Written by Jess Ardrey
The Harding University College of Pharmacy is known for having rigorous schedules and staying busy. Something they are not known for is basketball, but that did not stop the department from putting on a half-court three-on-three tournament last weekend.
The HUCOP Hoops basketball tournament took place last Friday in the Ganus Athletic Center with the winning team taking home $400. The event included students as well as faculty, and family and friends were invited to watch the games. Students gave away prizes throughout the evening to the spectators in the crowd.
The tournament raised funds for the Harding University chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists. The proceeds went to free diabetes and blood pressure screenings, along with other patient care projects, and travel reimbursements for students who attend regional and national conferences.
This is the second year for the HUCOP Hoops tourney. Twelve teams of four entered this year, including three women’s teams, one of which made it to the final four of the tournament.
Stephen Sparks, the social chair of the organization, said the event had been in the works since December.
“It takes a lot to get the GAC reserved, times reserved and the right date since we in the pharmacy school are very busy,” Sparks said.
If it seems like this tourney fell at the perfect time of the season that is because it was initially planned that way.
“We try to do it during March Madness, while everyone is in the basketball mode,” Sparks said.
Sparks also said he hopes to see the tournament spread to other departmental clubs around campus.
“I just believe it is important to help raise money for a great organization but to do it while having a great time,” Sparks said.
