by Nate Gordon ’16

“We all have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the job they do every day caring for our community so it is great to be able to share this benefit game with them.”

This is what Williston Athletic Director Mark Conroy had to say about the annual fundraiser basketball game between Williston faculty and the Easthampton Fire and Police Departments.

A raffle was organized with prizes from local businesses including Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, Riffs Joint, Big-E’s, and Joe’s Cafe. All funds will be donated to Project Purple, a non-profit organization that “assists individuals and families struggling with addiction.” It was founded by Chris Herren, a former NBA player who struggled with addiction, but has been sober since 2008. Williston had the opportunity to have him speak about his life and substance abuse in February of this year.

In the game, Williston faculty got off to a fast start but then seemed to slow down due to fatigue and Easthampton took over. Easthampton would take a 34-27 lead into the half and at one point have a 55-33 lead in the second half. History and Global Studies teacher Tom Johnson got the crowd going on a fast break. He ran down the court with an Easthampton opponent right behind him and then flipped the ball up which bounced off the top of the backboard and in.

Athletic play by Assistant Director of Admissions and Varsity Basketball coach Michael Athas, who added 10+ points, would keep the game close at the end, but Easthampton would prevail with an 86-80 win. Competitive and high spirited games between Williston faculty and Easthampton Fire and Police have been played for about ten years now. They are entertaining ways to build community not just within the Williston campus, but with the rest of Easthampton as well.