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GRIDLEY INVITATIONAL BRACKETS AND HISTORY

Marcskit

Sports Fanatic
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Jan 28, 2002
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THE HISTORY OF THE GIBT

In 1953 John Valentino, teacher and coach at Gridley High school, put into action his idea of school activity that involved many people from differing socal, geographical and economical segments of Northern California. He organized and directed the first Gridley Invitational Basketball tournament.

From the onset, the 3- day GIBT has had the reputation as a tournament that extends invitations to top California basketball teams.

Valentino’s plan was an annual event that brought people together --- visiting players living with Gridley families, allowing social barriers to dissolve as people of different races, religions and lifestyles became directly associated with one another on a daily basis. Remember that this was 1953!

This pattern for cooperative behavior continues to work in the absence of Valentino who passed away early in 1984.

From 1953 through 1977 , the GIBT was a post – season tournament. It was a popular alternative to the Tournament of Champions ( TOC ) , which was held each year at the end of the basketball season.

In fact the GIBT was so popular that some teams that earned the privilege of participating in the TOC , chose to play in the GIBT instead.

This caused the CIF officials to make the decision to have only one post season tournament to determine the ultimate champion. This change occurred in 1978, the only year there was not a GIBT. Gridley High School resumed the GIBT as a pre-season tournament in 1979, and it has continued to be one of the most prestigious varsity basketball tournaments for high school boys in Northern California.

Throughout the history of the GIBT , local families have opened their homes each year to house the visiting teams. The friendships that have developed through these arrangements have been many, and long-lasting.

What else can I say. Good folks, good vibes, great hoops

Thursday Brackets- DEC 7th.

4:00 P.M. Folsom - Capitol Christian

5:30 - Sheldon - Woodcreek

7:00 - Gridley - Salesian

8:30- Archbishop Mitty - Dublin

Here’s wishing you great hoops
 
Best tournament hands down and what a loaded field and whatever 4 teams make
the semi finals Friday night those will be two high quality games can't wait.
 
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