Bob Daws, Minot

Living a Dream is exactly what more than 500 young athletes were doing April 13-14 and April 20-21 at Bishop Ryan High School. Young athletes from North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Saskatchewan joined their teams to participate in the Andrew Crockett Memorial Basketball Tournaments. They were living the dream of Andrew Crockett.

In the spring of 2005, Andrew passed away suddenly while participating in track practice at Bishop Ryan. For the past eight years Bob and Carla Crockett have turned a tragedy into a celebration of Andrew’s life. The hundreds of hours that Bob, Carla, and their family have contributed to making this tournament a huge success is incredible. It has developed into a much anticipated annual event by youth basketball players, coaches, and fans. I can speak for my son’s team that this tournament was always on the calendar and the first one that we registered for every year to be sure we got in. One thing we always did with our team was to remind them why they were there. We were part of a larger team that was not only helping to raise scholarship money but also to raise awareness of possible heart conditions that hide deep inside many young athletes.

So many people need to be thanked that helped make this year’s tournament another huge success. Dan Ternes at Sign DZyn, Marketplace Foods, Homesteaders Restaurant, Candace Brekke with EyeCandy Design & Creative, Minot Daily News, Soltis Sportswear, BRCS staff, parent and student volunteers, and especially the athletes who participated.

As I stepped into the role of managing the tournament this year for the Crockett family, there is one thing that comes to mind. My family is extremely fortunate to be able to watch our sons live their dreams. We hope all athletes, coaches, parents, and fans remember that each time you step onto the court or into the gym to watch your favorite player, that you are Living a Dream.