Union Shooting Hoops for Over 50 Years

Back in the 70’s, all four original Lakota elementary buildings had school basketball teams. The 54 year tradition is still going strong at Union Elementary, with around 140 students in grades 3-6 participating each year. 

“The Union Basketball program builds great morale in the building and the community. Everybody from beginners to advanced players are on the teams,” said Instructional Aide Tara Schulte who serves as an assistant coach for the program. “The beginners learn from the advanced players and the advanced learn how to be better team players and leaders.”

Union Basketball runs from November through February, wrapping up in time for parents to begin putting together teams for March Madness. (March Madness is a charity and community-sponsored basketball tournament in which Lakota students in grades 2-6 can participate to represent their school and help raise money for local causes.)

The program at Union runs from 3:15 – 6:30 p.m., depending upon the grade level. There are both boys and girls teams. 

The program also helps students stay on track in school. Vincent and Schulte work with teachers and know if a student has had a good or bad day. School always comes first.

“Kids can walk out of the classroom and onto the gym floor!,” said Teacher Jamie Vincent, coach for Union Basketball. “Kids love to play basketball, and the program provides students with some exercise and gives them the basics of how to play the game of basketball. Each student receives a t-shirt, and they wear it with pride on game day.”

He added, “I have some of the kids in my classes, and they get excited when it is game day. The kids will repeat some of the coaching ‘speak’ we use in the program like ‘power dribble’ or ‘set a pick’. It’s actually quite hilarious.”

The highlight of the program is the tournament for each grade level. Students show great sportsmanship whether they win the tournament or lose in the first round. The winner receives a gold medal, and the runner-up receives a silver medal. Each team also gives out an MVP trophy and a ‘Most Coachable’ ribbon.

“It is a very cool program which gives so many kids an opportunity to be a part of a team, and play a sport they may not otherwise have a chance to play,” said Teacher Suzanne Tunney. “As a special educator, I also love that our students with disabilities are also able to participate! It’s an awesome program!”

Students love the program too. Students who play in other leagues along with playing at Union Elementary have commented that their coaches say how much they improved over the course of the season. One parent said playing in the Union Basketball program has given her child more confidence.

As one student put it, “It’s fun to be with just your school mates and play against them.”