It began when Effingham and Teutopolis schools basically formed a tournament partnership and began making plans. It got a big-time boost when an outstanding committee was assembled and went to work.

But the difference between our local tournament and most of the others hinges on the financial support that is received from businesses and individuals.

This year, there are 28 major sponsors. Their generous contributions allow the tournament committee to offer money to the participating schools that helps offset costs of travel, meals and lodging. That’s why the Christmas Classic is attracting schools from various parts of the state.

This year’s sponsors include Linder’s Limited/McDonald’s, Dekalb/Asgrow, Leisure Times, Servpro, J&J Ventures Gaming, Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, JCCI, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Pizza Man, Sanitation Service, Midland States Bank, Tingley Insurance, Taylor Law Offices, Sarah Bush/Bonutti Clinic, Treign, Stevens Industries, Effingham New Car Dealers, Grunloh Construction, Drake Homes, DJ’s Party Supply, The News Report/Sport Report, Holiday Inn, InLine Physical Therapy, Jimmy John’s, Joe’s Pizza & Pasta, McHugh Hospitality, Washington Savings Bank and Weis Insurance.

Their support is the foundation of the tournament’s success.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The Effingham and Teutopolis Sportsbackers also play a vital role, as do the food sponsors – Joe’s Pizza, Wessel’s, Pizza Man, Kountry Kitchen, McMahon Meats, Jimmy Johns, Niemerg’s Steakhouse, Kirby Foods and Wal-Mart. Thanks to their generosity, the teams, coaches, officials and media are fed and fed well.

The hospitality room at both schools is fantastic. This reporter has sampled them both numerous times over the years. What other tournament do you know that provides biscuits & gravy? Enough said.

Having local teams and other quality teams competing also helps draw spectators. The addition of St. Anthony was a great move. Bringing in other good teams like Lincoln Way East, Pleasant Plains (coached by former THS standout, Kyle Weber) and Knoxville also helps. Fans get to see different teams, different styles of play and some outstanding players.

The tournament committee deserves high praise. What this group has accomplished since the tournament began in 2013 is nothing short of amazing. At a time when you hear every year of another holiday tournament or two shutting down, the Effingham & Teutopolis Christmas Classic continues to thrive.

This reporter has had the privilege of attending a couple of the committee meetings. With all the joking, laughing, pizza and adult beverages, some might wonder how any actual work gets accomplished. But don’t be misled. Through all the razzing and storytelling – much of which has been greatly embellished over the years – this group of 17 men and women have everything under control.

Everyone is responsible for some facet of the tournament, whether that’s contacting and getting information from participating teams; arranging for officials; securing corporate sponsors and other businesses to donate food and other necessary items; getting volunteers to help during the event; accumulating information and selling advertising for the tournament program; taking care of the media; lining up motel rooms; and even providing laundry service for the teams.

The committee consists of Mike Wilson, Jeff Hardiek, Mitch Koester, Chris Kreke, Chris Koester, Mike McCollum, Laurie Thompson, Dave Woltman, Steve Boswell, Chris Zerrusen, Morgan Wilson, Jason Runde, Michael Buening, Manny Wei, Keith Hartman, Andy Johnson and Kent Niebrugge.

Thanks for inviting me to the meeting again this year. As always, it was enlightening, educational and thoroughly entertaining.

And thanks for all your efforts in making the Effingham & Teutopolis Christmas Classic a huge success.