Two days of basketball, memories and fundraising turned in to a successful weekend for Humboldt Collegiate Institute.

The school's Senior Girls basketball team hosted the Kevin J. Grieman Pink Memorial Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Friday night was especially emotional, as a video tribute was shown for Grieman as well as Wade Weseen - two legendary basketball coaches from the area.

"It went really well. There was a ton of people that came out - way more than we get for our regular eight team tournament. Obviously, Friday night for the video presentation for Kevin and Wade drew a larger crowd than usual," explained organizer and coach Kerri Archibald.

"We were really happy to have that many more people through the door."

Archibald added that the tribute was definitely felt by everyone in attendance.

"People thought the video presentation for Kevin and Wade was really well done, and again I have to thank Max Dale, a student at HCI for helping me out with that," she said.

"It just shows how special those two men were that so many people wanted to be involved. It got a few tears out of the crowd from people watching it, even people who didn't know them that well."

The tribute preceded a game between Humboldt and Lake Lenore - the two teams Grieman and Weseen coached in their lengthy high school ventures.

Last year, HCI was adopted to the pink initiative, where girls teams from across the province buy a set of jerseys for another team as a pay it forward movement.

The Mohawks brought Lake Lenore into the circle for this year.

Pink was the one-time theme of what will continue to be the annual Kevin J. Grieman tournament for years to come.

Thanks to a wide amount of support, the Mohawks were able to raise a significant amount of money throughout the weekend.

"I know we made over $5,000 on the silent auction. With our t-shirts, pink ribbons and raffle, I believe we made another thousand dollars."

Funds will stay local to help families currently dealing with cancer.

Archibald says that the tribute, and tournament overall was tough, yet rewarding for the families of Kevin and Wade.

"It was really emotional for Mrs. Grieman and her daughters, as well as my aunty Val, Jill and Anabel, who were there," she explained. "I think it also made them really proud to see how special those men were and how many lives they touched and how many people came out for the tribute."

The Grieman's were on-hand Saturday night to present the inaugural Kevin J. Grieman Memorial Trophy to the Melfort Comets, who defeated Kenaston 35-29 in the final.

Archibald wanted to remind those who were successful in their silent auction bids that they can pick-up their items at HCI between 8:30am and 4:00pm with cash as the preferable payment option.

On Sunday, the girls and boys teams will see the past walk through the door, as the annual alumni games take place. The girls will play at 2:00pm, while the boys are on the court at 4:00pm.


You can hear more with Archibald below.