By KRISTI MAYFIELD
From the origins of the basketball games played by women in the 1920s to the present day, The Granny Basketball League offers an opportunity to return to a wholesome time filled with fun for the whole family. With a tag line like, “We’re Off Our Rockers,” the Granny Basketball League has come to represent a whole genre of women that enjoy exercise and celebrate the competitive spirit.
Locally, an upcoming game will feature the Oakdale Broncos (Grannies) team against the formidable Oakdale Saddle Club Cowboys during Rodeo Week; with the game scheduled on Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oakdale Junior High School Gym. Donations will be accepted at the door in lieu of tickets and proceeds will go to the Oakdale Enrichment Society, a local non-profit organization that puts on multiple community events throughout the year.
As for this year’s theme, Grannies vs. Cowboys, Synthia Armstrong, of the Oakdale Saddle Club, suggested it and thought it would be fun to honor Oakdale’s cowboy heritage while also celebrating the numerous women that contribute their time and energy to this community.
“We are always looking to celebrate our community, here in Oakdale and we thought, what a fun way to do that,” said Armstrong when discussing the team choices for this game.
With more than a few talented Grannies, the Cowboys are working hard to build up their game. Jaylinde Kilgore, one of the Cowboys, said that he wanted to join the competition because he grew up being part of the Oakdale Saddle Club and in this community and thought that this was a unique way to have some fun while also raising money for a great cause. Kilgore and his mom, Sutton Price, co-coordinators of the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Parade, have been big supporters of the Cowboy Capital of the World for as long as Kilgore can remember so he jumped at the chance to earn some money for charity while also dusting off his basketball skills.
Another one of the Cowboys team members, Dan Iverson, said he “is happy to join in on the fun and show my white legs for the good of the town.” Iverson, a retired educator, noted that this game is such a great way to promote the town and get everyone together for a good cause.
Though the Cowboys demonstrated basketball prowess during a recent practice with Rob Bartholomew guarding the Grannies and Steve Evangelho hitting some shots, the Grannies still have a lot of skills out on the court. With players like Kerrie Webb, who played basketball in school and was blessed with the long limbs to shoot and score and Althea Adams, who made quite a few shots during practice, the Grannies are ready and raring to go.
There are some guidelines for the sport of Granny Basketball, including specific rules for offense and uniforms, that might seem unusual but also make for an entertaining contest.
Strand Ace Hardware donated a brand-new Blackstone Grill, which will be raffled off during the game on April 7, and tickets for the raffle can be purchased from now until the game. Ticket prices are as follows: one ticket for $5, five tickets for $20, 15 tickets for $50 and 30 tickets for $100; with all proceeds going to the Oakdale Enrichment Society.
For more information about the Oakdale Broncos (Grannies) vs. the Oakdale Saddle Club Cowboys game, contact Lisa Ballard, Team Captain at 209-595-6144 or email her at LisaLou99@msn.com.
