Month: July 2022

Three Wichita organizations – Sunrise Christian Academy, Visit Wichita and the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission (GWASC) – are teaming up with the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) to host the first Air Capital Hoopfest December 1-3, 2022, at Charles Koch Arena on the Wichita State University campus. The three-day boys basketball showcase will feature five of the top high school basketball programs in the country.

Sunrise Christian Academy is one of five NIBC teams participating in the event. “The NIBC represents the highest level of high school basketball and academic institutions in the country,” said Rashid Ghazi, commissioner of the NIBC. “We are delighted to partner with the city of Wichita, Kansas and Sunrise Christian Academy, last year’s NIBC regular season champions, to create an event that showcases our teams and the incredible talent within the NIBC. Wichita is a great sports town with an amazing basketball tradition and enthusiastic fans. The Air Capital Hoopfest will be a special event.”

“The NIBC represents the highest level of high school basketball in the country, and we are lucky to have one of those schools, