by Maggi Painter

            SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The second annual Trainers vs. Trainers Basketball Tournament took place Friday, Feb. 24, 2007, at the Shelbyville Recreation Center. The evening was to benefit the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the WHTA Youth Council Members in Need Crisis Fund. The goal was to raise $10,000 for the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. By doing so the Youth Council would be awarded a plaque with their name in the main hallway of the hospital. In the end, they raised $11,000!

            There were four teams ranging from 10–12 players each. The blue team was coached by Rodney Dick and Mike Civils, while the white team was coached by Jeff Willis and Steve Aymett. The red team was coached by Joe Cotten and Roger Richards and the yellow team was coached by Ronnie Spears and Allan Callaway. The referees for the evening were Senator Jim Tracy, Tony Temple and Dr. John Bennett.

            For the second year in a row Rodney Dick and his blue team captured the championship title. The blue team beat the white team in overtime 36-33. MVPs were Casey Wright and Herbert Derickson for the blue team, Sam Perkins for the white team, Brock Tillman for the yellow team and Josh Jackson for the red team.

            Howard Promotions provided the t-shirts for the players. The Walking Horse Report sponsored the halftime event with a chance to win a front and back cover. Cash McCall’s name was again drawn this year to shoot from half court for the front cover. Although the ball did not make it in the basket, Mr. McCall received a full-page black and white ad. Terry Williamson of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., was drawn to attempt the lay up, free throw and the three-point shot in 30 seconds. Williamson did make the lay up and free throw but missed the three-point shot. For her great effort Ms. Williamson also received a full-page black and white ad.

            Special thanks goes to the sponsors for making this event another huge success:  Virginia Stewart and Evergreen Farms of Shelbyville, Tenn., for sponsoring the rental of the Recreation Center; Doss Farms of Cullman, Ala.; Waterfall Farms of Shelbyville, Tenn.; David Williams of Columbia, Tenn.; Dr. John Brundige of Sugar Grove, Ill., for sponsoring the concession stand; Corner Cleaners for sponsoring the water for the players; Don and Lucky Collins and Evergreen Farms for sponsoring the awards given at the end of the tournament; Connie Bryant and Hillview Farm for donating $25 for every three-point shot made; and the customers of David Landrum stables for donating  $25 for every free throw.

            There are also some people that need to be thanked for their time: Irene Spears, Yvonne Aymett, Karen Callaway, Joyce Marie Green, Erica and Maria Derickson, Jenna Hamilton, Jerry Harris, Jill Derickson, Bumpus Harley Davidson, Jeffery Howard, Christy Howard Parsons, the coaches and of coarse the trainers.