TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — For the last three decades, the Capital City Holiday Classic has showcased top level basketball in the Big Bend. First it was with college teams, now it's high school. Although things looked a little different this year, the show went on.
"We knew about the pandemic so we have been practicing safety for everyone," said Congressman Al Lawson, who's hosted the tournament the last thirty years. "Temperature checks, people have to leave the gym. We have to sanitize everything."
For thirty years, congressman, and Gadsden County native Al Lawson has brought basketball to the Big Bend during Christmas Break.
"The teams are real excited because they needed something to do during the holidays," he said of his reason for starting the Classic.
"It is phenomenal that it is still going," said Lincoln head boys basketball coach Matt Anderson. "I know a lot of great tournaments that aren't going this year at all."
With safety in mind, the show going on, and everyone just excited to be on the court.
"2020's been a rough year, but we kind of preserved through it," said Munroe head boys coach Dimitric Salters. "To be able to play some holiday basketball is really big for everybody in the Big Bend."
"We do everything we can to be cautious," added Anderson. "It's an extremely different year. I'm thankful we're even getting to play."
For those behind the Classic, that's what matters most.
"The parents and grandparents and uncles and aunts seem to enjoy it more when you're doing high school because they can come out and see their kids," said Lawson. "So far, it's been great."
The two day Classic wraps up on Tuesday.
