Published Friday, March 22, 2002
HOYLE TOURNAMENT
Lack of interest could bring Hoyles to an endBy Jeff Greenburg
Herald Sports Editor
The Sharon Lions Club/W.U. Hoyle Basketball Tournament of Champions is scheduled to tip off Wednesday at Sharon High School.
But there almost wasn't a 65th edition -- and there may not be a 66th -- as Sharon Lions Club officials confirmed Thursday they have mulled dropping the long-running and storied event for lack of community interest.
"(That could happen) unless what we see in the way of attendance or interest this year would warrant continuing it," said tournament co-director Jim Bestwick. "We're hoping the second year of doing this (county all-star format) will make a difference."
A tournament that once brought sell-out crowds to Sharon has seen its fan base continually decline over the last decade. It's a trend, the Lions believe, will continue.
"There are a number of factors behind the decline in overall interest and attendance at the games," said Sharon Lions president John Thiel.
Among those cited by Thiel were:
And it's not just the Hoyles that are suffering. Few all-star events, even those on a national stage, can fill large arenas anymore. The Solon Tournament, hosted near Cleveland, is a prime example according to Thiel.
"They have big sponsors like Nike and bring in lots of good kids," he said. "But they also don't fill the stands."
Despite the fact the tournament has been the charitable organization's biggest yearly fundraiser -- netting the group, and along with it many local charities, an average of $8,000 per year -- it's possible area fans could be witnessing its final chapter, at least in the current format and time of the year.
"It was something that was mentioned," Thiel said, confirming reports that suggested the Lions discussed not holding this year's tourney. "And we're exploring what we want to do for next year in 2003. There is a question mark on the Hoyles in 2003 and what we're going to do."
Both Thiel and Bestwick said there has been some discussion among the Lions in looking into the possibility of hosting an 8-team, in-season tournament, possibly at Christmas-time such as the one currently held at Blackhawk, or a tip-off tournament in late-November or early-December. Ideally, the event would feature four local teams and four out-of-town squads.
So, if the current version of The Hoyles comes to an end, Bestwick said, "if it's at all possible, we'll try to put it (a new event) together for this year. If not, then for 2003. It just might not be feasible for this year."