Basketball tourney provides funding boost for Three Lakes Fish and Wildlife group

The Three Lakes Fish and Wildlife Improvement Association staged its 31st annual Youth Basketball Tournament March 7, drawing 26 boys and girls teams from across central and northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Athletes in fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades competed in the all-day event at Three Lakes High School, coming from as far away as Stevens Point, Ironwood, Ontonagon and Wakefield. The Menominee Eagles entered five teams.

Tournament Coordinator Dave Goldsworthy said the tournament ran smoothly once again thanks to Fish and Wildlife board members and other volunteers.

That included some high school students who ran score clocks and kept scorebooks for the more than 30 games that were played along with dozens of volunteer referees.

“We couldn’t run this event without the numerous, long-term volunteers, some of whom spend many weeks registering teams, creating brackets, buying concessions and lining up help,” said Goldsworthy. “Visiting parents and coaches tell us all the time that this is one of their favorite tournaments.”

Fish and Wildlife President Chris Blicharz said proceeds from the event go toward a host of projects that impact youth and education, including support for school field trips and special projects such as the honey bee program.

“The organization maintains one of the most extensive school wildlife displays in Wisconsin, supports the school’s fishing team and trap shooting team, and purchases needed equipment for other outdoor sports programming,” he said. “Tournaments like this provide much-needed experience for young athletes.”

The tournament wouldn’t be possible without the facilities and personnel of the Three Lakes School District, as it takes three gyms with nonstop games, a commercial kitchen and a large commons area to accommodate all of the teams and their parents.

Blicharz said the organization also provides the Doug Koshuta Scholarship to college students studying in natural resources, conservation law enforcement and related fields.

“All of the money raised in any of our events, including our big Wild Game Feed on the second Saturday in June, stays here for local programs that improve fish and wildlife habitat and facilities for hunters and anglers,” he said.