Editor's Note: South Haven Christian School Hosts the Tropical Smoothie Middle Tennessee Classic this week (January 16th through 18th) at their Springfield campus. This year's participants feature 8 teams from all over the country: California, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina and a couple from right here in Middle Tennessee. Spectators are welcome and can purchase tickets here.

In 1986, I had the honor of coaching at the second annual David Von Erich Memorial Invitational basketball tournament in Lewisville, Texas. Little did I know that this event would lay the foundation for something much bigger. The following year, I found myself entrusted with the responsibility of running the tournament. This was no small task, but it was one that would change the course of my life. Among the schools invited to participate was South Haven Christian School (SHCS) from Springfield, Tennessee. Over the next 12 years, SHCS became a regular contender, winning the tournament several times.

In 1998, my family and I made the decision to move to Springfield, where I would take on the role of high school principal at SHCS. We quickly became immersed in the local community, and it wasn’t long before our pastor, Dr. Frank Gagliano, expressed a desire to create something similar to what I had been part of in Texas. He envisioned a basketball tournament that could bring together Christian schools from around the country, foster competition, and provide an opportunity for students to form lasting friendships.

In 1999, that vision came to life with the inaugural Middle Tennessee Classic Basketball Tournament. We started with an eight-team boys’ tournament, which was a significant undertaking for our small school. But the dream had only just begun. Over the years, the event grew and evolved, expanding to include an eight-team girls’ tournament in 2010. It became a beacon for like-minded schools that valued not only competitive basketball but also the character-building aspects of athletics.

For the past 27 years, the Middle Tennessee Classic has become a cornerstone of the basketball season in our region. Schools from across the nation come to compete, but more importantly, they come to build relationships that will last a lifetime. In those gyms, it’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the bonds formed through shared experiences—on the court, in the stands, and beyond.

As the years have gone by, the responsibility of running the tournament has passed through many hands, each bringing their unique touch and dedication to the event. And though I no longer hold the reins, I still find great joy in returning every January to see the fruits of our labor. It’s during that second week of January that I have the privilege of watching young athletes compete at a high level, forge friendships, and reconnect with old friends. It’s a reminder of why we started this journey in the first place.

The goal has always been to bring together young Christian athletes, offering them the chance to compete in a high-quality environment where their values are upheld. The lasting friendships that have been formed over the years are a testament to the power of sports to unite us beyond the scoreboard.

The Middle Tennessee Classic may have started as a simple idea, but over the years, it has grown into something far greater than any of us could have imagined. It’s a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and faith, and I am proud to have played a part in its journey. I look

forward to every January when we once again come together to compete, make new friends, and celebrate the shared values that have made this tournament so special.

Through it all, the legacy of the Middle Tennessee Classic continues, and I’m honored to witness its impact year after year. The second week of January has become a tradition for me, not only for the games but for the opportunity to reflect on the lasting friendships that continue to define this event.

Here’s to the next 27 years—and the memories, friendships, and sportsmanship that will continue to grow with it.

For more information, visit the tournament website.