The biggest annual sporting event in Cordova is almost here. Starting Thursday, Jan. 18 the 41st Cordova Tipoff will be underway.
Three days of round-robin basketball at the CHS court will truly tipoff the CHS basketball season, for these are the first home games of the young season.
The Tipoff was originally started back in 1982 by Cordova Elks Lodge #1483, with a goal of supporting youth activities by expanding the number of home games on what was a very limited schedule.
The idea was to attract teams from all over Alaska to come play here, and enjoy Cordova hospitality as well as the excitement of playing in a gym packed with spirited fans.
The Tipoff has been wildly successful, with the tradition being continued by the Cordova School District after the Elks Lodge closed its doors.
Over the years, 57 schools from all over Alaska have come here to play. A testimony to its popularity is how many of those teams want to come back to hear the rafters of the CHS court rattle during dramatic action, often right down to the final horn.
This year’s field includes girls’ and boys’ teams from conference rivals Nenana and Ninilchik, JV girls from 4A Palmer, and JV boys from 4A South Anchorage, plus the hometown Wolverines of course.
Four games a day will be played, all at CHS. Games start on Jan. 18 at 3:30 p.m., and the Friday and Saturday games of next week will begin at 2:30 p.m. CHS will play the late games each day.
