2026 Annual Sportsmanship Dinner

During the past 71 years, the Committee has promoted sportsmanship and awarded over $366,000.00 in scholarships to deserving high school athletes. This annual dinner, held at the start of the Indiana High School Basketball Sectional Tournament, has attained status as the premiere athletic social event for the players and patrons of the Calumet Region. This year’s event marks our 72nd consecutive dinner and again promises to be special.

Buoyed by the success of our last eight in-person dinners, the Committee will continue hosting our gathering at The Halls of St. George in Schererville. The dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is Pat Garrity, the General Manager of Men’s & Women’s Basketball at the University of Notre Dame. A Notre Dame basketball alumnus has returned home in a new role aimed at revolutionizing the operational aspect of Fighting Irish basketball. Recently, University Vice President & James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua announced Pat Garrity as the Men’s & Women’s Basketball General Manager. Garrity will also serve as the primary sports administrator for the men’s program.

Garrity graduated magna cum laude from Notre Dame in 1998 with a B.S. in Science Pre Professional Studies. On the court, he was just as successful – a three-time All-Big East selection, the 1997 Big East Player of the Year, a 1998 Second Team All-American and a two-time First Team Academic All-American.

Garrity finished with 2,085 career points, which still ranks fifth all-time. He ultimately averaged 18.8 points and 7.0 rebounds over his four-year career.

He was selected 19th overall in the first round of the 1998 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and traded immediately to the Phoenix Suns where he spent his rookie season. In the summer of 1999 he was traded to the Orlando Magic, competing for nine seasons before retiring in 2008. During this time, he also served as secretary/treasurer for the National Basketball Players Association for seven seasons.

In August of 2014 Garrity landed the role of Director of Strategic Planning for the Detroit Pistons. In the summer of 2016, Garrity was promoted to Assistant General Manager and held that position for four seasons before leaving the post in 2020.

“I am thrilled to welcome Pat as our new GM of men’s and women’s basketball,” Karen & Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey said. “With Pat’s expertise on the professional level and familiarity with Notre Dame, he will enhance and elevate our current and future student-athletes’ experiences and opportunities.”

The cost of a single sponsorship this year remains $75.00. The price covers our meal costs as well as allows us to fund our scholarship awards. Sponsorship provides advertising in the program, a terrific meal, camaraderie, and the opportunity to hear Pat’s message to today’s athletes.

Extra guest tickets are also $75.00, the same as before. Corporate Sponsorships are available, as well.

We expect a large crowd so we advise you to commit early.

Sportsmanship and scholarships are our goal. The patronage of successful business-people, like you, helps these athletes to become better prepared for the future. The success of our dinner and the scholarships are the result of your patronage. The Committee thanks you.

Sincerely,

John J. Doherty, Chairman

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