SWAMPSCOTT — The town’s Recreation Department has teamed up with veteran teacher and coach of Swampscott schools John Squires to create a basketball program for men aged 20-60, with the goal of fostering a stronger sense of community for those who participate.
The program is titled “Tides Hoops Men’s Basketball League” and meets on Monday and Thursday nights at Swampscott Elementary School.
“I grew up in Swampscott, I raised my family here, and I was an assistant principal at Swampscott Middle School for 15 years,” Squires explained. “Basketball has been a passion of mine my whole life, and I’ve always wanted to do something like this.”
Squires explained the way the program is set up. The league plays 4-on-4 games with 20-minute halves, held at the gym on the third floor of the elementary school. The program is running strong in its fourth week, though he hopes to keep the program running year-round.
“Right now, we’re close to 80 players, but I’m hoping to get closer to over 100. … I have them on three courts, and I have three games going at once. It’s kind of like a circus,” he said. The majority of the players are men, though a few women have signed up to participate as well.
He also cited a few critical supporters who helped get the initiative up and running. He thanked Superintendent of Schools Jason Calichman for allowing the group to use the space; for Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia’s help in collaborating on the project, and Interim Town Administrator and Director of Public Works Gino Cresta.
Squires also mentioned his co-coordinator and assistant, Jesse Despo, for helping run the program. “He’s been very good, too, and he’s come aboard and we’re working together. It’s going really well,” he said.
Squires added that “everybody’s been very supportive, and they all wanted it to go well.”
“I think it’s really just the tip of the iceberg. I want this to grow and give people a chance to connect; it’s from 20-year-olds to 60-year-olds, and my goal is to get four divisions,” he said. “Right now, I have three — but if you have four — there’s a place for everybody, no matter what. … Whether you’re intermediate, just starting, or older.”
Daher de Garcia said that the Recreation Department is very excited about the program.
“He has over 70 players, which is really exciting. He’s been doing this for years, and we’re privileged to have him come back to town and be here for years to come,” she said. “We have no doubt based on the enthusiasm from all the players.”
By the time Thursday night rolled around, players were pouring into the elementary school on Whitman Road to gather in the gymnasium. While the players are from communities all around the North Shore, they unite as “college” teams that they’ve chosen, such as the University of North Carolina or the University of Montana, as the whole group plays six games throughout the night.
One participant, Jess Burton, talked about how he got involved with the program.
“I spent years playing in the league that he ran at the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, and now that he started this league up, I wanted to support him and be there for him,” Burton said.
Burton continued, explaining how he feels programs like these help friendships bloom on the court.
“I think that it’s a good way to bring both men and women that want to play basketball together. … I didn’t know the people that I signed up to play on the team with, but we’re already fast friends,” Burton said. “I think it definitely brings a sense of community to the program.”
Another player, Suraj Krishnamurthi, shared similar feelings.
“It’s fun, and good competition, it’s nice to get out for an hour a week. … The school is brand-new, so it’s nice to come in, use the court, and everyone that comes here is from all over places like Lynn and Danvers,” he said. “So, it’s nice for everyone to come here.”
For anyone that’s interested in signing up, they can find more information at: https://swampscottma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30174
John Squires, co-organizer of the Tides Hoop Basketball League, keeps score during one of the three games being played at Swampscott Elementary School.
The Swampscott Elementary School gym was dominated by basketball Thursday evening during the Tides Hoop Basketball League.
Tony Salcedo huddles together with his team after a timeout was called during the Tides Hoop Basketball League game.
The Swampscott Elementary School gym was dominated by basketball Thursday evening during the Tides Hoop Basketball League.
Tony Salcedo, center, congratulates Eldon Bonitto on a good game as Gino Gillis walks off court after their Tides Hoop Basketball League game at Swampscott Elementary School.
Jess Burton sets up the offense as Pierre Louis covers him off during their Tides Hoop Basketball League Game.
