It was the 13th annual Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game, and what a great game it was! Local celebrities battled it out on the court against the Sitrin STARS for an intense game of wheelchair basketball.

 

Tip-off for the 13th Annual Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game
Naomi Lynn/TSM
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Doors opened to the Utica College Clark Athletic Center at 6pm. Walking into the gym, you could see the local celebrities and the Sitrin STARS practicing for the big game. Well, the Sitrin STARS were practicing, most of the local celebrities were still trying to figure out how to use their wheelchairs.

At least they gave us time to practice, right?!

Some of the local celebrities on the court included Olympic Bronze Medalist Erin Hamlin, SU Star Eric Devendorf, the Mayor of Utica Robert Palmieri, Lite 98.7's own Matt Hubbell, and Illusionists Leon Etienne and Romy Low (just to name a few).

The game tipped off at 6:30pm. Five minutes into it the score was tied... and that was the only time the local celebrities even had a chance. By halftime the scoreboard really showed which team had the skills.

The Score Board After Five Minutes of Play
Naomi Lynn/TSM
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The halftime entertainment included a performance from the Utica Comettes, a 3-point shootout (which one little boy did so well with), and a short game of celebrity vs. celebrity wheelchair basketball.

Once the second half started, the local celebrities were really learning how hard wheelchair basketball is. Yet the Sitrin STARS were handling the game, no pressure. I got my chance to debut on the court during the second half. Let's just say... well, it wasn't pretty, that's for sure.

The Sitrin STARS took home the easy win. But it did leave the audience and the local celebrities with a better understanding of what these wheelchair athletes do on a regular basis.

It was a great event for everyone - the audience, the local celebrities, and the Sitrin STARS. I'm already looking forward to next year! I guess I better start practicing now, though.

 

 

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