As the Summit League Tournament wrapped up Tuesday night, many fans and alumni who attended the games are celebrating a win or looking forward to next season, but for the hundreds of volunteers scattered throughout the arena, Tuesday was the end of a four-day marathon.
The 180 volunteers at this year's tournament worked through the weekend and the beginning of their usual work-week to help the tournament run smoothly.
"This tournament is not successful in any way shape or form without the volunteers all the hard work and efforts put in by all the volunteers," said volunteer Brad Coleman who used to help organize the Summit League tournament with the Sioux Falls Sports Authority.
"Some of us are out ten o'clock in the morning until ten o'clock at night, so its long days," said four-year volunteer Jane Schulte.
Despite all of the hard work, many volunteers keep coming back to help.
"It's a good time you get to meet a lot of people a lot of the same volunteers come back year after year," said Schulte.
"Just being a part of a conference tournament, being a part of basketball, March Madness, who wouldn't want to be a part of March Madness," said volunteer Michael Hight.
Most of the tournament volunteers are avid sports fans like Hight.
"We really like the atmosphere and the fun and being able to watch the games and see what's going on," said Schulte.
"Working at events like this, if you're interested in a career in sports it's a great networking event," said Hight.
The fun, food and friends are why many of these hard-working volunteers will be back for more next year.
