Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU To Celebrate 100th Anniversary of A First in Michigan Basketball History
2/12/2016 1:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball, General
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the first high school basketball tournament in the state
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The high school state basketball tournament had its humble beginnings in Ypsilanti, as Eastern Michigan University has long been instrumental in introducing the game of basketball to the Midwest. As a part of the University's long-standing efforts to enhance the game, the Department of Athletics will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the first organized high school basketball tournament in the state of Michigan.
The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 20, in conjunction with the men's basketball game versus the University of Toledo. Game time is scheduled for noon at the Convocation Center with the women's basketball team to battle Northern Illinois University at approximately 2:30 p.m.
In partnership with EMU's School of Health Promotion & Human Performance, EMU Athletics will recognize the 12 schools who took part in the tournament a century ago. Each school will be presented with a commemorative plaque to acknowledge the historical event. The high schools that participated include: Marine City, Dundee, Milan, Mancelona, Farmington, Elkton, Royal Oak, Middleville, Lansing, Mount Clemens, Wayne, and Saline.
The game of basketball was developed by James Naismith in 1891 at Springfield College in Massachusetts. As a means of promoting the game throughout the country, physical education professor and EMU's first athletic director Wilber Bowen asked his good friend Naismith to bring the game to the Michigan State Normal College (now known as Eastern Michigan University).
The first basketball game west of the Allegheny Mountains was played at Michigan Normal in 1894 to recognize the new physical education program and to dedicate the new gymnasium on campus.
Then in 1916, Bowen, along with instructors Elmer Mitchell and Lloyd Olds (who was also credited with the introduction of the striped referee jersey), organized the first high school basketball tournament in Michigan. A total of 300 invitations were sent out to all Class B schools in the state. Twelve schools responded and the first high school boys tournament was held on the Ypsilanti-based campus on March 23-25, 1916.
Entrance to the tournament was free and played at the Michigan State Normal School Gymnasium. However, expenses related to transportation, room, and board had to be provided by the participating schools. The MSNC's Physical Education Department made it easier for schools to participate by making arrangements with local residents to provide food at 20 to 25 cents a meal and lodging at 25 cents a night for each player.
That first tournament saw Marine City defeat Dundee in the championship game, 23-22.
The winning team was awarded a silver shield mounted on an oak base. Second prize was a silver cup, and the third place team received a banner. Individual participation awards to all players were also provided. The Ypsilanti Press at the time felt the Normal School "went first class with the awards."
For tickets, call the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.2282 or visit EMUEagles.com/tickets.
The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 20, in conjunction with the men's basketball game versus the University of Toledo. Game time is scheduled for noon at the Convocation Center with the women's basketball team to battle Northern Illinois University at approximately 2:30 p.m.
In partnership with EMU's School of Health Promotion & Human Performance, EMU Athletics will recognize the 12 schools who took part in the tournament a century ago. Each school will be presented with a commemorative plaque to acknowledge the historical event. The high schools that participated include: Marine City, Dundee, Milan, Mancelona, Farmington, Elkton, Royal Oak, Middleville, Lansing, Mount Clemens, Wayne, and Saline.
The game of basketball was developed by James Naismith in 1891 at Springfield College in Massachusetts. As a means of promoting the game throughout the country, physical education professor and EMU's first athletic director Wilber Bowen asked his good friend Naismith to bring the game to the Michigan State Normal College (now known as Eastern Michigan University).
The first basketball game west of the Allegheny Mountains was played at Michigan Normal in 1894 to recognize the new physical education program and to dedicate the new gymnasium on campus.
Then in 1916, Bowen, along with instructors Elmer Mitchell and Lloyd Olds (who was also credited with the introduction of the striped referee jersey), organized the first high school basketball tournament in Michigan. A total of 300 invitations were sent out to all Class B schools in the state. Twelve schools responded and the first high school boys tournament was held on the Ypsilanti-based campus on March 23-25, 1916.
Entrance to the tournament was free and played at the Michigan State Normal School Gymnasium. However, expenses related to transportation, room, and board had to be provided by the participating schools. The MSNC's Physical Education Department made it easier for schools to participate by making arrangements with local residents to provide food at 20 to 25 cents a meal and lodging at 25 cents a night for each player.
That first tournament saw Marine City defeat Dundee in the championship game, 23-22.
The winning team was awarded a silver shield mounted on an oak base. Second prize was a silver cup, and the third place team received a banner. Individual participation awards to all players were also provided. The Ypsilanti Press at the time felt the Normal School "went first class with the awards."
For tickets, call the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.2282 or visit EMUEagles.com/tickets.
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