director John Guerrero was very grateful for all the support including the school for the use of the Barney Akers Gymnasium and the Herndon Gym.
He said, "Thank you to everyone who helped at the score tables, concession stand, the admission doors, and filling in where I needed you! Thank you Natasha (TeVelde) for the hospitality food. It was perfect like always. You guys are phenomenal! I know I repeat myself, but it's true, events like this couldn't be possible without you! Thank you again!"
Working on next year's tournament, Guerrero hopes to get more teams and more participation from area teams by moving it towards the middle of the basketball season.
Pictured L to R - Bentley Simon, Matthew Mendieta, Jaxson Parks, Alex Pena, Beckett Battin, Myles Hahn, Asher Battin, Eli Sigala,
Front - A. J. Mendieta, Brody Simon, Coaches Brent Parks and Braeden Simon/courtesy photo
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