By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
A basketball game was played. There was a winner. However, in the end, it was all to raise money for ALS.
"It was all for a good cause. It was a fun atmosphere," said Thomas More Prep-Marian student council sponsor Emma Stroyan, who not only helped her students plan the event but also played in the game.
The planning began at TMP in August 2023 for a student service project. That quickly transformed into an idea to include Hays High School's student council for a combined effort.
The student council members from both schools made plans, had lunch together and was ready to go in March. The original date though was scrapped due to terrible weather conditions that threatened the safety of any one attending the event.
One month later the game was moved to Hays High.
A large student section showed up for both schools, helping create the night's rivalry. Each school's pep bands also played.
In addition to the game, half-court shots were taken to win prizes, raffle prizes were given away and a three-point contest was conducted at halftime. Two students from TMP won the shooting contest, leaving Hays High student council sponsor Alan Neal to receive a whipped cream pie to the face.
"We didn't know what to expect. Awesome turnout. Kids were here, kids were rowdy. ... But an amazing fun night," Neal said. He also gives full credit to TMP and its STUCO for the idea and for initiating contact with Hays High.
A traveling trophy was awarded to TMP, who won the game 49-41. Likely, though, the most important stat of the night was the zero injuries suffered by the staff members. The hope is that the game will remain a yearly collaboration through the change of student council members from year to year. $1,400 was raised in the inaugural event.