Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/62711
WHO NEEDS the WAC this month, from April 27–29. More than 300 players from around the country are expected to compete. "We're really looking forward to showing off the WAC, the city of Seattle and the Club's basketball culture," says Vice President Athletics Wayne Milner. The WAC will enter teams in all seven divisions: Open, A, says. "They'll represent the WAC with great energy, passion and commitment." A tipoff reception for players will be held on Thursday night, April 26. Former Seattle SuperSonics player and coach Lenny Wilkens will be the guest speaker. AA (over 35), Masters (over 45), Golden Masters (over 55), Platinum (over 60) and Women's. The WAC Golden Masters won the title at last year's national tournament, held in Detroit. "Our players have been working extremely hard," Wayne MARCH MADNESS? I National basketball tournament tips off at WAC f the end of March Madness has you down, worry no more. The 17th annual North American Association of Club Athletic Directors (NACAD) national basketball tournament returns to Tournament games will take place from Friday through Sunday in the 8th Floor Gym at the WAC and at the Connolly Center at Seattle University. The Club will operate a shuttle for spectators and players. It will make ongoing round trips between the venues every 20 minutes throughout the tournament. The elite Open Division features many former Division I players, sometimes including those who finished their college careers only weeks earlier. "This tournament is TOURNEY SCHEDULES a rare opportunity for working professionals who have played basketball at very high levels to come together like this," says Chris Sheeks, coach of the WAC Open and A division teams and a player on the AA squad. "NACAD offers players a chance to keep playing competitive basketball, and spectators will enjoy the impressive level of play. It's a very exciting brand of basketball." It's also a great way for participants to create new friendships Tournament schedules will be posted in WAC athletic venues and in the main lobby. Shuttle service to and from Seattle University will leave from the front of the WAC every 20 minutes from Friday through Sunday, April 27–29. For more information, contact Athletics Program Manager Darin Barr at dbarr@wac.net or 206.464.3074. NACAD SEATTLE and strengthen old ones. "The players love competing," Wayne says. "But they also love hanging out after the games. Some of these players have been exchanging wins and losses for years." NACAD consists of the athletic directors from 35 of the largest city athletic clubs in the U.S. and Canada. Thirty teams from about a dozen of those clubs are expected at the national tournament. The WAC is hosting the national event for the first time since 1998. "We're thrilled to have it back," Wayne says. APRIL 2012 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 19 BRIAN FRANCIS 2012