WEEK 2 - SCOTT & PATTY ARE HERE!

We had waited a whole week for this and the day had finally arrived! SCOTT AND PATTY VISIT DAY! It’s every Macker player’s dream to meet the man who started it all with 17 other guys, or in other words, “the legend made in mom and dad’s driveway.” In a driveway no larger than our classroom, Scott “Gus” McNeal, invented one of the largest basketball tournaments in the country - the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Festival.

Many may not know, but the Gus Macker name was made up from a culmination of nicknames used during the very first tournament Scott held in that Lowell, Michigan driveway. Our TA protege, Mackenzie Miller, had the highest honor of receiving the first nickname of the 2023 season from Scott McNeal himself! T.O. explained to Scott that Mackenzie was a TA in training, but also was taking on some TA responsibilities, so she was in the “in between” stages for an official title. And that is how Mackenzie “Tweener” Miller was born! We can’t wait to see what other nicknames are revealed as we progress through the semester.

Patty or “The Queen of Macker” told us how Scott and his brother Mitch had stuffed all the rules into a folder that she ultimately organized and turned it into the “Magic Manual”; a binder of everything a person could possibly need to know about hosting a Gus Macker tournament!

This is no small feat, especially when she has to remaster it EVERY YEAR! Her work is never truly done! From the Magic Manual to the all-nighter bracket nights in the early years to tournament budgets, she definitely earned her title!

Although Patty had told the boys (Scott and T.O.) “no more gifts”... they just couldn't help themselves. T.O.’s gift to Scott was really a sight to be seen! Reebok had made a Monopoly-specific shoe with the luxury tax emblem plastered all over and a special Mr. Monopoly charm in the laces! The “other Gus” (T.O. & Lori’s mini Goldendoddle named after Gus Macker) was very excited to see what Scott was getting for his present.

This week’s class was full of laughs and shared smiles as Scott walked us through the early days in the 1970s to the present status of Macker. We are so grateful to Scott and Patty for taking their Thursday night to spend it with us and explaining to us what it means to embrace the greatest tournament in the world. It was a true honor to have both of them with us! STAY FIRED UP!