The 7th Annual Checotah Crossroads Classic has become one of the premier tournaments in eastern Oklahoma. One of the biggest reasons is the relationship between school and the community. The
The 7th Annual Checotah Crossroads Classic has become one of the premier tournaments in eastern Oklahoma. One of the biggest reasons is the relationship between school and the community. The tournament brings hundreds of athletes and thousands of fans in a three-day period. In order for it to be a success multitudes of individuals and businesses unite as one.
“The Crossroads Classic is a lot like an annual family reunion. We get to reunite with fellow coaches, educators, administrators and players both past and present. We are blessed with the opportunity to enjoy a great weekend of fellowship and good competitive basketball. This event has become a time to watch athletes grow up from young freshmen players to quality team leaders. The Crossroads Classic is developing into a tradition that many enjoy and look forward to each January as an annual time to reconnect with our area school families and communities,” Checotah High School Principal Jennifer Campbell said.
“You really just do not realize all the work that goes into making this a success. The help we get from community businesses and parents and other entities is remarkable and greatly appreciated. We take pride in what we do and how we do it. The hospitality room that feeds coaches and others has been outstanding. We always receive compliments on the food and the desserts provided. I especially am grateful to all the coaches and players for making this a truly spectacular event,” Checotah Assistant Principal Jeremy Branchcomb said.
The tournament brings extra income into the community from those fans that eat in the local restaurants, buy gas and other inquiries.
“This is the seventh year of this tournament and speaking from a coache’s standpoint it provides our team and others to play in great facilities with easy access to two main highways that allows for non- local teams to get here in a fast and safe manner. The work that we get from our athletes’ parents and others is what really makes this tournament a family or community event,” Checotah head basketball coach Jason Dowdy said.
