Varsity boys basketball to take a tournament trip, one fundraiser at a time
The Wareham High School boys varsity basketball team have something to look forward to at the end of this year – the KSA Holiday Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
Athletic Director Ed Rodrigues, boys varsity basketball coach Steve Faniel, and high school Principal Scott Palladino presented the initiative during the School Committee meeting on Wednesday, and received approval for the trip.
The School Committee agreed to fund the buses from the high school to the airport, and back.
It'll take $20,000 worth of fundraising to support 12 varsity team players and their coaches for the rest of the trip, but they have until Dec. 27 to raise the money.
Though School Committee members expressed concerns in raising such a large amount of money, Rodrigues has no doubt the team will meet their goal within five or six months, with the help of some parents.
“Students won't pay anything and it'll be a great experience,” said Rodrigues. Students will not miss a day of school since the tournament takes place during winter vacation.
The tournament consists of an arena with 12 basketball courts, 64 boys basketball teams and 64 girls basketball teams. The players will stay in the All-Star Hotel in Orlando and all of their meals will be included. The tournament starts on Dec. 27 and ends Dec. 31.
Rodrigues said he hopes the team will attend the tournament every two years, so that all basketball players can experience it at least once during their high school careers.