It Was A Nice Run

While it officially ended almost two weeks ago I have some unfinished business when it comes to the WOBM Christmas Classic.  As you likely know the 40^th annual high school basketball tournament was the last for me and WOBM.  I have been very upfront in saying the decision to stop after such a long run was mine and I won’t bore you again with the reasons.  At the same time I am happy that a group has stepped forward and is making plans to run an event that will mirror ours next December at the RWJBarnabas Arena.  My only involvement is to wish them much success.

What I would like you to know is that the WOBM Christmas Classic was a perfect example of “it takes a village to run a 32-team basketball tournament.”  I apologize for reshaping the meaning of an important quote for something less important but I wanted to make a point.  I have not only been surrounded by a dedicated and hard-working staff made up of Joe Arminio, Paul Barnoski, Jim Hibbs, Ed Sarluca and Billy Madigan but a generous group of long-time sponsors who have enabled us to run a first-class event.

Let me start with my friends at The Causeway Family of Dealerships who were sponsors from the first year in 1984 until the end.  The Wintrode Family along with Joe Stroffolino were always there when I needed them and I can’t thank them enough.  The same for Jersey Mike’s, our presenting sponsor for the past few years and a great supporter.  Time does not allow me to list everyone but those that really stepped up for many years were Kevin Hanfield & Bob Van Bochove from The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Nick Pagano and the Office Restaurant & Lounge, Dave & Mike Manzo from Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, Rob Cavanaugh and Community Medical Center and among others my friends at Wallach’s Farm Market & Deli, Klee’s Bar & Grill, Mulberry Street Italian Food Center, Buffalo Wild Wings and last my not least my friend and trophy guy Scott Ritchie.  Also thanks to Ocean County College our host for the first half of our 40-year run and the fans who spent part of their holiday season watching boys and girls play basketball.