The Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament is a “classy” affair. Not a classy affair like a formal event, but an actual academic class for Central Michigan University recreation and event management students similar to courses a young Gus Macker, a.k.a. Scott McNeal, took as an undergraduate at CMU in the 1970’s.

While it seems like Gus was a college student at Central 100 years ago, CMU is the only university in the country to offer RPL 333 – Production of Festivals and Events, a class in the curriculum of future recreation and event management professionals. Qualifying students learn festival planning throughout the 16 week semester prior to the April 29-30 event and then run the 3-on-3 tournament as their “final exam.” Members of the student body at large provide volunteer support to make it the only Macker in the world completely run by college students!

This is year #8 for the class and the 9^th year of the event at CMU in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Gus has always encouraged the students at CMU to be creative with the first Michigan event of the Macker season and the theme for this year’s event is GUS GOES GOBSTOPPER: WILLY WONKA AND THE FINCH FACTORY! Expect lots of color, fun, music and candy in true Wonka spirit as the tournament takes place in and around historic Finch Fieldhouse (1275 S. Franklin St.) in the center of CMU’s campus.

The CMU / Mt. Pleasant event features a Dream Court for all those future Chips along with the Top Men’s and Women’s divisions competing inside on the old tartan surface of Finch. As always, all courts will be fully officiated!

We can’t wait to see you at the end of April! FIRE UP CHIPS and remember…CANDY IS DANDY!

• http://cmumacker.blogspot.com/