Casper College will be the center of basketball action this Thanksgiving weekend with the Vista Toyota and Nissan Thanksgiving Classic, taking place on November 29–30 at the Swede Erickson Thunderbird Gymnasium, Oil City News reports.
The annual tournament, which has become a beloved tradition in Casper, will feature both men’s and women’s basketball teams from across the country and region. This year’s event will include the Casper College T-Birds, as well as teams from Western Wyoming Community College, Lake Region State College, McCook Community College, and North Idaho College.
“We get to see men’s and women’s basketball teams from around the country and our region compete… Casper has a long tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving weekend basketball classic,” said Paul Marble, the college’s athletic director.
The tournament kicks off at 1 p.m. on November 29 with the Lady Mustangs from Western Wyoming facing off against the Lady Royals from Lake Region State. The first men’s game will follow at 3 p.m. between Western Wyoming and McCook Community College. Later in the evening, the Casper College women’s team will play the Lady Cardinals from North Idaho College at 5 p.m., and the T-Bird men’s team will face off against Lake Region State at 7 p.m.
The tournament will continue on Saturday, November 30, with four more games, starting at noon with the Lady Mustangs against the Lady Cardinals. The T-Bird men’s team will play the Royals at 2 p.m., followed by the Lady T-Birds versus the Lady Royals at 4 p.m., and the final game of the Classic at 6 p.m. featuring the T-Bird men against McCook.
Both the men’s and women’s teams from Casper College have had strong starts to their seasons. The men’s team enters the tournament with a 7–2 record, while the women’s team is 4–4.
“We’ve been playing extremely fast-paced basketball, and we have some of the best talent in the country right here in Casper,” said T-Bird men’s head coach Tom Parks.
Lady T-Bird Assistant Coach Nate Macy highlighted the challenge of facing strong teams like North Idaho and Lake Region State.
“We will have to be on top of our game for both teams,” Macy said.
The tournament is a key event for the college and its fans.
“It brings a family atmosphere to the game,” Macy added.
He noted the special connection between the team and the local community during this holiday season.
Tickets for the tournament are available at the door and provide access to all games scheduled for the same day. For more information or to purchase season passes, people can contact Casper College at 307-268-3000 or email tbirds@caspercollege.edu.
Marble encouraged fans to enjoy the holiday festivities and support the T-Birds.
“Eat up on Thanksgiving, shop on Friday morning, and then come cheer on the T-Bird men and women,” he said.
