RACINE, OHIO- The much-anticipated Donkey Basketball Game at Southern High School turned out to be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and excitement on Thursday, March 10!
With Mr. Jordan Pickens emceeing the event, it kicked off with Southern Elementary’s delightful second and third graders singing the “National Anthem.” The students were under the direction of teachers Mrs. Katie Ash, Mr. Zach Ash, Mrs. Laurie Connelly, Mrs. Ashley Neal, and Mr. Jordan Warden.
Hundreds of enthusiastic spectators gathered to witness a unique spectacle: teams battling it out on the basketball court while trying to stay atop their playful donkeys! The furry stars of the evening were graciously provided by Dairyland Donkey Ball, LLC from Chippewa Falls, WI, adding an extra layer of fun to the event.
The competition featured four spirited teams vying for the title of donkey basketball champions:
Syracuse Raiders: Under the guidance of Syracuse Mayor David Poole, this team featured players Keith Carroll, Aimee Carroll, Sean Coppick, Dylan Smith, Chelsea Poole, Caitie Young, Madison Beaver and Bradley McCoy, ready to show their skills and keep their balance!
Racine Royals: Coached by Racine Mayor Scott Hill, the Royals included John Hoback, Nathan Roush, Emily Norris, Deana Roush, Charlie Pyles, Tim Sands, Austin Beaver, and Dax Holman, all revved up to make a mark on the court.
Heehaw Hoopsters: Made up of Southern stars, this team boasted a lineup that included Southern Local Schools Superintendent Mr. Tony Deem, Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto, Jonna Manuel Turley, and several dedicated teachers and staff members, including Mr. Zachary Manuel, Mrs. Kayte Manuel, Mr. Brian Allen, Mr. Jeff Caldwell, and Mr. Nick Hicks.
Dunkin Donkeys: Representing the Southern Elementary staff and coached by Elementary Principal Tricia McNickle and Mr. Chris Stout, this team featured Southern’s Federal Program Director Bethany Bay, Mr. Cody Patterson, Ms. Laken Bartlett, Mr. Brandon Marcinko, Ms. Ashley Zielinski, Mrs. Jordan Warden, Mr. Jack Lyons, Mrs. Michelle Evans, Mrs. Laurie Connolly, and Mr. Philip Hoffman, all ready to cheer each other on and enjoy the friendly competition!
As the night unfolded in laughter and cheers, the excitement reached a peak. The Syracuse Raiders claimed victory in this delightful donkey basketball showdown! Congratulations to the champions!
This whimsical event supported worthy causes, raising funds for the Southern Future Farmers of America (FFA), Ohio River Producers, and Southern Local’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). We would like to thank agricultural teacher Ms. Jenna Meeks and PTO members for all the hard work and planning for the event.
Alongside the captivating games, attendees were treated to a raffle full of fantastic prizes and delicious concessions prepared by dedicated volunteers from the Ohio River Producers.
Leading up to the event, students and staff participated in a fun contest to see which administrator would “pucker up” to smooch the donkey! The choices were Mr. Deem, Mr. Otto, Ms. Bay, and Tricia McNickle—all in good fun for just a penny per vote. As the donations rolled in, the results were finalized, and Mr. Otto took home the title of “Donkey Kisser”! What a fantastic sport!
During one of the donkey basketball games, there was a slight delay when a “fallout” happened. Within a few minutes, the Sanitation Crew had it cleaned up and the fun continued. The Sanitation Crew members were Nathanial Nero, Tucker Hupp, Henry Smith, Peyton Milliron, John Scott, and Tyler Neal.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous sponsors for making the Donkey Basketball event possible: Rhino Self Storage, Peoples Bank, The Local Butcher, Darrell Norris and Sons Greenhouses, RJ Hupp Auto Sales, Home National Bank, Shade River Ag, and the Southern Tornado Alumni Association.
We would also like to thank all the volunteers who made this event possible. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
