The third annual Scheitrum Classic was held at Emmaus High School recently to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. This year’s tournament featured 18 teams – 13 varsity and five junior varsity – playing in games throughout the weekend in both the main gym and auxiliary gym at Emmaus. This year’s tournament raised $1,000 that will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Through its three years, the Scheitrum Classic has now raised $2,500 for the American Cancer Society.

The event is named after Lynn Scheitrum, wife of Emmaus coach Carl Scheitrum. After a battle with cancer, Lynn Scheitrum passed away in the summer of 2014. At the time, Carl Scheitrum was an assistant on the Emmaus girls coaching staff and is now entering his first season as the head coach of the Lady Hornets.

The Emmaus Three-Point Club helped to plan and organize the event, which was headed by Michelle Huber, whose daughter Vanessa is on the Emmaus team. It was aided by numerous donations of time and supplies such as food and drinks that made the event a success.

Last year, there were a total of 13 teams that played, a sizable growth over the six that played in the first Scheitrum Classic. This year, the Classic grew to 18 teams, thanks to the success in previous years. Teams from all over the Lehigh Valley, including as far as Lehighton, Perkiomen Valley and Honesdale participated, playing a number of games throughout the weekend.

The Emmaus varsity squad finished the weekend 4-1, while the JV team played to a 1-3 mark.

“I received so much positive feedback from coaches, players and referees throughout the weekend,” said Scheitrum in a statement. “The quality of basketball was very good. The schedule – and sticking to the schedule – was good as well, and that’s always a challenge, especially with so many teams involved. On top of the entrance fees, I had several coaches hand me checks because they wanted to contribute to the American Cancer Society.”

The event not only raises money for cancer research, but it provides teams with the chance to come together to benefit the community and be part of a bigger team. Scheitrum was asked by another coach to address that issue with his team and help to stress to the players the importance of truly being a team on and off the court.

“It’s about coming together as friends,” he said. “It’s about supporting special causes, like cancer research. It’s about giving back to the community. I truly enjoyed that opportunity. And I came away even more thankful to be part of this community.”

Lynn and Carl Scheitrum’s daughter, Kristin, played basketball at Emmaus and is the program’s third leading scorer all-time.

“This weekend generates a lot of emotions for myself and my family, and it also happens to be our anniversary weekend,” Carl Scheitrum said in the statement. “I know Lynn would be embarrassed to be in the spotlight, yet she was always there for whatever needed to be done to support our son and daughter’s high school experiences. I also know Lynn would be so grateful to each and every one of you for your support in helping to find a cure.”