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Hope Classic is coming to Struthers
By STEVE WILAJ
STRUTHERS
Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti has fond memories of the Struthers Field House.
“I remember in 1982 I watched Andre the Giant when they used to have professional wrestling shows [in Struthers],” he said. “He had to do a full duck to come out, and I got to shake his hand.”
Thirty years later, the Struthers Field House hopes to create more memorable moments when it hosts the Hope Classic: High School Basketball Showcase this winter.
“We’re really honored to be the host city of this event,” said Struthers Mayor Terry Stocker during a press conference in the Field House on Wednesday. “We know how much it means for the Hope Foundation to come here.”
The Hope Classic — presented by the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning County — will take place Dec. 8. The one-day event will feature two varsity girls basketball games and three varsity boys basketball games.
“This is something that will show great match-ups and it will have great action,” said Joe Schiavoni, State Senator of the 33rd District of Ohio.
Along with host Struthers, which will have its boys and girls teams participate, the other local boys teams are Ursuline and LaBrae.
Out of town participants are: Rocky River Magnificat girls, Notre Dame Cathedral Latin boys and girls, Canton Central Catholic girls, Seton Academy boys (South Holland, Ill.), and Akron St. Vincent-St Mary’s boys.
“This as a whole will bring a lot of people to the community,” Traficanti said. “And it brings attention here about certain needs and special needs that sometimes go undetected.”
All proceeds of the Hope Classic will go towards the Hope Foundation’s continued efforts to help chronically and terminally ill children.
“It’s quite an honor to play in this event because it’s more than a game,” said John Grandy, head coach of the Struthers girls.
Struthers boys coach Joe Savko agreed.
“We’re honored to play in our home gym for the Hope Foundation,” Savko said of the event, where one ticket buys access to all five games. “This is helping needy people in the community and around the world.”
Savko’s Wildcats will play game two of the showcase at 3:45 p.m. against Notre Dame Cathedral Latin. They will be preceded by Magnificat vs. Notre Dame Cathedral Latin girls, which will begin at 2 p.m.
The Struthers girls will then play Canton Central Catholic at 5:30 p.m., followed by Ursuline’s boys vs. LaBrae at 7 p.m.
The event will conclude with Seton Academy against Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s at 8:30 p.m.
“I’m looking forward to December 8,” Stocker said. “I’m sure it will be a great show for everybody and I’m looking forward to meeting all the coaches and players that will be participating.”