It will be a celebration of basketball’s rich history at Richmond High when the Colts Alumni Tournament tips-off on Saturday.
After a 12-year hiatus, the event returns thanks to the efforts of former Colt Jared Hulme and volunteers from the Recreation Leadership Program at Langara College.
The tournament’s objective is to create a sense of community between the many years of student-athletes that have had the privilege to wear the renowned maroon and silver colours. For all the championships won by the school, the program’s ultimate success is measured in the number of students who have had the opportunity to participate in Colts athletics and how it helped create a positive and lasting sense of belonging and school pride.
Their continued passion for the program will also enhance future teams with all proceeds helping to lessen the cost for hundreds of student athletes to compete in athletics.
Eight men’ teams will be competing including the “Legends” featuring grads from the 1970s and 1980s including past stars Phil Ens, Ron Putzi, Joey de Wit, Brian Tait and Lee Craven. Putzi, Tait and de Wit were key members of the 1988 team that won back-to-back titles and years later was voted as the best-ever in the history of B.C. high school boys basketball.
Another team has talent from the 1990s — also a terrific era in Colts basketball. The remaining entries include 1999-2001, 2002-04, 2005-07, 2011-13 and 2014-16.
Some other notable past players slated to participate include: Pasha Bains Andy Dunn, Louis Johnson, Jesse Tupper, Brian Host, Karlo Villaneuva and Jason Birring.
The day’s festivities will also pay tribute to the Colts' girls' program including the teams that won back-to-back provincial titles in 1992-93.
Both of the school's gyms will see action, starting at noon. The final is slated for 5:30 p.m.
