ASHLAND – Twelve Ashland Middle School and elementary staff members are teaming up to take on a group of high-flying hoops Wizards to benefit Taft Intermediate and Edison Elementary playgrounds.
The Harlem Wizards will visit the Ashland High School gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
The Wizards were founded in 1962 and have played more than 15,000 games across the country, raising more than $25 million for schools and other charitable causes.
The event will feature a variety of fun, interactive activities, including contests, comedy, audience participation, merchandise giveaways. The Wizards are known for their rim-rattling slam dunks, and their signature dance extravaganza which will close the show.
“We are delighted to host the Wizards,” said Wendy Anderson, event chairperson. “They are superb showmen who deliver fantastic all-ages entertainment for a great cause.”
When she first approached staff about playing against the Wizards, there initially was some hesitation. But once excitement about the event started to grow, her recruitment efforts went much more easily.
“Now, when I see people around town, they’re like ‘How can I play in that game,’” Anderson said.
Two Ashland High School students, Dylan Counts and Noah Ludwig , created a video for the event, featuring the Ashland team showing off their basketball skills. Anderson said their creation has been a great marketing tool to create a buzz about the game.
“I already have staff that want to play next year. So that’s really exciting to have that kind of response from the staff. Once they could see the video and how it turned out and what it’s all about, they are very excited now,” Anderson said.
The Ashland All-Stars will be coached by Ashland City Schools Supt. Doug Marrah.
The All-Stars were able to get creative with their jersey numbers, creating their own personalized numbers. Nicole Brodie chose PK3, because she is principal of Reagan Elementary School, which houses Pre-K through third grade.
Other All-Star team members include Karina McFrederick, second grade teacher at Edison Elementary; Steve Paramore, assistant principal at Ashland Middle School; Amy Chandler, third grade teacher at Reagan; Christy Vance, computer paraprofessional at Edison; Karen Cole, fifth grade teacher at Taft Intermediate; Emily Eikleberry, preschool teacher at Reagan; Brooke McGaffick, eighth grade math teacher at Ashland Middle School; Brad Mumaw, physical education teacher at Edison; Carrie Hubler, fourth grade teacher at Taft; Scott Sauder, physical education teacher at Ashland Middle School; and JimvVisintine, second grade teacher at Reagan.
Tickets are $8 for students in advance and $10 at the door and $10 for adults in advance and $12 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit www.harlemwizards.com.
