BY MICHELLE BROOKS
Democrat staff
RUSSELLVILLE - A first in school history, both the boys and girls basketball teams from Cole County R-I Schools advanced from the district tournament - which was hosted on their home court.
The teams and the tournament benefited from a supportive community and school.
Dealing with rain on the first night of the tournament and snow post-poning the finals by a day, logistics were met by volunteers, said Heath Waters, athletic director and high school principal.
"The snow was a challenge but we found a way to make it work," Waters said.
The Russellville/Lohman Fire Protection District volunteers directed parking in all weather. And several staff and citizens turned out after the first snowfall to clear the lots with tractors and shovels.
"It was a real community effort this week hosting the district tournament," said Superintendent Jerry Hobbs.
Several school officials received compliments for their running of the district tournament, despite the weather, Waters said.
The Russellville school will host the district basketball tournaments again in 2014. And it will host the district softball tournament in the fall.
Earlier in the year, the school's updated gymnasium received the donation of LED lights around the backboards.
"They're real nice and it helps when we hold a tournament," Waters said. "It's another visual tool."
Then, when both teams advanced to sectionals at Jefferson City High School last week, the Russellville Booster club quickly made "district champion" T-shirts available.
"It was neat to see the Russellville turn-out," Waters said of the last games of the seasons for both teams. Many in the bleachers were wearing the blue shirts.
"This was an exciting time for our athletes and coaching staff," Waters said. "It's nice to see the community and school show up for support."
The Cole County R-1 School marquis near Route C and the school Web site both express appreciation for the community support during the district tournament and post-season play.
Those named include: Cole Co. R-I School Board, Administration, Faculty and Staff; Russellville Athletic Booster Club; Snow Removal by Wayne Elwood, Deryl Hall, Larry Payne, Justin and Junior Goldammer and Chris Cinotto; Russellville/Loman Fire Department, Cole County Sheriff's department, Capital Region Medical Center, Jungmeyer Lumber Company, Hoback Fence, Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home, Community Point Bank, Weber Funeral Home, Ramer Brothers Furniture, B&B Farm LLC, GBH Builders, Metro Business College, Moose Bros BBQ, Professional Automotive, H&D Heating/Air, Mark's C&U Storage, Moore's Automotive, Koestner Masonry, FDF Foundations, Diamond Car Wash, Jefferson City Office of Columbia Dermatology, UCI, State Farm and Brad Hutchinson, Amerian Family and Tony Porter, El Jimador, Eldon Rehab Therapy, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cole County Health Department, Mel's Country Café, Jerry Tolson - "FLASH," James and Pat Tatum, Beverly Meyer, the RHS Music Department, Hawthorn Bank, Peak Performance, Hy-Vee, Johnny's Pizza, Coca-Cola, Russellville Rebel and Jeane Miller, the California Democrat and April Arnett, KRCG-13 and Rod Smith, and the Jefferson City News Tribune.