By Becky Walz,
The LC Decorah Troll Trotters are looking forward to hosting the National Granny Basketball Tournament Friday-Sunday, July 14-16. Pictured at the Troll Trotters, (l-r, front) Mary Beth Specht, Jody Snyder, Jolyn Mikesh and Kathi Mitchell; (middle) Hans the Troll, Sherry Schilling and Hilda the Troll; (back) Bonnie Steinberg, Darlene Juve, Marge Meyer, Bobby Jo Paige, Mary Bishop, Deb Larson and Annette Kuennen. (submitted photo)
The LC Decorah Troll Trotters Granny Basketball Team and Luther College are inviting the Decorah Community to join in welcoming participants in the first ever in-Iowa, National Granny Basketball Tournament. Twenty Granny basketball teams from the states of AZ, CA, IA, KS, LA, MO, TX, and WI will be converging on Decorah Friday-Sunday, July 14-16, to either compete for the National Title in the championship division or enjoy more leisurely competition in the new ‘Off Our Rockers’ division.
The weekend opens with a Community Picnic Friday evening, July 14, to welcome the Grannies at Bentdahl Commons in the heart of the Luther College Campus, serving from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The picnic, artfully provided by Luther Dining Services, features locally produced cuisine and dining services specialties from an extended salad bar, sandwich bar, and decadent selections from the dessert bar. There will also be a cashless bar serving local brews and wines.
A short program at 7 p.m. will conclude with Decorah’s own Nordic Dancers leading/teaching a Grand Granny Schottische. Community Tickets (Wrist Bands) may be purchased at the Luther College Box Office, which includes the Community Picnic and entry into all tournament games on Saturday and Sunday.
Never heard of Granny Basketball? Did you enjoy watching (or playing) 6:6 girls basketball many years ago? If so, Granny Basketball is for you. It was founded in 2005 by Barb Trammell from nearby Lansing as “a gentle game for women of a certain age.” Players must be at least 50 years old. Most of the Decorah team are in their late 60s and early to late 70s. Grannies have been known to still be playing into their late 80s and early 90s. Rules are from the 1923 game using three courts with two forwards, two centers and two guards. There is no jumping or running, although “hurrying” is allowed! Unique to the game are the uniforms – black bloomers, middy collars and bright colorful socks that distinguish the teams. Also unique is the three-point underhanded “Granny Shot!”
Along with tournament “Pool Play” on Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., attendees can test their shooting accuracy at the Granny Shot/Free Throw Contest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the SRC at Luther College Regent’s Center. For the little ones under age 10 will be an “any shot” contest. Be sure and watch Sunday afternoon for the final game for the championship to see a most exciting, high-quality game. Donations raised from this tournament will be forwarded to Raptor Resource Project known for their Decorah Eagle Cam.
For more information, volunteer or sponsor opportunities, contact kathimitchell1954@gmail.com.
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Love seeing my hometown girl Jody (Johnson) Snyder playing here. I bet that was a blast!!