Donkeys Invade SRCS Gymnasium

With their fearsome nicknames, unpredictable style of play and two pairs of custom-fit, rubber soled shoes, the athletes known as the Green Mountain Donkeys thundered onto the court at Salmon River High School gym on Wednesday, April 20. It didn't take long to realize that these athletes were no ordinary group of players. They play for carrots, have hairy eyes, they are not potty trained, and are very stubborn.

These athletes are a bunch of donkeys that arrived to play a quirky twist on basketball in which humans ride donkeys. The All Night Grad Party committee and the Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Prevention Program (A/CDP) organized the fundraiser for the Class of 2016's All Night Grad drug and alcohol free party. There were two games featuring Senior Class vs. SRCS Staff and Senior Class vs. Community "Celebrities." Free donkey rides and a three point contest for prizes were conducted during half time. A 50/50 raffle and a concession stand were also available. Emcee Benny Herne kept the games moving.

The rules of the game were straightforward: teams of three players must be astride their donkeys in order to shoot, pass or play defense. Which is easier said than done. Dribbling is nonexistent. Participants wear elbow pads and helmets. Each round was two three and a half minute periods. There was a brief meeting that each rider must attend for a briefing on the rules and treatment of the animals.

"Our donkeys spend most of their time at home playing, grazing, and exercising in the 100+ acres they call home," commented John Sisters, owner of Green Mountain Donkey Ball. "Our donkeys are part of our family-they are our friends. We may have one or two games a week but we spend every day tending to, working and playing with our donkeys. Our desire is to share ourselves and our friends-our donkeys-in a humane way. Donkeys get a bad rap as being bad tempered and stubborn when they are in fact sweet, cautious and patient. We want our friends treated with kindness and respect."

The SRCS staff and the community celebrities advanced on to the finals. After two games the score was tied and they went into sudden death. After a few minutes of nail biting action, SRCS staff member John Lashomb netted the win and bragging rights for the Salmon River staff.

The crowd laughed and hollered watching the players scrambling to mount their donkeys and score baskets at the same time. The players were laughing at their predicaments and having a great time. "It was crazy, funny. I was so nervous but I had a lot of fun," commented senior Shayla Bender.

"I got on the donkey but it wouldn't move but it was a lot of fun," said staff member Judy Fleury.

The staff members may have won according to the scoreboard but the clear winners were the donkeys.