Hoops for Heroes Funds Zane Middle
A Night of Community, Competition, and Celebration at Eureka High
The atmosphere at Eureka High’s Jay Willard Gymnasium on Thursday night was electric, filled with energy, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose. The school hosted its annual “Hoops and Heroes” event, a unique gathering that brings together students and local first responders for a friendly basketball game while raising funds for Zane Middle School. This year’s event was as much about celebration as it was about community, with spirited competition and heartfelt moments that left everyone involved feeling connected.
The game featured two teams: the Zane Falcons, composed of eighth-grade students, and the Heroes, made up of representatives from various local emergency services. The Heroes team included firefighters from Humboldt Bay Fire, officers from Cal Poly Humboldt University Police, Eureka Police Department, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and even a representative from St. Joseph’s Intensive Care Unit and Respiratory division. Unfortunately, Coast Guard members were unable to attend due to furloughs or 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. This year’s game was just one part of a larger evening of fundraising and community engagement.
Before the game, a pulled-pork dinner was served as part of a fundraiser organized by the Zane Black Student Union. Snacks and drinks were also sold, with all proceeds benefiting student programs. Sponsors such as Redwood Capital Bank, Corcoran Icon Properties, Ulrich Electric, Scrapper’s Edge, Tim’s Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Eureka helped make the event possible.
Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel served as an honorary official for the event, which was described in a release as a way to “celebrate community, teamwork, and the incredible partnerships between local youth and the men and women who serve and protect Humboldt County every day.”
“This event has become something our entire community looks forward to each year,” said one organizer. “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 their usual energy to the gym, adding to the excitement with acrobatic performances. Greg Allen, a former Rio Dell Police Chief and current Chief of Police at Cal Poly, played for the Heroes team. He joked about his son officiating the game, saying, “With the Mayor reffing, and my son reffing, I have no faith.” Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork.
The game itself was a back-and-forth battle, with the Heroes taking an early lead before the Falcons made a strong comeback. The final minutes were especially dramatic, with a last-second three-pointer by a Zane player tying the game. However, as donations continued to pour in, the Falcons ultimately claimed victory.
The event was not just about winning or losing—it was about building relationships and fostering a sense of unity. For many students, the experience was inspiring. One Falcon, identified only as O’Ryin, said, “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.”
Humboldt Bay Fire Captain John Goodman, who scored the final basket, reflected on the significance of the event. “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 said. “Whatever profession they choose in the future, especially our fields, it’s the same atmosphere; these are our brothers and sisters, teammates, and we’ve got to help each other out.”
Mayor Bergel, who officiated for her second year, highlighted the importance of the event in connecting students with first responders in a fun and meaningful way. She added that the game was not about being overly competitive but rather about having a great time and enjoying the moment.
As the night came to a close, the message was clear: through sports, community, and shared experiences, everyone involved felt a stronger sense of connection. The event reminded everyone that, no matter the role they play, they are all part of something bigger—a community that supports and uplifts one another.
