MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Jan. 19, 2016) - The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department will host the 21st Annual Jim Ryckman Senior Basketball Tournament on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 8:00AM, sponsored by Franke at Seaside and The Hoove. Games are held at MPRD’s Park West gym, 1251 Park West Blvd., and the tournament marks a chance for teams from across the Southeast to compete for championship titles in age divisions ranging from 50-70+.
In the past, teams have traveled from Columbia, Darlington, Georgetown and Greenville, South Carolina, as well as from Brunswick County, Charlotte and Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Tennessee to compete.
The tournament began in 1994 as a post-season tournament for the Mount Pleasant Senior Primetimers, 3-on-3 Basketball League, to compete against other teams in the area. Two years later, the competition was renamed the Jim Ryckman Tournament, in memory of a fellow Mount Pleasant senior basketball player.
The Mount Pleasant Senior Primetimers, a highly active group of seniors, ages 50 and older, are excited to compete this year. They meet on Saturday mornings for some friendly competition and to prepare for the tournament. Tony Butler, Senior Primetimer, has been playing in the league and tournament for 10 years. His love for the game and the opportunity to live young again keeps him coming back each year. “It’s fun to act like a 19-year-old again, or think you can”. Butler, encourages seniors to join the league because it’s great exercise and everyone has a lot of fun. “If we can do it, you can do it.”
How to Register for the Jim Ryckman Tournament: You must have a minimum of 3 players to compete, and you can have a maximum of 6 players on your roster. Forms are available at the Senior Center, 840 Von Kolnitz Rd. or online in the quick links section of the Senior Center page at www.mtpleasantrec.com/seniorcenter .
Early Bird Registration is $55 per team and ends Jan. 25, 2016. Late registration is $65 per team and closes on Feb. 12, 2016. Registration forms and payment must be postmarked by Feb. 12 and mailed to the Mount Pleasant Senior Center, 840 Von Kolnitz Rd. - Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. For more information, contact Kristen Briley at (843) 865–2166.