A 5-Way Conversation on The FNB Community Bank Vandalia Holiday Tournament

As the 50th edition of the Vandalia Holiday Tournament is cued-up, I have the opportunity to speak with several of the keepers of one of Vandalia’s great traditions—the FNB Community Bank Vandalia Holiday Tournament, arguably one of Illinois’ finest Basketball traditions in a state that is dripping with small-town basketball traditions. I sit down with Vandalia’s Coach Brian Buscher, Brian Kern, Carl Clymer, and Hannah Edgar, four people who have basketball in their blood, and who know this tournament well. I’m curious to find out what makes this particular tradition so special to the community. Because when friends, former classmates, old teammates, and neighbors from a thousand square miles come together in a storied gymnasium in Vandalia, Illinois in late December, it’s clearly about much more than basketball. I think it must be about an extended family, wrapped-up in the love of the game, good conversation, wonderful memories, and a tradition to carry-on. Give a listen and let’s get the story from this group of Vandal Alumni.