On November 30, the Haldane alumni relived high school sports’ glory and rush. Ranging from the class of 2024 to the class of 1974, a roster spanning 50 years, the former students played a fun and competitive basketball game.
Twenty-six alumni arrived for the event, which took place in the school’s big gym. The event also consisted of an enthusiastic audience, a concession stand, and a moment of applause for the current varsity basketball teams. There were also a few shooting competitions during half-time, open to all who attended. The winners, sophomore Connor Keegan and senior Nathaniel Stickle were rewarded with gift cards.
The former students were divided into two teams, White and Blue, for the game itself. Each team had a group of under-forty-year-old players and over-forty-year-old players. During the first quarter, the under-forty groups played against each other. The over-forty groups took their place as soon as the next quarter began, and the game continued. Thus, the teams played a two-games-in-one system as the groups swapped places every quarter.
The players were evenly matched, and the score was close. During the third quarter, Blue slowly took the lead, making shot after shot while White was falling behind. However, with a swift comeback, White overtook Blue within the last few minutes of the game. The final score was 75-71, White being victorious.
After the intense showdown, the alumni met up with old classmates, talked to their coach, and revisited a sport they played in high school. So, who came up with this? Joe Virgadamo, the varsity boys’ basketball team coach and the head of the school’s basketball program.
In an interview, Virgadamo explained the history behind this Haldane tradition. He brainstormed some plans and ideas when he took charge of the school’s basketball program in 2006. “I wrote a list of what I wanted to do,” he said, “and I was like, ‘It would be fun to bring all the alumni.’ ”
The school approved the idea, and the first alumni game was hosted shortly thereafter. Virgadamo said their first attempt was less organized than the most recent one. Instead of ordering custom shirts for the alumni, they ended up wearing old jerseys. On top of that, the event was too long. Despite that, the school began to host the games annually.
As more games were hosted, new ideas and elements were introduced and changed. “We kinda try to make it as big as we can…” Virgadamo said, “[while] making sure it’s not too long of a night.”
Over time, the original alums got older, and new alums fresh out of high school also wanted to play. This led to a two-games-in-one system where the under-forty players face off until the quarter ends. Then, the over-forty players take over and play for the entire next quarter.
Later, a segment was added where both the varsity boys’ basketball and the varsity girls’ basketball teams were praised. Virgadamo also said there used to be a one-versus-one shooting competition, which they stopped implementing a few years ago. “I change it year to year,” he said, “but most of the time, I look back at the previous itinerary and say, ‘That worked pretty well; let’s do it again.’ ”
Virgadamo also emphasized how the community works together. People around the area support local events like the Alumni Basketball Games. As a result, they contribute by giving money and resources. Jon Champlin, a participant from the class of 1989, helps find sponsors who can fund and set up the event. Carter’s Restaurant and Lounge owner also donated gift cards as prizes for the half-court shooting competitions.
Virgadamo isn’t the only one who enjoyed seeing the community coming together. Ryder Griffin, a high school junior and varsity boys basketball player, marveled at how the alumni came together. Even though alumni no longer play for their high school teams, the memories they developed compelled them to return to the court and have some fun. In his words, he felt “a sense of community.”
Zane Del Pozo, another high school junior and player on the varsity boys’ basketball team, added that despite having a drastic range of ages, people can still get along. “And I think that’s just special,” he said. “It shows how high school and high school sports can really bring people together and create a lifetime bond.”
