21st McDonald’s Shootout Saturday

Over its initial 20 years, the McDonald’s Shootout has generated funds for the basketball programs and some lucky students at Columbia Central and Spring Hill, while extending arguably one of the top rivalries in the area.

That will continue Saturday, as the girls and boys doubleheader takes place on the northern end of the county beginning at 6 p.m.

“This is a fun thing for us,” said Gina Wolfe, co-owner/operator of the six McDonald’s of Maury County locations with husband Tony. “It’s good to see good, fun rivalries, competition. People look forward to this event.

“For a long time, they weren’t playing, but it’s a big rivalry, and it’s just grown into a big fundraiser, a well-attended game.”

Since the first meeting, a boys-only affair in 1999 — the first game in the series since 1967 — a highlight of the doubleheader has been the shooting contest between students from the two schools with the winner potentially earning a $3,000 college scholarship by attempting and making a 3-point shot. On a miss, a $500 consolation scholarship is awarded.

“The shot’s probably been made seven or eight times,” Tony Wolfe said. “In all, we’ve probably awarded about $50,000.”

The Wolfes point to their community involvement as the event’s payoff for them.

“It’s not about what we get in return,” Tony said. “It’s about our beliefs, our core values. God put us in position to be able to help whatever organization, and when this opportunity arose, we jumped at it.”

“We’re so proud to be a part of the community, proud to be able to assist,” Gina said.

It’ll be the second game in as many nights for all four teams, following league contests Friday. Columbia Central (girls 3-11; boys 3-11) travels Friday to Lawrence County for a District 8-AAA matchup, while Spring Hill (girls 5-10; boys 3-9) plays at District 11-AAA foe Franklin.

In the girls series, Columbia Central leads Spring Hill 14-5, though the Lady Raiders won a 36-23 road decision a year ago. In boys play, the Lions hold a 15-5 advantage and have been victorious in each of the last six meetings.

Tickets will be on sale Friday until 1:30 p.m. at Spring Hill and until 3 p.m. at Columbia Central, for $5 each, and beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at Spring Hill. The doubleheader will be preceded by an alumni game beginning at 4 p.m.; tickets will be available at the door only, for $3 apiece.