CitC rolls merrily along thanks to volunteers

The final shot has been taken, countless bowls of noodles have been devoured, the final horn has sounded, and the banners have been removed following another successful Classic in the Country, which took place at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center at Hiland High School Jan. 17-19 over Martin Luther King weekend.

The 22-game slate of high school girls basketball action drew a terrific crowd, providing a sensational showcase for some of Ohio’s most talented girls players to display their talent.

While hoops remain the focal point, it wouldn’t have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers who showed their loyalty to this popular winter event.

The behind-the-scenes work by countless volunteers starts with Hiland High School Athletic Director Seger Bonifant, who organizes the sea of volunteers, from the setup in the center and hosting teams, visiting college coaches and referees to taking tickets, manning the concession stand, working the welcome center upstairs, cleaning during and in between games, and tearing it all down moments after the final horn sounds.

However, based on the raucous sounds of cheering and squeaking of sneakers on the gym floor, the thrill for thousands of fans and the economic boost that takes place in Holmes County in what is always a slower tourism season wouldn't be possible without the volunteers who commit to supporting the effort.

Roger Miller is one of those volunteers.

Miller can be seen during and between games emptying myriad waste containers placed around the arena.

It is a thankless job that may not seem important, but keeping the facility tidy and appealing to fans is a huge part of the event.

“I just want to help any way I can,” Miller said of his nearly decade of serving in that capacity. “Somebody’s got to do it, and I’m glad to be able to help.”

Miller said he continually runs into gracious fans who thank him for doing the job and presenting a smiling, friendly face.

Bonifant said people like Miller step up every year to make this event enjoyable and memorable for players, coaches and fans.

“Without their selfless giving, we aren’t doing this,” Bonifant said.

He starts lining up volunteers and penciling them into their various roles in October, and it is a nonstop activity that often runs right up to the first tip-off.

He said after five years he has a system in place, but knowing people are willing to step up and deliver makes his job much easier.

“I’ve got certain people I know I can count on every year, like Roger,” Bonifant said. “The amount of people I know and who I don’t know who come up to me and tell me, ‘That guy is awesome,’ says a lot about Roger. He is usually one of the last people to leave the gym each night.”

Tim Schlabach heads up the team host service, and Eli and Vesta Hochstetler take charge of the ticket sales at the front gate every year.

While businesses have continued to provide volunteers, especially in the concession stand, Bonifant said he also gets a huge effort from other Hiland athletic teams who understand the value of what is taking place.

Event organizer Bryce McKey of She Hoops Ohio said Bonifant plays a major role in providing the glue that holds the CitC together each year, calling him an unheralded key to the event’s success.

“He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he does a lot to make this possible,” McKee said.

In return Bonifant deflects all the accolades to the community members who gladly sign on each year.

“I think it would be difficult to host something of this magnitude anywhere else because it takes such a huge number of volunteers, but fortunately, we have the people willing to work hard,” Bonifant said. “People understand how important this is to our community, and they are why this event continues to make such a great impact.”

Because of that willingness to help create an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming, Classic in the Country remains one of the premier high school girls basketball showcases in the nation.