Week 2

The Man Behind the Macker

In class on Thursday we met Scott McNeal, Patty Donovan, and Rob "The Big Chalupa" Burgan. It was a highly anticipated moment for all of us in RPL 333SL. We knew for this semester to be a success we would all have to, "drink the Kool-aid," as Tim Otteman would say. Not only did Scott McNeal and his team give us metaphorical Kool-aid, they also shared what makes this tournament a great experience for everyone involved. 

Scott introduced us to his business, and it was an honor to learn just how much he trusts us with his name and reputation. He emphasized the culture of Gus Macker. Since it started in his driveway in Lowell, Michigan, the Gus Macker Basketball Festival has been bringing families, communities, and cities together with love for the sport. The heart of Gus Macker truly consists of community relationships and the family-friendly atmosphere that has past generations bringing their kids back to enjoy. 

Patty Donovan demonstrated through the Macker business model how far our fundraising efforts would go in creating a successful festival, and how cities make Gus Macker possible. Most importantly though, she taught us the value of personal relationships. She encourages others to, "Talk on the phone or face to face, know how people are feeling," when communicating. In a field where miscommunication can lead to a disastrous event turnout, little tips like that can make a huge difference in our future careers.

Rob discussed the app they are developing for the tournament to help communication with participants. This app would allow for immediate bracket updates, weather alerts, and make court assignments easier to access for players and supporters alike. We are not sure when the app will be complete, but when it is, it will definitely improve the Gus Macker experience!

Overall our class learned a lot about what it means to be a Macker host. Together we all took a big step towards making the tournament a reality, and as a class we would like to thank Scott, Patty, and Rob for coming and sharing their love for the Gus Macker Basketball Festival. 

If you would like to keep in touch with the RPL 333SL class and our sweet adventures, follow us on social media! 

💜 Facebook: CMU Gus Macker
💚 Instagram: cmugusmacker
💛 Snapchat: CMUGusMacker
💙 Twitter: CMUGusMacker

Here's a golden ticket opportunity for you too! Come join us Thursday, February 23rd at 7 p.m for our Launch Party! There will be drink specials, Charlie's Chicken Buckets, and a silent auction full of exciting items. Come support our class! 

Week 1

Welcome to the Finch Factory!

Hello dedicated Macker fans, my name is Jessica Swanson, and you can think of me as your online guide through the process of planning a Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Central style!

Every year Central Michigan University has the unique privilege of putting on a Gus Macker Basketball Festival. The responsibility of planning this event falls on the shoulders of one college class guided by two amazing professors, Tim Otteman and Brittany Milan, within the hallowed halls of Finch Fieldhouse. This course was created to give students an incredible hands on experience with event planning, and it has become a golden ticket opportunity in the college careers of recreation students.

             (Tim Otteman and Brittany Milan)

                 (RPL 333SL Class: Spring 2017)

Throughout these next four months you can expect to hear about several incredible people whom we could not put on this festival without, upcoming dates, and ways you can participate in the fun alongside us. I will also be including the life lessons my peers and I learn as a way to document our personal journey as a class. 

It is my most sincere hope that all of you reading this blog feel the excitement and energy we feel as we prepare for the best classroom experience of our lives and the best Gus Macker Basketball Festival Central Michigan University has ever seen! If you would like to participate in the tournament beginning April 29th through the 30th, registration will be opening up soon. For now you can follow us on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, and Snapchat as well as learn updates from our weekly blog.

Social Media

💜 Facebook: CMU Gus Macker
💚 Instagram: cmugusmacker
💙 Twitter: CMUGusMacker
💛 Snapchat: CMUGusMacker

And if you haven't guessed it by now, let me introduce you to this year's theme!

       🔥Fire up for Gus Macker 2017!🔥