The First National Bank is entering a new partnership with Vandalia High School. Beginning this year, FNB will be the corporate sponsor of the school’s annual basketball tournament.
The tourney will now be known as the First National Bank Vandalia Holiday Tournament. A new logo has also been created. This is the 46th year Vandalia High School has hosted the event. Dates for this year’s tournament are December 26-29. Along with host Vandalia, other teams participating are South Central, Patoka, Flora, Shelbyville, Pana, Effingham St. Anthony, Ramsey, Christ Our Rock Lutheran and Father McGivney Catholic.
Nick Casey, Vandalia Athletic Director, explained the importance of the bank’s sponsorship. “For 46 years the tourney has been a holiday tradition in which VHS graduates and former players return to their Alma mater to reminisce and enjoy the competition. The sponsorship of FNB enables the tradition to continue and allows Vandalia High School to provide a better experience for players and fans.”
First National Bank President Mike Radliff, a VHS alumnus who played on two tournament champion teams, commented, “We’re thrilled to be part of the holiday tourney because of the excitement it brings to the community. The First National Bank’s support of local athletics has been a constant through our history so we’re happy to have this opportunity to support Vandalia High School.”
Over the years, many future bank employees and children of bank employees participated in the tournament as players and cheerleaders. Those roots continue today as one of FNB’s employees is also an assistant coach on the Vandals basketball staff and another employee’s son is on the varsity roster.
In addition to a cash investment in the tournament, the bank will provide goody bags to the teams. In recent years, FNB has provided complimentary popcorn bags to the concession stand. That tradition will continue.
“This is a five-year commitment from The First National Bank that we hope will extend beyond 2021,” said FNB Marketing Director John Goldsmith.
The First National Bank, founded in 1865, has three locations in Vandalia and branches in Ramsey, Patoka, Mulberry Grove and Greenville.