Annual Luther Invitational Tournament welcomed back to the court
Annual Luther Invitational Tournament welcomed back to the court
It’s been a long two years since a full fledged tournament has echoed through the gyms at Regina’s Luther College High School.
But the Luther Invitational Tournament (L.I.T.) is hitting the hard court again at full capacity for its 69th annual event.
“I remember watching it in Grade 9 and have just been kind of waiting for this day to play in it and it's finally came,” Isaac Sterttner, Luther’s Grade 12 point guard told CTV.
Sterttner is not alone in missing the tournament over the past two years. While they hosted a version of it in 2022, it was not at its full capacity.
Those students who remember the historical tournament have also since moved on, and so the passing of the torch for traditions rest on the shoulders of those who remain.
Mainly, athletics director and former player and coach, Troy Casper.
Casper explained that there are certain traditions at the school the teams take part in, which is vital to the rebirth of this tournament in all aspects, especially given the impacts pandemic restrictions had on high schools in particular.
“Athletics was really, really hurt in some ways, so that build up, the energy is really created by they want it,” he said. “I think it means a lot for the community, and for our students and for our teams, and all the teams coming to have this opportunity.”
Students at Luther are beginning to understand the magnitude that is one of Western Canada’s longest-standing tournaments, and how being part of it changes their identity.
“I wouldn’t have expected myself to be here out of all places and I think I’m so lucky to have this opportunity,” said Thea Malok, a forward on the women’s team.
“I think it’s just cool that it’s such a long running tournament and I get to be a part of it,” added Anji Otukoya, another forward.
Understanding that L.I.T. is more than just about the game, students across the school are witnessing the community come together around basketball.
“It’s not only a tournament that’s just for the players, it’s for all the students and everyone that comes together as a community to watch,” said Sterttner.
Ani Idowu is a Grade 12 student and the head of media for the tournament. She explained to CTV that the older grades who missed out on the tournament over the past two years told her to get involved, and embrace the tournament for all that it can offer.
“It helps me know who I am better. It helps shape my identity and discover who I am as a person not only at Luther College High School, but as a citizen of Canada, of someone who resides in Saskatchewan,” she said.
“It’s just a long time tournament that’s been rooted in the history of Saskatchewan for so, so long you just become a part of it all,” she added, smiling.
“I didn’t realize it was such a big deal before, so today in Chapel learning all that stuff, it was a little overwhelming, but I’m so excited,” said Lira Zografi, a Grade 10 student who contributed to one of the art murals that will be displayed in the new gym during the tournament.
In addition to the athletics on the court, L.I.T. boasts a theme every year, with beautifully elaborate artwork created by Luther students under the direction of visual arts teacher, Drew Hunter.
“It’s been a bit of a battle I think post COVID, just trying to get kids to go, ‘Here’s the traditions, here’s the volunteerism that comes with the tournament, we need you to come out,’” he said. “I have incredible arts students and am blessed to have kids every year that will put the time in.”
“It feels really nice to be, not only connected to the grades that are here right now but to kind of feel a connection with everyone who’s been here before us and everyone who’s attended the tournament,” added Andie Williams, another Grade 10 student who contributed to the murals.
Normally, only Grade 12 students paint for the tournament, so both feel the honour and the importance associated with their contribution.
Murals don the walls in both gyms, with the new year theme being portrayed in the Semple (newer) gym, and contributions dating back to 2003 in the old gym.
While some may argue that having the new gym takes away from the antiquated memories of the long-standing tournament, that doesn’t seem to be the case according to staff.
“People who have been here before, they can come back into the old gym, which we’re still using, it’s kind of the cathedral of basketball, where everyone houses their memories,” said Hunter.
Casper agreed.
"All it does is, it gives you more, so there’s nothing lost.”
The tournament runs Feb. 9 to Feb. 11 with eight teams participating in both men’s and women’s basketball.
The teams span from Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba.
