Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- Currently heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Melcher Hall is putting on the Gabe Miller Basketball Tournament on April 3,to benefit the American Heart Association. The three on three tournament is an all day event starting at 9 a.m. in Williams Fieldhouse.

A team can consist of three to five players. Any player who registers in advance will receive a t-shirt. There will be four different tournament brackets, a men's intermediate, men's advanced, women's and a co-ed, with trophies for the winners in each bracket. The entrance fee is $10 per player.

The tournament is named after Gabe Miller a basketball player from UWP who lived in Melcher Hall and died of a heart ailment. Dan Andersen, a coordinator for the event commented about Miller saying, "Gabe Miller was an inspiration to those who knew him, and through this tournament he continues to be an inspiration to all students here at UW-Platteville. He was a good basketball player, but more importantly a great man. We should strive to keep his memory alive here at Platteville, and this tournament is just a small way to commemorate what he means to this campus."

The tournament proceeds will go towards research devoted to heart related ailments. Donations will be accepted at the tournament, and local businesses have been contacted to give donations.

Paul Reinsbach, a coordinator for the event, added, "The money will go to a good cause, and shows that UWP students care about what goes on in society."

Anyone of any age can participate; both volunteers and players are needed.

Teams may sign up by visiting one of the tables set up at the student center and Glenview Commons following spring break. Brochures will be available at the front desks of the residents halls, or team members can sign up by calling Reinsbach at (608) 342-2802

Volunteers are needed to be scorekeepers, timekeepers, and write brackets. Volunteers may also sign up to hand out t-shirts, and sell food and refreshments. Anyone wishing to volunteer may call Andersen at (608) 342-2901.