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WHEELING -- This month's Cancer Research Classic high school basketball showcase provided a $1.5 million economic boost to Wheeling-area businesses, the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau is reporting.
Nearly 10,000 people attended the two-day event, held at Wheeling Jesuit University. Expenditures for hotel rooms, food service, retail and recreational activities by visitors totaled more than $1.5 million.
The CRC, which just completed its 11th year, has grown into one of the top basketball events of its kind in the nation. The event's presenting sponsors are Wheeling Hospital and The Health Plan and it features some of the best high school basketball teams in the United States, from as far away as Florida and California.
The CRC was founded and is directed by Dr. Gregory Merrick, executive director of the Schiffler Cancer Center, Urologic Research Institute and Men's Health Center, all at Wheeling Hospital.
"A key reason the CRC has risen to be one of the top national high school basketball showcases is due to its many sponsors. A special thanks to all of our sponsors. Their support enables us to attract top teams and players, many of whom eventually play for major universities and even have successful careers playing in the NBA," Merrick said.
Frank O'Brien, CVB director, said, "The positive exposure for the city of Wheeling as the host location for a nationally broadcast event is extremely valuable. … We anticipate additional future visitors from the exposure.
"The organizers should be applauded for creating a first-class event featuring some of the best young basketball players in the country. The added bonus to Wheeling's economy during what many people would consider a slow time of the year is very appreciated by the local tourism community," O'Brien said.
ESPN broadcast the games nationally.
Merrick added the CRC is not just about high-caliber basketball.
"The event also provides the opportunity for us to promote men's health. We have booths and displays throughout the lobbies to better educate men about their health and encourage them to become more involved in taking care of themselves," Merrick said.
The CRC's other sponsors are the Ogden Newspapers, Pikewood Creative, Wheeling Jesuit University, Nike, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc., Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino's, Eagle Manufacturing, Oglebay Resort & Conference Center, Ohio County Commission, Scholastic Sports Marketing, city of Wheeling, The Highlands, Theragenics Corp., Community Bank, the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, .decimal, Ace Garage, First Choice America, Fitzsimmons Law Firm, Dr. Jondavid Pollock, K5 Sportswear, Hole N' Run, Kelly Barkhurst Design, Maximum Hoops Player Development, N.F. Mansuetto Inc., Pepsi Beverages Co., Progressive Bank, The Scoring Factory, Undo's Italian Restaurant and Ye Olde Alpha.