Love of the game

Now playing in downtown Spokane …. it’s Hoopfest, the Next Generation.

What better occasion than this, the 26th rendition, for the ball to be passed to a new group of leaders?

One of the headliners is 31-year-old Adam Jackson, for whom Hoopfest is more than a game; it’s a full-court weave of family, friendship and community service that began when he was 4 years old.

That’s when his father, original board member Dave Jackson, along with Hoopfest founders Rick Betts and Jerry Schmidt, made plans for bringing a three-on-three basketball tournament to downtown Spokane.

“I remember it vividly,” said Jackson, who watched as his dad, an attorney, unrolled a street map in the family dining room and prepared to work with the city and businesses to make it happen.

Along the way, his grandfather, Charlie, and uncle, Don, have been active in Hoopfest.

A generation later, it’s Adam Jackson’s turn. He’d been involved as a volunteer with his father on the site committee – “fixing rims and nets,” he said, but wanted to “bite off a little bit more.”

For years during pickup games with former Hoopfest director Rick Steltenpohl, he’d asked for a bigger role, and finally got the chance: Last year, the professional banker was named to the operating board.

“It was very humbling to be asked to help be a part of the core group,” Jackson said. This year, he’ll be in charge of the contest and festival aspect of Hoopfest. That includes the Safeco Family Fun Zone, Toyota ShootOff and the Free Throw Challenge.

“I’ll be moving around a lot,” Jackson said.

That’s nothing new for the younger Jackson, who recalls summers with his dad, loading trucks with hoops, backboards and pads, and depositing them downtown as the event drew near. A YMCA, AAU and high school player, he scarcely missed a Hoopfest – until this year.

A Hoopfest regular, Jackson had played in 23 of the first 25 events. “I played in a few championships, but I never won a title,” said Jackson.

For his family – wife Holly, 6-year-old Jillian, 4-year-old Marcus and 18-month-old Elliott – Hoopfest has meant watching dad play.

Not this year. “I have to take a step back from playing, because I need to be available,” Jackson said. That means the kids will get the same thrill – with a slightly less-sweaty dad.

Whether he’s playing or supervising, Jackson’s takes an appreciative view of the event.

“I think it’s a true testament to Spokane for having these kinds of world-class events,” Jackson said. “I think to me it’s so special because it’s a way for the community to come together.”

“It doesn’t matter what socioeconomic class you come from, everybody comes together, to be a part of this wonderful event,” Jackson said.