As Joe Biden makes his first trip to Canada as president of the United States, CTVNews.ca is offering live coverage of the leader's visit. Follow our live blog on CTVNews.ca and the CTV News app for the latest updates.
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived on Parliament Hill saying that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "have a lot to talk about," but that it's great to be in Canada.
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
The United States' first lady was given a sweeping introduction to Canadian sports culture in Ottawa today as Sophie Gregoire Trudeau took Jill Biden to the curling rink.
W5 investigates aging asbestos pipes across Canada and the potential health hazards if it ends up in your tap water. Watch W5's 'Something in the Water' Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.
Short-term rental company Airbnb says it will pull listings that don't have a proper permit from the Quebec government. The San Francisco-based company made the announcement eight days after a fatal fire destroyed an Old Montreal building that housed illegal rentals.
An Ontario couple has filed a request with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) to appoint a new police force to investigate the death of their 17-year-old son Benjamin, who died during a hockey team-bonding event in September 2019.
Canada's restaurant industry is bracing for the biggest jump in the country's alcohol excise duty in more than 40 years, spurring warnings the tax hike could force some bars and restaurants out of business.
An alleged victim of a former staff member of Legacy Christian Academy can now be identified after she successfully petitioned in court to have a publication ban lifted.
Many residents across Saskatchewan had a prominent view of the Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights Thursday night and Friday morning and are sharing the pictures they captured with CTV News.
Manitoba’s labour force is growing at a rate to supply enough workers for available positions into 2026, according to the province’s labour market outlook.
Canada's restaurant industry is bracing for the biggest jump in the country's alcohol excise duty in more than 40 years, spurring warnings the tax hike could force some bars and restaurants out of business.
The Calgary Police Service confirms charges have been laid against a driver in connection with Thursday's crash of a semi-truck into the 32nd Avenue N.E. overpass along Deerfoot Trail.
Beaumont RCMP are advising the public that officers are currently on scene at École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School after a threat was made against the school online.
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
Toronto Coun. Josh Matlow broke council’s code of conduct by criticizing two public employees on Twitter before retaliating against one of them after she filed a complaint, the city’s integrity commissioner has found.
An astrophotographer from southern Ontario captured Thursday night’s display of the Aurora Borealis and has offered some tips and tricks for catching a glimpse of them yourself tonight.
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived on Parliament Hill saying that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "have a lot to talk about," but that it's great to be in Canada.
The City of Vancouver has asked a group of volunteers keeping vigil over a temporary residential school memorial at the Vancouver Art Gallery to remove the tribute.
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived on Parliament Hill saying that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "have a lot to talk about," but that it's great to be in Canada.
Short-term rental company Airbnb says it will pull listings that don't have a proper permit from the Quebec government. The San Francisco-based company made the announcement eight days after a fatal fire destroyed an Old Montreal building that housed illegal rentals.
Canada and the United States are negotiating a deal that could see asylum seekers turned back at irregular border crossings across the border, including Roxham Road in Quebec.
For the first time, the owner of a building in Old Montreal has responded to questions about the fire — through his lawyer — addressing allegations that the building was unsafe.
The mother of a Victoria child who disappeared without a trace 32 years ago Friday says she believes her son is still alive. Michael Dunahee disappeared around 12:30 p.m. on March 24, 1991. The four-year-old boy was last seen on the playground at Blanshard School, his family a short distance away.
A first-of-its kind study in British Columbia suggests salmon hatcheries could improve survival rates by optimizing the weight of the juvenile fish and the timing of their release.
The Tim Houston PC government remains firm in their promise they'll fix the health-care system by spending more taxpayer money on health than any previous government before.
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
It might be a sign of change in the pandemic that has gripped the world for three years, as the regional COVID-19 cold and flu care clinic run by Grand River Hospital is closing its doors.
The ‘Catch the Ace’ jackpot is still up for grabs in Hagersville. There was no winner Thursday night so the total prize money is now an estimated $1,526,067.
