That sound you heard in Erickson Gymnasium on February 20 — other than the former III players talking smack — was a friendly game of basketball, a tradition that started about 20 years ago. And let’s rephrase that: a friendly yet competitive game.  Former III players still at Loomis but not on the team vs. current III players.  

Seth Beebe, director of advancement services and operations, started coaching the III team in the 2003–04 season. Previously he had been the girls varsity head coach for nine years, took some time off, and then assisted the boys junior varsity for a few years.  

“I instituted the alumni game probably a couple years after [becoming the III coach] as a way to keep the older guys involved and to have a competitive practice late in the season,” Seth said.  

“We get great turnout from the alumni. They talk a little smack beforehand, and they love to play in the game. Most III players don’t go on to play varsity basketball — although we had a stretch of about a dozen years where there was a III player on every varsity basketball team — but many of them play varsity [sports] in other seasons.”  

The former III players won. “It was a lot to a little,” Seth said. And, as usual, a lot of fun.  

Faculty members volunteer to referee the game. This year, teachers Joe Cleary and Scott Purdy officiated.