GLENDON – The first-ever Glendon Alumni Basketball Tournament was held over the weekend at the school’s gymnasium, attracting hundreds of former students, faculty, and community members.
According to Daryn Galatiuk, one of the tournament organizers, the three-day event was a resounding success, with eight men's team and eight women's teams participating in the tournament.
The event was organized to bring people together and raise funds for Glendon Athletics, ensuring that costs are kept low for future student-athletes, he says.
Galatiuk was amazed by the turnout, which exceeded his expectations. "The gym was absolutely full for the entirety of the three days," he said. "We only had standing room for many of the games, and there were people watching in the lobby, watching in the concession, and even people live streaming at home. It was incredible."
In addition to bringing former students together and raising funds for the school, the tournament had a positive impact on the local community, he said.
"People said that the town had never seemed so busy," he said. "Streets were packed with cars... people shopping in town... going to restaurants.”
Galatiuk also saw the tournament as a cultural building piece, bringing people together and reminding them of the importance of having a school in the community – in addition to the alumni reminiscing about their school days.
"[With] hundreds of people and [many] athletes coming out, it was a significant weekend for bringing people together."
The positive feedback from former students, faculty, and community members has been overwhelming, he said, adding that some have requested the tournament happen again in the future.
"We'll keep it up in the air for now and see how the next couple of years go.”
Galatiuk concluded by expressing his gratitude to the organizing committee and everyone in the community who supported the event. "It was a wonderful event," he said. "And it brought lots of love and joy back to the school."
Results
For the Men's Alumni Brian Thacker Division, team "Flint Tropics" and "Glendon Globetrotters" fought for the championship. Flint Tropics defeated the Globetrotters for gold.
Meanwhile, for the Women's Alumni Maegan Janz Division, team "Alley Oops" and the "OG Marquise" faced each other in the finals. Alley Oops won the gold medal.
Recognizing a deserving community member
Included in the program for the weekend was a message from the Glendon Alumni Basketball Family, recognizing the work put in by Galatiuk over the last two decades.
A potion of the message read as follows:
"We wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment and dedication to Glendon's Athletic Department over the years. Your incredible work as an inspirational coach and teacher since 2000 has left a lasting impact on so many of your students, colleagues, and friends."
It further states, "Your selflessness and passion for the game is evident in the countless hours you have generously donated to the Alumni Tournament. Opening the gym every evening and weekend for months has created an environment for teams to reconnect, practice and create a community that has brought together friends and teammates who haven't spent time together in decades."
The message ended by saying, "It is with great price that we declare you the Glendon Alumni Basketball Tournament MVP. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything you've done for us and the entire Glendon community. We are forever grateful."
*This story was updated at 1:55 p.m. on April 19
