It’s Christmas break. Students sleep until noon, spend time at friends’ houses, play Fortnite and send Snapchat messages at all hours. It’s normal, but there is still plenty for parents of teenagers to worry about.
In the midst of all of the craziness that the holidays bring, one local man decided to put together what has become an annual event for teenage boys, combining basketball and and the gospel for a night of fun and learning. The Holiday Hustle basketball event helps alleviate some of the extra worry that may come during the break from school.
Owensboro native Rusty Tichenor is again hosting the Holiday Hustle — this year from 7-11 p.m. this Friday at Owensboro Christian Church. According to Tichenor, it is something that has taken place in the community for several years.
“Holiday Hustle started about 10 years ago as a way to bring middle school and high school students together during Christmas break,” Tichenor said. “The first year we hosted the event, it was held at Hall Street Baptist Church and we had over 85 students participate. Some time later it moved to Owensboro Christian, where it will be held this year. In addition to playing basketball, we also have guest speakers come in from the community.”
This year’s Holiday Hustle will feature Julius Maddox and Travis Holtrey as community voices who will lend their time to the students and share the gospel with all participants.
Tichenor said that the goal of Holiday Hustle is to provide a night of basketball-related, Christ-centered fun for teenage guys. It is designed to uplift and encourage, while also giving students the space to spend time with friends, compete and have some fun.
“I believe God has been truly glorified and satisfied through this event,” Tichenor said. “From the first year at Hall Street until now, no one has ever left a Holiday Hustle unsatisfied. Students come in for the basketball and leave with a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
According to Owensboro Christian Church’s Josh Lambert, it was a no-brainer when Tichenor pitched the event to him. Lambert’s friendship with Tichenor spans many years, and he said that it is exactly the type of event the church’s recreation Center (which he oversees) wants to be able to offer the community.
“Working with Rusty is always a great time,” Lambert siad. “He has been working with high school students since I myself was of that age. He is a hard worker and a great guy. Holiday Hustle is important to both of us, because we want to give students who are looking for something do over their break a chance to come play some basketball.”
Holiday Hustle will cost $5 at the door for the entire night of basketball and entertainment. All participants will receive a complimentary event T-shirt and dinner. According to Tichenor and Lambert, security will be provided and students will not be permitted to leave before 11 p.m. without written permission. For more information about Holiday Hustle, contact Josh Lambert at [email protected].
