Final Week

The Macker Wrap Up

In December of last year, thirty students were given a title and job description. In January, we began a course that set us apart from all others in the Recreation and Event Management major and minor. In February, we put on our first event as a class, broke our first record, and voluntarily jumped into freezing water as a team at the Polar Plunge. In March, we promoted Gus Macker like crazy online and on campus showing everyone the passion that makes this event possible. In April, we blew the seven previous tournaments out of the water by breaking every record there was to break and we put on a successful Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Festival despite those April showers. Now in May, we concluded the class yesterday with a serious sense of accomplishment and friendships that will follow us throughout our lives. 

Tournament Weekend: Day 1

Opening Ceremonies was a really sweet experience that I hope Macker fans enjoyed as well. Central Harmony sang the National Anthem and afterwards our class spread over Dream Court to do the Oompa Loompa dance. It was revealed that our professor, Tim Otteman, and a previous professor of the course, Lori Irwin, would be inducted in the Gus Macker Hall of Fame for the 45th year of Gus Macker. The head of the Recreation and Leisure Services Department, Bob Frost, took the Do or Die Shot, and with some minor hiccups, was able to make the basket to begin the festival.

Our record turn out of over 250 teams really showed with how packed Finch Fieldhouse was! The music was fun, Dream Court was lively, Bracketville was keeping up with results, and most importantly people were having a great time. That's when a tough decision had to be made. Michigan weather struck again and it was clear that Sunday was going to downpour over all of the outdoor courts. We adopted the rain back up plan, shortened the length of games by a little, and switched to going by game numbers and not game times. Court Captains and officials were real troopers and stayed late to give everyone their playing time!

Tournament Weekend: Day 2

The jazz music ushered in the final day of the tournament which seemed to come too quickly! All of the outdoor courts had finished their games, and the remaining teams played inside Finch Fieldhouse. The April showers had their last laugh, but it brought out the best qualities in the Macker Staff and my fellow classmates who tore down the outdoor courts in the rain. They persevered through the nasty weather and kept a positive attitude throughout. This was the first time a Gus Macker Basketball Festival was rained out in Mt. Pleasant and because of the endurance of our team we made it a successful tournament. 

The Volunteer Party

On Sunday after tear down, we had a volunteer party to thank those who made this event possible. This is also planned by a member of the class and part of the experience we get in RPL 333SL. During this time appreciation is given, stories shared, and gifts exchanged. Our professors took the time to acknowledge each student one by one and really express their contribution to this course. It was a special time shared by family, friends, and colleagues alike. 

The Take Away

This has become a very long post and I apologize, but there is no quick way to summarize how this class not only provides crucial professional experience, but also creates a unique family from strangers. When students from the past seven years who are now professionals in the industry take the time to wish the newest class luck before beginning tournament weekend, you know something was done right in this program. I am so proud of how well our class bonded, worked together, and executed the most successful semester in the history of RPL 333SL. This is because of the atmosphere of Finch Fieldhouse, the wisdom and decision making of our professors, the energy of our teaching assistants, and the drive of our students. Never forget that with the right attitude, the right people, and all the right reasoning anything is possible. 

Thank you for reading week after week! Your support of this class is another huge part of what made this all possible. Fire up forever!