COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH BASKETBALL:Onward and upward at South

By Steve Sherman;
Sports Editor

The Onward Upward Basketball Challenge is back.

The seventh annual charity basketball tournament is slated to tip off 3 p.m. tomorrow (Feb. 7) at Council Rock High School South.

Last year, the Onward Upward hoops challenge raised over $26,000, $8,000 more than the amount that was generated in 2007. The moneys go to the Four Diamonds Fund - a Penn State Dance Marathon trust that benefits families of children being treated for cancer at PSU's Children's Hospital in Hershey.

Point person for the upcoming charitable tourney Adam Mills promises a bigger and better event than ever, or at least, one that will raise more money for children afflicted with cancer.
Just how has this hoops dream turned into such a windfall for kids with cancer and their families? For one thing, contributors can now pitch donations online through a link posted at www.onwardupward.com.

"That's one of the biggest things that we've done that has enabled us to drive up the amount of money that we raise," said Mills.

"The online donation system has allowed us to grow by leaps and bounds. Through the first six years, we've raised more than $74,000 with each year setting a new high on the previous."
The tournament is the brainchild of Tim Chiodo and three of his former fellow Kappa Alpha Order fraternity members - Adam Gentzel, Joe Worley and Randy Whiteside - all of whom had been actively involved in the marathon during their stay at Penn State.

The tournament consists of a full court 5-on-5 format with a minimum of one female on the court at all times. Teams pay a minimum of $1,000 to join in the fun.

On Feb. 7, the hoops squads will take to the hardwood with names like the Bandits, the Swooping Waltons and the KA Alumni Sixers--the squad on which Chiodo played in last year's tourney. DU Dynasty took the trophy last year, winning 44-38 in the title tilt.

Since 1972, the Four Diamonds Fund has helped nearly 2,000 families. Approximately 90 new families receive support each year. The Fund offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that may disrupt the welfare of a child afflicted with cancer, such as car repairs, rent or household utilities.
***

Onward Upward Basketball Challenge
Feb. 7 at Council Rock South [Tipoff: 3 p.m.]

1. Bear Stearns
2. DU Dynasty
3. Head Bandits
4. JD Parker Team
5. KA Young Bucks
6. New York Team
7. Pi Kap Alum
8. Rite Aid Raptors
9. Ryan Rentals
10. Sterling Limo
11. Swooping Waltons
12. Synerfac Recruits
***

O-U Hoops Challenge
(Moneys Raised)
2003--$3,400
2004--$4,500
2005--$7,901
2006--14,104
2007--$18,120
2008--$26,180