The teams that are in Danville this week for the NJCAA Division II Men’s National Basketball Tournament are having no problem finding their way around town. It is because each team is assigned official hosts who volunteer to help.
John Heckler has been hosting teams for the past ten years, and he explains what the hosts do….
‘’What the host does is gets with the head coach or athletic director and explains to them about Danville and if they need any help. If they need anything as far as where to go to restaurants, practice time, things like that – I just kind of assist them and help out. But there’s a great organization here so it flows very easily,’’ said Heckler.
Heckler and Jim MeHarry of Danville are the team hosts for the Cuyahoga Community College Challengers from Cleveland, Ohio.
Heckler says the tournament is well organized.
‘’I think that probably is the reason why I volunteer year after year. Dick Shockey and his group really do a tremendous job, and they are to be credited for all the different stuff they do and the organization – whether it’s the team hosts, the banquets, the practice…all these things are so important to the teams. And we just try to help out and make it smooth and represent Danville and the area in a good manner,’’ said Heckler.
You can spot the hosts not only as they escort their team around town, but also as they help with such things as water and towels for players during the games. They are just some of the approximately 400
