While the rest of the country was caught up in the “March Madness” of college basketball, the real action was taking place in Colorado where the 2nd Annual Home School Basketball Tournament shook the snow-covered Rockies. Intense competition along with fellowship and fun made for a fantastic week.

This year 45 teams representing 11 states and 21 cities competed in four divisions: Senior Boys/Girls and Junior Boys/Girls. Although competition was tight, Kansas City swept the boys’ senior and junior division and San Antonio’s girls took both senior and junior.

The tournament was a success in the eyes of all those involved: coaches, players, organizers, and parents. “I think it’s great,” Jeff Friesen, a player for the Billings, Montana, Knights says enthusiastically. “We have some good competition and some good fellowship too.”

Being able to meet other home schoolers was for many the highlight of the week. Shirley Emis, a mother from Arkansas, explains, The whole experience has been real positive because they get an opportunity to be with other people who have the same views and values. The kids don’t feel different. It’s wonderful.”

Although basketball was the main focus of the week, many other activities were available. “This is really a full-blown home school conference.” says J eb Baird, the tournament coordinator.

Every morning after breakfast a chapel service was held with worship and a brief message. During the day, nature hikes and other guided tours along with sledding, skiing, and horseback riding were available for families. General assemblies in the evenings featured speakers Richard “Little Bear” Wheeler, Michael Farris, Steve Coffman, the Nuttings, and Josh Harris representing New Attitude.

“Everybody is really nice here,” says Amy Arthur, a member of the senior girls’ team from Wheatridge, Colorado. “There is a big difference between the home schoolers’ attitudes and when you go to a public high school to watch them play. The way home schoolers treat the refs, and the way they treat you makes the game a lot more fun.”

On Friday, the final night of the tournament, the awards ceremony was held to honor the winning teams along with the All-Americans and Christian Character winners.

As the week came to a close, everyone came to grips with the fact that it was time to say “goodbye”. Thi5 turned out to be harder than any game during the tournament. “Next year...” was on the lips of everyone.

“I can’t wait till next year,” says Julie Marino of San Diego.” I met people from Denver, Montana, and Texas, and I’m planning on writing to just about all of them. We’re planning on coming back and winning next year.”

Already plans for the 3rd annual tournament are underway. The coaches voted to return to Estes Park in 1994. The future looks bright. “Every year this thing, as it grows, will improve,” says Brazos Coach John Sawer. “We’re at a new stage, and we’re just growing with it.”

San Antonio coach, Jim Leininger, agrees, “I believe, Lord willing, it will be twice as good again next year. We’re hoping to be able to come back to this same location; and if the Lord blesses us with good weather again, we’ll have another great one next year.”