Hoops for Heroes Funds Zane Middle School

A Night of Community, Competition, and Celebration

At Eureka High’s Jay Willard Gymnasium on Thursday night, the atmosphere was electric. The school hosted its annual “Hoops and Heroes” event, a vibrant celebration aimed at raising funds for Zane Middle School. This year’s gathering featured an exciting basketball game between the eighth-grade girls’ and boys’ teams from Zane and local first responders, creating a unique blend of competition and community spirit.

The Heroes team included representatives from Humboldt Bay Fire, Cal Poly Humboldt University Police, Eureka Police Department, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and a member from St. Joseph’s Intensive Care Unit and Respiratory division. Unfortunately, Coast Guard representatives were unavailable due to furloughs or wartime deployment.

According to Kayla Rogers, Zane’s athletic director and acting vice principal, and Betsy Totten, president of the Zane Flight Crew (Parent Teacher Student Association), the event has been a staple since 2012, with only a brief hiatus during the pandemic. The evening began with a pulled-pork dinner fundraiser organized by the Zane Black Student Union, offering snacks and drinks that supported student programs. Sponsors such as Redwood Capital Bank, Corcoran Icon Properties, and Ulrich Electric contributed to the cause.

Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel served as an honorary official for the event, which celebrates the strong partnerships between local youth and first responders. “This event has become something our entire community looks forward to each year,” one organizer said. “It’s more than just a game; it’s about connection, support, and creating opportunities for our students while honoring our first responders.”

Zane cheerleaders brought energy and excitement to the gym, showcasing their spirit through gymnastic acrobatics. Greg Allen, a former Rio Dell Police Chief and current Chief of Police at Cal Poly, played for the first responders. He noted the competitive nature of the game, saying, “They like to cheat a lot over there, but we’re not having it.” His son was officiating, which he found amusing. “With the Mayor reffing and my son reffing, I have no faith,” he joked. “We’re just going to have to do everything by the book.”

Allen emphasized the importance of the event in fostering community spirit. “I think a lot of our youth are involved in sports, and that brings in a lot of community members to watch them. And for us to participate in an event like this shows that we are one, we’re not separate.”

As the game progressed, the Heroes took an early lead, but Zane made a strong comeback. Ben Wilma scored a deep three-pointer for the Heroes, while the Falcons hit several long-range shots. By the end of the third quarter, the game was still close, but the promotion allowing audience members to pay for points added an extra layer of excitement. The Falcons ultimately outpaced the Heroes, with scores soaring into the hundreds.

There was also a fun element where the Heroes could earn points by dancing to “Hip Hop Hooray” by Naughty By Nature. The first responders embraced the challenge, adding to the festive atmosphere.

In the final moments, a Zane player hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game. However, Humboldt Bay Fire Captain John Goodman sealed the victory with a last-second three-pointer, leading to an initial score of 171-168. But as donations continued to pour in, the Falcons were declared the winners.

One of the Falcons, identified only as O’Ryin, expressed his appreciation for the support from the community. “It’s very inspirational and always good to have an organization like this. I love that the school put this together for us, in general, it’s very thoughtful. I’m surprised how many came out, I wasn’t expecting all this support.”

Goodman highlighted the importance of teamwork and community. “I think it’s a good format. Police officers and firefighters are very similar to a team, so we come out here, blend together and work together.” He encouraged the students to persevere in life, regardless of their chosen profession.

Mayor Bergel, in her second year officiating, emphasized the value of the event. “I think it’s really important for the kids to have the opportunity to meet and have community with our first responders, our police department, our firefighters, in a fun and cool way.” She acknowledged the balance between competition and fun, noting, “That’s always the fun part — that it’s all about having a great time.”

Bergel also shared a message for students: “Don’t quit, keep showing up, it’s one assignment at a time. Be kind and respectful to each other.”

The “Hoops and Heroes” event continues to bring the community together, celebrating the bonds between youth and those who serve. It’s a night of laughter, competition, and meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.