CONARD: Macker fever thrives in summer heat

By GENE CONARD
Tribune columnist

August 11, 2007 09:38 pm

— It was the perfect stage for nose-to-nose, no-holds barred street ball theatrics and those who rank Indiana’s game right behind God and the American flag and dead even with Mom’s apple pie.
The Johanning Civic Center parking lot became a sweltering, 90-degree-plus oasis Saturday for old-timers who still yearn for the stench of sweat and Absorbine Junior; rambunctious teenagers with mountain-size dreams and big-eyed tykes who swear they’re the second coming of Michael Jordan or Larry Bird.
This second of three scheduled Johanning Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball events had all the markings of an NCAA Final Four as some 604 “showtime” crazies from Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, California, Texas, Virginia and Indiana went at each other in true March fashion.
This was not your ordinary picnic variety basketball. Elbows, knees, bumps and lumps were free, and officials handled every situation in calm, almost-sedate fashion. Even the whistles were placid.
To the credit of Johanning executive director Kelly Austin and some 180 volunteers and committee members, who set up Macker shop in January, the show never stuttered once.
If there is such a thing as a basketball “elder statesman,” it has to be Doc Hicks who’s been mesmerizing Macker foes and fans for 20 summers with a flair totally unbecoming a 41-year-old.
Doc and teammates Blair Crawford (an ex-Wildkat and IUPUI player), Dannorris Harvey and Josh Tedder, representing the Hideout Tavern and Pizza, had a stirring match with the Oxmen which involved former Kokomo standouts Lee Coomler, Brian McCauley and Jason Snyder and ex-DePauw player Alex Stewart. McCauley and Snyder are the Kokomo High School boys and basketball coaches.
Doc was typical Doc, but it took a last-second shot by Harvey to decide the issue, 20-18. Harvey is a Georgia native and a fine talent who played at IUPUI.
Asked how he continues to play at a high level, Doc, a Jackson State U. (Jackson, Miss.) graduate who’s played in every Kokomo Macker event, grinned and offered: “I play and work out year round, watch what my diet and just stay in shape.”
Asked why the passion is missing among many of today’s youth, he shook his head and replied: “They have things too easy and don’t want to work or sweat,” a point echoed by several other players.
It was a joy to watch a Northwestern Smokin Aces girls crew of Natalie Appelhans, Audrey Gaither and Lauren Giesecke plus Sam Black of Maconaquah and a Western Silly Slammer team of Jennifer Dale, Kylie Camp, Heather Powers and Brooke Jackson display moves far from ordinary that had Tiger and Panther followers wishing for 2007-08 and dreaming of March.
But there were little “big” guys, too.
Like a 10-year-old Slammer crew composed of Blake Oakley, Spencer Luben, Derek Doubet and Jacob Wagner; an 11-12 Tri-Central 2014 gang with Dalton Davis, Garrett Dick, Seth Blunck and Michael Trine, and a 9-10 Brookside Showtimers team of Kokomo composed of Detariio Slott, Brevin Beard, Kabriah Arett and Jeron Gray
Granted, the passion may not exist among many today. But it was more than glaring Saturday as a cast of 604 Macker performers (ages 9 through 41) spent every hot breath til the final gesture.
The fever was also prevalent on the sidelines. Like, 72-year-old Bob Sumpter — the ultimate sports junkie who’s battled serious illness and numerous hospital visits in recent years — sat through game after game. “I love it,” Bob said. “Anytime there’s a game, I’ll be there.”
Kelly Austin remarked during one of her few breaks: “We only drew 155 teams this year which is below last year’s 252. But the economy had a lot to do with that. We had teams from eight states, the same as last year when Gus Macker National rated our tournament the most organized tourney in the country.
“To me the Macker is another event to showcase Kokomo, and the most rewarding thing has been people coming together for a great effort in making Kokomo fan friendly. I’m honored to be part of that,” Kelly finished.
Basketball is Indiana’s heritage and Kokomo’s game, and to be cast as a Gus Macker player is more than casual recognition. The Johanning Civic Center was a great place to be Saturday. Simply put the opportunity is greater than many realize — even for those who shun horrid things like work and sweat.
Here’s hoping the Macker fever continues.
Gene F. Conard may be reached through the sports department.

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