The referee and a “Glow Trotters” player fight for a loose ball at a Priceville Elementary School fundraiser Thur. night, Feb. 25. | Clif Knight

‘Glow Trotter’ big hit at Priceville Elementary

Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Priceville Elementary School pulled off a hilarious and successful fundraiser Thur., Feb. 25,  under the name of “Glow Trotters,” a spin off from the world famous Harlem Globetrotters’ exhibition basketball games.

The visiting Glow Trotters featured Morgan County Schools Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr., a 5’4” point guard who wore a red, yellow and blue head band to keep his hair out his eyes. He drew a thunderous ovation from the audience when he dunked the ball from the back of one of his teammates. He was surrounded by six other handpicked former high school standouts.

The home team represented the school’s teachers, a crowd favorite. They  commanded an edge on the visitors thanks to 6’4”Patrick Stanford, a dunking machine. Anytime the Glow Trotters would start a run or threaten to take the lead, he would step up and knock down a shot.

Equally imposing were the cheerleaders for both teams. They lined the court on both ends; teachers and students alike dressed in bright colors, and kept the fans pumped up with their movements and yells.

Timeouts and intermissions were a hoot as players, cheerleaders and students crowded the court, jumping, clapping, yelling and dancing to pumped in music.

Referee Ricky McCullough threw out the rulebook midway through the second quarter and allowed the game to take its natural course—bumping, shoving, reaching in, hacking, traveling blocking. At one point in the final quarter, he abandoned his whistle and jumped into a melee of players going after a loose ball.

Principal Tanya McCain was an imposing authority figure both on and off the court. She was dressed in pink, black and purple and wore sunglasses. Overseeing the conduct of the players, the glow trotters in particular was the name of her game.  She didn’t hesitate to stop the game and call a player to task about his demeanor. In more than one instance, they threw a player out of the game for conduct unbecoming a gentleman.

The event was held on Tues., Feb. 23, for grades 3-5 and Thur., Feb. 25, for grades K-2. A meal was served before each ball game.

“The same event was held five years ago before I arrived here,” said McCain. “It was a big success and we decided to try it again.”