Scott W. McNeal '79

The original Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament was started in 1974 by Scott (alias Gus Macker) on his parents’ driveway basketball court in Lowell, MI.  It was started with 18 friends playing competitively for $18. 

The tournament continued to grow and in 1987 moved from Lowell to Belding and took to the road because of a tremendous demand from communities outside of the home base.  The “Gus Macker All-World Tour” was greeted with enthusiasm and news coverage in every area.  Over 10,400 players participated in five cities in that first year.  Since then, the tournaments have expanded, holding both indoor and outdoor tournaments in over 75 cities and with over 200,000 players and 1.7 million spectators. 

It is still run in a “hometown, friendly” manner.  To maintain a wholesome and fun nature, they have prohibited alcohol and tobacco-related sponsors.  

Recreation students at CMU have participated in running the Spring Macker Tournament.  They learn event management skills while organizing and running the tournament. They gain college credit as well. 

Scott was the Grand Marshal of Homecoming in 2011. 

Scott’s daughter, Margaret “Meg” graduated from CMU in 2011.