Thanks for the hospitality

Thanks for the hospitality
Dear Editor,
The 3A East Regional Basketball Tournament, as many of you are well aware, was in Newcastle this past weekend (March 5-7) over in the aptly named “Dogie Dome,” a virtual oasis for basketball. 
A first-timer, to both the venue and officiating a regional, the breathtaking wood paneling that lines the dome, and the deafening noise that it creates, instantly blew me away. Trust me, being from Casper I am used to being “blown-away,” yet the weather at the mouth of the Black Hills was absolutely stunning the entire weekend, a real hope for spring in the Rockies (if there is such a thing). 
However, what truly humbled me was the hospitality and generosity of the folks that call the “Dogie Dome” their home.  
Newcastle A.D. Mike Gregory, along with his wife Sheila (and all the others clad in orange and black for the weekend), went above and beyond to accommodate our group of officials for the tournament. Whether it was mending a referee’s uniform moments before tipoff, or opening the doors to a family home, logistics were approached in a way that evokes the true spirit of the West, our “can-do,” “no-limits” attitude that sets Wyoming, and its people, apart from everywhere else. 
And don’t even get me started about the food. The endless supply of homemade, restaurant quality meals and delicious baked goods kept us fueled for what ultimately becomes a very long weekend of officiating basketball games. I’m envious of my comrades who will now move on to officiate at the state tournament; they will have one more weekend to burn those extra calories, chasing the players up and down the court, as we crown champions here in Casper.
Thank you to the kind folks who run the Kaffee Klatsch, across the street from the Daigh residence, for putting up with the java demands of a Starbuck’s regular while he was away from home — the coffee was terrific. Thanks to the Newcastle Lodge staff for all their hospitality while housing officials at their dynamic new facility. Thank you to Ben Partlow, our crew chief. One would be hard pressed to find a more capable, dedicated official. You were truly a great captain for us, Ben.
Finally, an extra special thank you to Wayne and Charlette Daigh who allowed three strangers to sleep in their private home because they knew it would benefit innumerous kids from around the state, people they will probably never meet.
To all of Newcastle, you should be extremely proud of your town. The officials of the 2020 3A East Regional are forever grateful of your kindness. This weekend reminded us that being from Wyoming is special because of the people who make Wyoming their home.
 
— Jason Holt
Casper, WY resident