Bob Knox Memorial Leprechaun Tournament to be played in Owego

Several local youth basketball teams will take the court on Sunday, March 5 at the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club in Owego, N.Y. for the “Bob Knox Memorial Leprechaun Tournament.”

An event that had been popular in the 1990’s is being brought back to the courts at the Boys and Girls Club in memory of Bob Knox. 

Knox, who passed away in July 2015, was a long-time Owego resident and highly regarded as always having the betterment of the community’s children in mind. Well known in the community for his generosity and commitment, and dedicating most of his life to Tioga County youth sports and activities, Knox retired from the Boys and Girls Club after working there for 18 years.

The tournament will feature players from local third and fourth grade travel teams, including the Club’s own TC Hawks. As of this writing, in addition to two Owego teams, teams from Vestal, Endicott, Seton-Catholic and Corning have signed up, and more are expected.

“So far we have five teams, and we hope to sign up five more,” said Marc Brainard, one of the TC Hawks’ coaches.

Brainard explained that the TC Hawks teams have been playing together since late October and shared, “Our two TC Hawks teams finished up very well, with records of 12-1.”

Trophies for first, second and third place teams will be given out, and in addition, tournament MVP’s will be recognized and players will receive tee shirts commemorating the Bob Knox Leprechaun tournament. Students from the Owego Free Academy varsity team will referee the games.

Dillon Tiddick, athletic director at the Boys and Girls Club, along with Brainard, both grew up under the wing of Bob Knox and are pleased to be bringing the Leprechaun tournament back to Owego, citing that it is an excellent way to recognize the club, put the TC Hawks in the spotlight, and also pay homage to Knox. 

The tournament will run from 9 a.m. until later in the evening, approximately 8 p.m. Brainard and Tiddick welcome the community to watch the games. Admission will be $2 for adults and $1 for youth, with a maximum of $5 per family. A concession stand will be open.

For more information about the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club, find them on Facebook or visit their website, www.tiogabgca.org.