Cardinal basketball builds community, family bonds

They came from all over; Florida, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho and Iowa. They came with kids, spouses, significant others or alone. Some were a little heavier, some had little thinner hairlines and some were just not in condition to play, but came back to see old friends, teammates or classmates. Even some of the fans from eras gone by were back for the first time in years just to see how these “kids” looked today.

The event was the first, maybe the only, alumni basketball tournament for all men and women who played basketball for the Staples Motley Cardinals. Many of the players for both men and women teams had the experience of being in district championships, sectional championships and state tournaments. 

Eight men’s teams were entered into the tournament along with four women’s teams. The goal of the tournament was to win a championship, but the real underlying purpose was to reunite players, teams and friends and just have fun.

The event was the brain child of Colton Thompson, a former player who now lives in Boise, Idaho. He was helped by Craig Wolhowe, his brother, Jace of Motley, members of the Cardinal Cage Club and a host of community volunteers. The two-day event culminated with championship games played on Saturday by both the men’s and women’s teams. 

Cardinal basketball was a dominant force in Minnesota during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Many of the players from that era, both men and women have gone on to coach basketball, play basketball at the next level or remain active with basketball at some level. 

One thing that was evident from the event was how these players from the different eras still stay in contact with each other. Lifelong relationships were developed through this sport in ways that is somewhat unique. 

Another note of interest is the small details that players still remember from the games they played and the players they played against in big games. Listening to players talk about those past games seemed like they were talking about a game that just happened last week. 

Players also recalled how the players that were older influenced the younger players. Varsity players were real heroes to kids in the lower grades for both boys and girls and for the teams that played in a state tournament; those players were just like pros to elementary students.

The takeaway for the weekend for me was a reminder of the wonderful people who play basketball for our communities. It was a real joy to see all the past players, their parents, grandparents and friends get together again in the gym. All those kids have grown up to be great citizens of their own communities and basketball was the unifying force.