A True "Classic"

A Tribute to the Hall Holiday Tournament Founder, Frank Colmone

When the country was hit by a gasoline shortage in 1973, Hall and other schools scrambled for ways to cut back travel expenses on athletic events, putting a premium on local games. Hall Athletic Director Frank Colmone and Superintendent Vance Hamann came up with the plan to host their own Christmas tournament with all local teams. Buda Western, the winner of the first Hall Holiday Tournament, and months later an Elite Eight team, was joined by DePue, LaMoille, Wyanet, Putnam County, Mid-County, and Mooseheart in that inital field. That began a run that's seen a total of 12 Sweet Sixteen teams, eight Elite Eights that have won fourth place, and five state runners-up in the Spring Valley field. IHSA officials have, over the years, attended several events and one year, four of the ten officials who worked the Classic finished the season at the state tournament. Colmone retired as Hall's AD in 1993 and, the following year, the tournament was re-named the "Colmone Classic" in his honor. He still attends each tournament and is a staunch follower of Red Devil athletics. "Its an honor. I take a lot of pride in it," Colmones said. "But maybe the most important thing I've taken from the tournament are the people I met, the hundreds-maybe thousands that I've become friends with. That's something I'll always have.

Thank you Frank!!!!