Hoops Classic History
In the fall of 1990, the fundraising arm of Harmarville Rehabilitation Center began
to lay the groundwork for a major sports event that would draw hundreds of participants
and raise money and awareness for the Healthsports program.
By January of 1991, the pieces that ensured the success of the Classic began falling
into place. Eat’n Park Restaurants agreed to become the title sponsor. WTAE-AM agreed
to become the radio sponsor. Paul Evans of the University of Pittsburgh and Bill
Shay of the Community College of Allegheny County lent their support as Chairmen.
Also, the Make-It/Take-It promotional contest was started that year. The Make-It/Take-It
is a shooting contest that any person sinking a shot will win a strawberry pie compliments
of Eat’n Park. The first one was held at PPG Place and more than 2,000 workers came
out and tried to win a delicious pie.
The Hoops Classic first year was a success. There were 325 teams playing on 32 courts
that filled the parking lots of Three Rivers Stadium.
With the tremendous success and the many positive comments the 1991 Hoops Classic
generated, the committee vowed to double the size of the 1992 Classic. That promise
was fulfilled when 625 teams registered for that second year. Fifty more baskets
were added to accommodate the number of teams.
The 1992 Classic provided a wider variety of food and drinks for the players, who
also received a program book. A showcase court was added and the Federation of Independent
School Alumnae, Harmarville’s founding organization, started the Hoops Classic Raffle
which gave players and spectators the opportunity to win several terrific prize
packages. The Make-It/Take-It became so popular that a second site, USX Plaza, was
added. And of course, Eat’n Park again donated its famous strawberry pies for the
lucky shooters.
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