Hinsdale's Belly Bump Tournament Returns

They're about to let it all hang out. Sometimes the years are kinder to others, but Hinsdale alum are continuing a favorite tradition this year, the Hinsdale Belly Bump. The idea that any Hinsdale graduate, or a spouse of an alum, can sign up for a little competition on who can make a better basket.

The event will start on New Year's Day, with plenty of time to shake of the hangover. Games will start Thursday at 4 p.m. The following games in the bracket will take place at 5:10 p.m., 6:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday the competitions will begin at 8:50 a.m. and continue throughout the day. The main event, the championship game will be played Friday, Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Levi Capdeville explained that it was him and Nate Remmick who resurrected the favored tradition. The alumni tradition started in 1978 with Kurt Rosendale. A discussion at a bar about who had the best class started it all, and they all had large bellies to boot. From that point Mike Jones took over throughout the early 80s and into the mid-90s. After his reign Jared Albus took over and ran the competition until 2000. The tradition took a break for over a decade, when last year Remmick texted Capdeville saying it would be fun to get the event going again. Capdeville said he thought it would be fun, but waited about a week until he decided that he wanted to get the ball rolling.

Last year was the first year the tournament made a comeback and Capdeville said it was a huge success. They had a great turnout, with five men's teams and two women's teams. They also raised over $1,000 in ticket proceeds and entry fees that went towards the Hinsdale Fourth of July fireworks display. Capdeville said the previous tournament also raised funds for the fireworks display. This year they'll have one more men's team added to the bracket, a total of 62 men signed up already. Each team is between 10 and 11 players.

Last year the slum from the mid-90s took the championship. Another surprise was Gary Porter, who showed a lot of energy and talent for his age. He took home the oldest player trophy home last year, he won't be in the tournament this year so the trophy will be up for grabs.

"This year we'll be looking forward to see who has a little bit left in the tanks," Capdeville said.

There is also going to be a 3-point contest that will run at half time of every game. The final round will be at the half time of championship of game. There will also be a quilt raffle for the women's legion axillary.

There will be plenty of family fun and family competition this year. Capdeville said that sponsors who helped get the event up and running were Nemont Beverage and Farm Equipment Sales, who helped to provide all jerseys, Helena Chemical and Stoughie's Bar and Grill.