Varsity Basketball Alumni Reunite on the Court

2011 alumni basketball tournament on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m.

It has been almost a decade since the former members of Champlain College’s varsity basketball teams have reunited on the court to relive some of their past glories, nurse a few aging knees, and catch up on what’s new with their former teammates.

Former Champlain College varsity basketball players will do that and more when they gather for the 2011 alumni basketball tournament on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m.

Along with multiple games at Argosy Gym, a full weekend of activities is on tap for alumni players beginning Friday, June 10, with a “meet and greet” at KC’s in Winooski — the traditional gathering spot for past alumni basketball weekends.

Former varsity basketball coach Bob Tipson; the voice of the college basketball games, Steve Gentile; and Diana Agusta, executive assistant to the president and renowned varsity basketball ticket seller, are leading the effort.

Saturday afternoon is reserved for basketball games, which are open and free to the public. That night, alumni players and their guests will enjoy a special dinner and evening of reminiscing about past swishes and last-minute wins.

The varsity basketball program at Champlain College ended in 2002, which was also the last year of the alumni basketball reunions. The interest in the annual reunion had dwindled, until last summer when Coach Tipson visited Agusta and said he was finally ready to plan an alumni game for this year. “I jumped out of my chair and hugged him; I have been waiting for this,” explained Agusta.

A Facebook page to invite past players and help get the word out about the reunion was started earlier this year with the hope that social media will fuel a strong turnout of players for the reunion.

Some of the players expressed some fear that they can’t play like they used to. Agusta assured them that it will be just like a fun pickup basketball game. “The players are very excited about coming back; we are all ready to see each other again. It creates a following with the Burlington community and will be exciting,” Agusta said.

The event is open to all varsity basketball alumni. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page or contact Diana Agusta.

—Darrien Marazzo ’11