Bi-County – More Than Basketball

By: Collin Hunnicutt

This year marked the 58th annual TCU Bi-County Basketball Tournament. One of the oldest sporting events in the area. The tournament consists of eight teams; Culver Community, Bremen, Triton, New Prairie, John Glenn, Argos, Oregon-Davis, and LaVille. It is a tournament that has fueled decade long rivalries, with Culver playing Argos in the first round of the Boys Varsity tournament, and continues to excite both players and fans alike. 

However, basketball is not the most important aspect of this tournament. Teachers Credit Union and the tournament want to see the participating athletes become exemplary individuals. This tournament and TCU both have goals of seeing the athletes strive in both the academic field and on the court. Players should work to become strong leaders, but the organizers of the event want to see even stronger teammates and to be able to work together as one. 

 “This tournament and TCU share a common goal of promoting education, teamwork and empowering students to become our future leaders,” said the 2023 TCU Bi-County Program. 

 So, the W.B. Hawkins award is given to participating students, one boy and one girl, who show excellence in all of those categories. This award is an honor to receive and should not be taken lightly. 

 “The W. B. Hawkins Award for Excellence in Academics and Athletics is presented to two students for their positive contribution to their community and to their school. This award was established to honor TCU’s former president, W. B. Hawkins (1962-1987) who was dedicated to serving our communities and the Credit Union philosophy of “People Helping People,” said the 2023 TCU Bi-County Program. 

This year, Culver Community High School was the home to both of the nominees. Seniors Shane Shuman and Rose Peterson were both honored with Shuman winning the scholarship.

Even though the scholarship is a great honor, the excitement of tournament basketball still runs wild during the event. The athletes, boys and girls alike, are able to get the rush of adrenaline only a tournament can provide. It is also a great way to prepare for upcoming sectionals as it gives teams a chance to get tournament experience and prepare for the level of competition increased by the dreams of being champions. 

 “Seeing a picture up on the wall for any sports team is a great accomplishment in my opinion and you get to immortalize that on the wall for the rest of your life,” said senior Oliver Morgan. 

 The Bi-County tournament was no different this year, bringing another exciting tournament that will only enrich its rich history. 

 “I think the Bi-County is a great area tournament that has a rich history. We have a lot of rivalries with the Bi-County teams. The thing I like about it best is that it has a postseason tournament feel to it. It is a nice way to lead up to sectionals for the girls who begin sectional play on January 31st,” said Athletic Director Mike Zehner.