Posted on 03/20/2005 12:02:53 PM PST by nickcarraway
As quarterback for Laurel Valley last season, Chris Smithley's athleticism and leadership earned him all-conference distinction in the District 6 Heritage Conference.
After the football season, the 6-foot-1 senior crossed over to the basketball court, playing forward for the Rams.
Given all the talent he's demonstrated in sports, Smithley probably never figured he'd be a laughingstock. Then again, his coaches had never required him to sink a lay-up while trying to stay astride a donkey nicknamed "Wild Thing."
"I fell off 10 times, at least," Smithley said after coming to the sidelines Sunday during a donkey basketball fund-raiser at Laurel Valley Middle-High School in St. Clair Township.
While Smithley's persistent attempts to remain aboard the reluctant white-and-gray burro amused an overflow crowd in the gymnasium, the star athlete said he had no reservations about signing up for the tournament.
"This is a blast," he said.
Donkey basketball returned to Laurel Valley for the first time in 15 years as a benefit for the 2005 senior class to offset costs for banquets, yearbook pictures and graduation fees. Overall, the expenses exceed $3,000, said Lori DiRinaldo, a German teacher and senior class sponsor.
Yesterday's tournament, which raised about $1,000, received approval from Ligonier Valley School District administrators last fall, DiRinaldo said.
In recent years, the popularity of donkey basketball as a school fund-raiser has decreased. Some animal rights organizations have charged that the contests are cruel.
A group called Animal Advocates protested a donkey basketball game in Penn Hills, Allegheny County, in 1997. The Web site for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals touts several instances in which the national organization encouraged schools and other groups to cancel donkey basketball games in favor of other fund-raisers.
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
I love donkey basketball..it's a hoot.
Hmmm.. I've never seen or even heard of donkey basketball. Sounds like more fun than the normal kind, which bores the crap out of me.
Donkey basketball was around in NH 30+ years ago when I was a teacher. The teachers were supposed to ride the donkeys in fund-raisers. I thought it was pathetic. Still do. Hope it never returns to schools in NH.
This was an annual event at my high school in Texas.
Believe me, there is nothing funnier to a high school student (or just about any body else, for that matter) than to watch your high school teachers, administrators, and 'jocks' repeatedly thrown on the ground by an unassuming little burro while trying to shoot a hoop!
I agree- I've actually played it quite a fews years ago at my Jr. High School. The donkey I rode had stripes like a zebra, anyway it was loads of fun! We all had a blast!
Did this when I was a high school teacher in Indiana. The donkeys are trained to me especially mischevious. The trainers walk around the court and give the four legged critters various secret signals. My donkey sent me flying right over his head. Then he drug me the whole length of the court when I tried to re-mount.
Excuse me. I meant "to BE especially mischevious."
ping!
Thanks for the ping. I've seen one Donkey basketball game and laughed so hard my stomach hurt. DO NOT MISS THIS if you have the opportunity!
But, what about the children? Someone might get hurt! < /sarcasm >
I wanted to try that with my donkey, Jake, But chances are with him being like he is we'd just sit or lay on the floor.
:0P
Is he trained to ride at all? I have not ridden a donkey, but I have ridden mules many miles and love them on trail.
I can get on him and we'll stand around for a few minutes, walk a few yards, stand another few minutes, then he'll lay down(this is all done without any riding equipment). I consider myself lucky. He bucks everyone else off.
:0)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.