Yesterday, I noted the accomplishments and vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.   Today, the television news announced Muhammad Ali’s birthday.  Wow, two of my childhood idols with birthdays in the same week.

I’m sure that most of you grew up with heroes…my were mostly from the sports world…MLK and Stevie Wonder being the exception.  The flamboyant style and confidence of Muhammad Ali intrigued me…I was shy and introverted, for the most part.  I was also amazed at his athleticism…grace, speed and power.  Ali wasn’t the typical hero of kids in my neighborhood of small, rural Lowell, Michigan.  That’s probably why I liked him…he was different…in your face and fun, entertaining.

In my travels with Gus Macker, I had the opportunity to meet many famous people.  Sometimes, I remember just seeing them and being intimidated to introduce myself…this was not the case with Muhammad Ali.  I was waiting for a plane at Detroit’s Metro Airport in the late 80’s, early 90’s and that’s when he came from around the corner in the terminal I was sitting in.  No one recognized him, but I saw his personal assistance and knew that it was Ali.  When he sat down, I walked over and introduced myself and asked for his autograph.  The Parkinson’s Disease had already set in, so he smiled and slowly brought out a package of Muslim introduction cards…with his name already signed on them.  He asked my name and proceeded to write “Gus” on the card.  It took him a long time, because he was shaking.  This gave me an opportunity to tell him about Gus Macker and want I did with our tournaments and charities.  He handed me the card…don’t know if he liked my story or not, but smiled and I thanked him and left.  To this day, I wish I had more time with him and didn’t spend the entire time talking about Gus Macker….but when you meet me, you’ll know I have a tendency to ramble on about this event and lifestyle I lead.  

I don’t know if I have it right…but here goes:

Float like a Butterfly,
Sting like a Bee,
You can’t hit,
What you can’t see!

I salute you Muhammad Ali and what you stand for….I hope that I have another opportunity to meet you once more.  This time, let’s talk about you.

We hope everyone in Mackerville pauses today and takes a minute to remember Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech.  The message in that speech captures the spirit of our 3on3 game, especially the Gus Macker driveway roots.

The Macker started in our parents’ driveway in Lowell, Michigan, back in 1974.  At it’s peak, the tournament drew players and fans from across the Midwest…both young and old, rich and poor, male and female, good and bad talent…but above all, it welcomed all races, colors and ethnic groups….the Macker was for all people.  In the pickup game, it didn’t matter who you were…we just wanted to play basketball.

The neighborhood enjoyed the festival and took pride in the fact that this started as a “dream” pickup game that was going “national”.  We are still living the dream today, traveling from town to town recreating what took place in our mom and dad’s driveway.   We embrace the spirit of Martin Luther King’s legacy and celebrate this day with all people, especially hoop enthusiasts who enjoy the pickup game!

Our “ 2012 Tour” includes many new event sites, stretching our game to new regions of the country, such as Atlanta, GA, Arlington, VA, and Greeneville, TN.  We hope that you continue to reach out to us, because numerous additional cities will be added in the next few weeks.

The Winter months are “prep-time” for our staff and community organizers.  We have been busy tweaking our rules, registration materials, upgrading hoop equipment and just generally planning for the best 3on3 basketball festival on Earth!

We want to reach out to you, the player, for new ideas and suggestions on how we can continue to provide the ultimate driveway hoop experience.  Go to our Facebook page and give us your comments.  Our goal in 2012 is to allow you a platform to interact with each other, our staff and the local charities that help put on the Gus Macker Tournaments.  See you on the court!

The 2012 Gus Macker National Conference recently took place in Olean, NY and was a huge success. The weekend was filled with excitement, enthusiasm and we can’t forget the incredible food. Everyone left with new ideas, new friends and renewed energy to make the 2012 tournament season the best ever. A very special Thank You goes out to the Community of Olean, NY for their gracious hospitality.