Breakfast Has Become A Big Part Of WOBM Classic

We are just six days away from the start of the 38^th Annual WOBM Christmas Classic.  For those unfamiliar it is a 32-team high school basketball tournament that will take place at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena on the campus of Toms River High School North.

The tournament is somewhat unique compared to other holiday events of its kind and one of the big reasons is the Tipoff Breakfast which was held on Monday at The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Toms River.  For what I believe was the 27^th time the hotel and banquet facility hosted some 260 players, coaches and guests, serving a full breakfast which sort of serves as the unofficial start to the tournament.  I can’t thank General Manager Kevin Hanfield enough for the outstanding job they do and generosity for hosting this event.

As the founder/director I occupied most of the time at the microphone (so what else is new).  Toms River Schools Superintendent Mike Citta welcomed the players and coaches and said the district was proud to host the tournament’s 48 games which will be played in both the main arena and North High School gym.

Also speaking with Neil Bryant, the Vice President of Operations at Community Medical Center/RWJBarnabas Health.  They sponsor the awarding of eight, $500 scholarships to now graduated players who participated as seniors in last year’s tournament.  Those awards are based on the performance of student/athletes in the classroom and not on the basketball court.  As part of their many community-based programs the hospital has provided the funding for these scholarships over the past several years.

We are truly lucky to have such outstanding sponsorship support from Jersey Mike’s, The Causeway Family of Dealerships in Manahawkin, Seaview Orthopaedics, Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, The Office Lounge in Toms River, Surf Taco and more.

All 32 teams will play their first-round games on Monday, December 26 with action beginning at 10am and going well into the evening.  For the schedule and more visit shoresportsnetwork.com