Commentary: Game could benefit charity

You see the Standard Democrat sports team's Christmas wish. Hopefully you'll enjoy the story, and hopefully, someday, the two teams will give basketball fans what they've been missing for three, nearly four, decades. Entire generations have gone through the school system without seeing orange and black of Scott County Central vs. the red and black of Sikeston. I would know, I was one of them. High school students, as well as adults, ask us week-in and week-out what keeps this game from taking place.

So, soak it up, it's been a work in process for a few months and hopefully it can bring the topic to the surface and see the game play out in the future. However, that said, I have an idea for the game that could make it worth so much more, at least in my opinion.

With the spirit of Christmas and the holidays, I'd like to present an offer for this contest that could benefit many, not just the sports fans and the sports team here at the SD.

It goes like this...

Every year, high school seniors plan out their future, the rest of their lives in extreme cases, and try to begin working towards that goal before their graduation commencement ceremony takes place in May. The goals of the youngsters range from becoming a doctor, teacher, coach, and the list goes on and on. Often you hear a young man or young woman say, 'I just want to make a difference in somebody's life someday.'

So, how about this proposal for the game...

Think about the ticket sales, the 'gate' or money taken in, that this matchup would bring. If you think a Sikeston vs. Charleston, Sikeston vs. Notre Dame or Scott County Central vs. Bell City game brings in the cash flow, try putting out the flyers for this contest and waiting in line for your ticket. This game has enough hype about it already that some people would probably buy a T-shirt just to say they went.

Keep it in Sikeston at the 'Dog Dome' or play it at a neutral site, either way the seats will be filled. Charge an extra quarter for every item on the concession stand list and that's extra ching in the pot. Broadcast the game on KFVS12's website for the folks that can't be in attendance for whatever reason and charge a small fee.

Now, take that money and donate it all to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Louis Children's Hospital for others to reap the benefits someday as well. Imagine how much money could go to helping somebody in need. You 'need' to see this game, these kids need, desperately, the help from the cancer research and monetary donations are in big demand yearly.

This game could become a yearly event, even off the schedule, just put on by the senior classes as something to remember them by. Play it at the end of the school year if you have to. A couple thousand people at $5 a head would be quite an impressive donation from two high school classes. So, this is an idea to weigh on, or just play the game the other way allowed and agree on a date on the calendar. I'm just throwing this out as an idea to discuss over Christmas dinner.

As for the tournaments taking place over the Christmas break, be sure to check out your favorite team wherever they may be. The Bulldogs will be back in Poplar Bluff at the Showdown, while the Braves will take on opponents in the SeMissourian Christmas Tournament at the Show-Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Stay warm, enjoy the food and have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.