Darwin Shaw, director of the Osgood Shootout tournament in New Britain, talks about the popular pro-am weekend summer basketball tournament that kicks off in two weeks in New Britain.
Shaw graduated from New Britain High in 1977, became a two-time All-American long-jumper at Kentucky State, graduating in 1982, and has spent his adult life as a physical education teacher in the New Britain school system. He has developed a tight bond with the city athletes he can relate to, those he is now trying to help.
The event started in 1993, building off the momentum of a summer league held at Osgood Park. Initially, it was built around local players. The tournament was held outside until 1998, when Shaw moved it to New Britain High and pushed to expand it.