By Susan Monteleone
ELDRED — April 22, 2003 – In an effort to welcome spring, Peck’s Market in Eldred recently held its March Madness basketball shootout.
With the help of sponsors Coca-Cola and Coors, the event took place on April 12 at the Eldred grocery store. Contestants had the chance to win two free-standing basketball hoops and two miniature basketball hoops.
“Our vendors are always offering the stores incentives and I felt that this was the best way to give back to a community that gives so much,” said Jeff Gombita, manager of the Eldred Peck’s Market. “The people that participated today automatically received a t-shirt and basketball and we had a total of eight participants show. It really is a great event and this is our third year doing this.”
Two groups of people – under 21 years of age and over 21 years of age – participated in the event. Competing in the under 21 group were Peter Ammendola, Craig Burns, Ryan Burns, Dana Lovelace and Gabriella Paolini. The over 21 contestants were Andy Babula, Sue Monteleone and John Salewski.
The goal was to make as many baskets as one could in 15 attempts.
Salewski was the winner in the over 21 category, while Ryan Burns sank 10 of 15 shots to prevail in the under 21 group.
Salewski made 10 out of 15 shots to narrowly defeat Babula, who converted nine of 15 shots.
But when Salewski noticed how hard Babula tried to win the free- standing basketball hoop, he announced that he was giving his prize to Babula.
Babula was more than happy to accept the basketball hoop.