Basketball Tournament

Intramural Sports

High school teams take over FC’s gym

By Chris Lundy
Staff Writer

While students rested up over Christmas break, Georgia Highlands College hosted the 49th annual Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament, in which local high school basketball teams competed for bragging rights and prize money for their respective schools. Coosa High boys win tournament

This marks the 20th year that Georgia Highlands College has hosted the tournament. The various proceeds raised from the tournament are used in different areas and for different purposes.

The money raised from admissions is divided among the high schools that participated in the tournament. Teams that go further in the tournament gain more money. The amount of prize money distributed ranged from $1000-$1500.

Money raised from concessions went to the Georgia Highlands College Fund.

David Mathis, director of the tournament, explained that the fund “is for adults with kids who wish to come back to college or for older people who want to come back and get an education.”

Rome High's Lady Wolves win first place This year, concessions raised approximately $10 thousand.

Mathis further explained the importance of the tournament.

“The first time most people come to Georgia Highlands College, they see the gym for the first time by coming to the Christmas Tournament. This event brings the community closer together, which is great because it is Christmas time. The tournament is a great recruiting tool for athletes who want to gain recognition for their talents. The event shows off what Rome and the Floyd County area have to offer in the athletic department. The tournament is also a great way for Floyd to raise money for the high schools as well as Georgia Highlands College and the foundation,” he said.

Shorter College hosted the tournament as well. The money brought in from their concessions and admissions will be used in the same manner as FC’s money. Congratulations are extended to the Eagles of Coosa High School, winners of the men’s tournament, and the Lady Wolves of Rome High, who won the women’s tournament.