By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Mesquite Senior Games (MSG) held its annual basketball skills event on Saturday, March 16 at the Rec Center gymnasium on Old Mill Road.
The event, which drew 16 registered participants, included three categories: free throws, Hot Shot, and 3-point shooting.
Krista Kilpatrick, a new board member for MSG, volunteered to be the event’s director.
“This is my first year doing this, so I’m leaning on Nicole (Burton), as well as other board members to ensure it goes off without a hitch,” Kilpatrick explained prior to the competition, noting she was familiar with the skills contests and played basketball as a kid and in college.
Burton pointed out that Zach Robison, who transferred to the city’s Public Works Dept., had been the “driving force” behind the yearly basketball showcase.
“Krista has been amazing to work with,” Burton said. “I will help her take over as event director while being the main scorekeeper for the Hot Shot portion. My role this year was to ensure a smooth transition in handing this event back over to Mesquite Senior Games.”
Ubiquitous MSG President Sandy Tudor and sports director Shaun Edwards welcomed and instructed all attendees beforehand.
Visiting from St. George, Utah, was avid basketball fan John Gargulak, who said an acquaintance at Washington City Rec Center recommended that he take part in the Mesquite contest.
“I do ok, but the competition here is really good,” said Gargulak, who played hoops in high school and has participated in the MSG showcase since 2019.
He said that he loves the Mesquite Rec Center’s facilities and the opportunity to stay active.
“Basketball is good exercise and gets me to the gym,” Gargulak explained.
Elsewhere, Susan Perry sat courtside watching her husband, Don, shooting baskets. He had previously been active in track and field, his wife explained, before being sidelined by an injury.
“We both like basketball, so I’m here to support Don,” said Perry, a resident of Lehi, Utah who cheers for the NBA’s Jazz.
The skills contests, which require only non-marking “court” footwear, comprised the following: 25 shot attempts from the foul line; 60 seconds to shoot from various spots (“Hot Shot”) on the court with different point values; and the 3-point challenge consisting of five balls from as many racks.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to male and female participants in nine different divisions, ranging from age 50 to 90-plus.
The cost to register for MSG competitions is $30 per person; $5 per event, plus $5 Fuseport fee. Rules are posted online at mesquiteseniorgames.org/basketball.
“It’s always amazing to see the talent that shows up for any MSG event,” Burton said.
