COLBY, KS — The buzz is back in Colby as the Colby Event Center (CEC) gears up for its second year hosting the KSHSAA Class 1A Division II State Basketball Tournament. Director of Recreation and Facilities, James Farris, joined Ross and Max on The Morning Blitz to share insight into the preparations, community effort, and what makes the CEC such a special place for a statewide event like this.
"Shiny, Sparkly, Clean — Or It Will Be!"
With the tournament just around the corner, Farris says his team is nearly set.
“We’re getting there,” he said. “We had a volunteer meeting last night, and we’ve got a bunch of great people in the community helping out—just like last year.”
The CEC relies on a sizable crew of about 57 volunteers to keep everything running smoothly, from door monitoring to hospitality. James noted that one key improvement this year is making sure each station is fully staffed throughout the long tournament days. A dedicated state committee has even been formed to manage the logistics more efficiently.
Colby's Debut Left a Strong First Impression
Last year marked Colby's first time hosting the 1A DII tournament, and Farris said the biggest challenge was overcoming preconceived notions about the location—especially for teams traveling from the eastern half of the state.
“We can’t move the town,” Ferris joked, “but we invited folks to come out, give us a shot, and see what we can do.”
And it worked. Visitors were impressed with Colby’s hospitality, the new facility, and thoughtful touches like community decorations and a huge floor decal welcoming teams and fans. Farris credits Dana Broeckelman for creating a standout hospitality room and praised the concessions crew and Colby Visitors Bureau for their role in creating a warm, inviting environment.
KSHSAA Was All In
By the end of the tournament, KSHSAA officials were pleased—not just because two champions were crowned, but because the event stayed on schedule and went off without a hitch.
“They were blown away by the community’s hospitality,” Ferris said. “We didn’t run behind. No major issues. That’s the number one thing—keep the games on track and crown champions.”
Thanks to that strong showing, Colby was selected to host the tournament again in 2025, and Farris is hopeful it might become a long-term home.
From Tournaments to Trade Shows – The CEC is Always Moving
While state basketball takes center stage this week, Ferris pointed out that the CEC is in near-constant use year-round.
“We’ve hosted sub-state games, concerts, trade shows, graduations—you name it,” he said. “As soon as we wrap up the tournament, we’ve got the Better Home & Living Show, then a coin show the next weekend.”
The Event Center’s versatility continues to silence early skeptics who wondered if the facility would see regular use.
That Famous Hospitality Room
One of the most talked-about features? The hospitality room.
“I never thought it’d be that big of a deal,” Farris laughed. “But people love having good food at a tournament—refs, coaches, everyone. It makes a difference, and we try to do it right.”
A Whole-Town Effort
Farris emphasized that none of this happens without the entire community pulling together.
“The Colby Visitors Bureau has been awesome,” he said. “The college lets us use their stat systems, and so many people help behind the scenes. It’s a full-on community effort, and I think folks have really embraced it.”
Concerns? Only Minor
One small wrinkle this year: with the Colby girls making the state tournament, some regular volunteers may be heading to Hutchinson.
“Yeah, we’ll lose a few,” Ferris admitted. “But people here step up. And don’t worry—there’ll be plenty of folks watching the Colby girls play in the hospitality room at 4 p.m.”
The Best Part? Tip-Off and Crowning Champions
Asked what his favorite part of the tournament is, Ferris didn’t hesitate:
“When that first tip goes up and you see everything come together—that’s the best,” he said. “And then crowning the champions Saturday night. Those are lifetime memories for those kids and their communities. Being a part of that is pretty special.”
Running on Coffee and Passion
So how much sleep does the event director get during state week?
“After midnight and before six—probably not,” Farris laughed. “I’ve stayed at the facility before. Showers are there… might as well grab a cot!”
The 1A Division II State Basketball Tournament tips off tomorrow in Colby. If you’re in town—or just passing through—swing by the CEC and catch the action. Whether it’s hoops, hospitality, or hometown pride, Colby’s ready to show the state what it’s made of.
High Schools competing this week at the Colby Event Center: South Haven, Linn, Bucklin, Attica, Lebo, Jetmore-Hodgeman County, Hanover, Sharon Springs-Wallace County, Cunningham, McPherson-Elyria Christian, Axtell, Hutchinson- Central Christian, Dighton
Class 1A Division II Brackets that are played at the Colby Event Center:
Boys Bracket: https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Basketball/Boys/1A%20DIIState.cfm?WeekID=5846&Class=1A%20DII&Activity=2
Girls Bracket:
Hear the full interview on March 11, 2025's Morning Blitz: https://youtube.com/live/_WaBOh6ps7k?feature=share