ARLINGTON — Eric Carlson was looking to “blow off some steam” and get away from working full time on his farm in Arlington.
Which is what brought him to the 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Arlington Airfield Aug. 8.
He used to play basketball all year long and played for Arlington High School before graduating in 2011.
Carlson said it was nice to play competitively, rather than just shooting at home.
“You don’t get to play that much, instead of playing on the driveway,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to get out and play.”
Carlson, 22, has always attended the tournament since it started in Tulalip as part of the Boys & Girls Club 12 years ago. His dad helped bring it to Arlington, where it has been since the last five years. It now serves as a fundraiser for local youth basketball as well as the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
His team was just one out of about 174 teams, and that’s why the tournament keeps returning to the Arlington Airfield.
“It’s a lot of work but the community loves it and expects it every year,” said director Eric Tergoning, who also coaches several youth sports. “I just love basketball.”
Players from Canada, Idaho, Oregon and up and down the I-5 corridor have come to play ball in the past.
Contestants are guaranteed three games and can move up in the newly automated bracket, which made things easier on its 18 courts, featuring paid referees from the Snohomish County Officials Association.
Players and spectators could also walk up and down the airfield to observe the 16 vendors and enjoy music. There were even camping grounds north of the airfield.
Rick Smith, 33, traveled with his team from the greater Seattle area.
“We’re just out here to have some fun,” he said.
He has participated in Hoopfest in Spokane in the past and heard about 3-on-3 through a friend.
Smith played basketball for Port Angeles High School years ago but even at 33 he still felt spry enough to play.
“I feel alright,” Smith said. “I still stay pretty active.”
Marty Shoemaker, 46, of Arlington has been with the tournament for eight years and enjoys getting back into basketball whenever he can.
“I’m just down here with my family,” Shoemaker said. “It’s good to see participation from the community.”
