'March Madness' Hits Florissant with Charity Basketball Tournament

For families and residents looking to continue supporting the next three weekends presents a good opportunity.

The St. Ferdinand Athletic Association is hosting a charity basketball tournament for third and fourth-grade boys and girls, with all of the proceeds going to Officer Vernon.

Last Memorial Day, Vernon was shot three times while investigating a burglary situation. He was left paralyzed from the incident.

Mike Feldmann, basketball coordinator and organizer for the tournament, said that he and others knew following the shooting last year, they wanted to dedicate this tournament to him.

This is the third year for the tournament, Feldmann said, with the first being dedicated to raising funds for Ward 3 City Councilman and Maryland Heights Police Officer Joe Eagan, who was also injured in the line of duty a few years ago. Last year, the tournament’s proceeds were dedicated to an area parishoner who had cancer.

Teams from the Catholic Youth Council from North St. Louis County, St. Charles and West St. Louis County are participating in the tournament for a total of 31 teams playing. There have also been helpers from the Florissant Police Department and Hazelwood Police Explorers Post #9217 helping with the tournament.

Each team is guaranteed two games, making for a total of 49 games.

If you’re not interested in the games, barbecue is also available for those wanting to support the cause. Feldmann said they have a new menu item called, the “St. Ferdinand,” which features a cheeseburger, pulled pork and grilled onions. They also serve pork steaks, pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings and sides.

Feldmann said that they hope to raise $10,000 for Officer Vernon and his family, and he feels confident that they are on their way to that goal.

“This is our special format of March Madness in Florissant,” Feldmann said.

The tournament began March 9 and continues this weekend, starting at 8:30 a.m., and each Saturday and Sunday with the exception of March 17, 24 and 31. Championships will be held April 7.