Off without a hitch: A.I.I. tournament at Jamestown Civic Center a success

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Hosting the Association of Independent Institutions tournament turned out to be a smashing success for Jamestown College.

Both Jimmie basketball teams qualified for nationals, and the school will end up turning a profit for hosting the event, although how much is yet to be determined.

Jamestown College athletic director Lawrie Paulson said finishing in the black was nice, but a lot went into it.

“(The tournament) was profitable because of the support of Buffalo City Tourism and the people that supported the tournament,” Paulson said.

A $10,000 grant from Buffalo City Tourism was key in securing the right to host. The tournament brought in 10 teams from various parts of the country. Officials, players and coaches gave the weekend a ringing endorsement.

“I hope the local businesses felt a positive impact from having the tournament here,” Paulson said. “They were very supportive of what we did.”

Paulson was also very complimentary of the Jamestown Civic Center staff.

“They bent over backwards for us,” he said. “Everybody was terrific to work with. There was nothing they weren’t willing to do to make the tournament a success.”

Plenty of groundwork for the tournament was laid by JC staff members.

Kevin Gall, a jack of all trades on campus, handled several game-day duties. Sports information director Andrew Gideon was quick on the draw getting information out on games pre and post, while Dustin Jensen filled a variety of roles leading up to, and then during the tournament.

“It’s really helpful when you can just turn things over to people and know they’re going to get it done right,” Paulson said. “With those three guys, you knew that’s what was going to happen.”

Overall, it was a win-win weekend across the board.

“Across the board we received great support,” Paulson said. “I don’t know how it could have gone any better.”

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by

e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jimmies, basketball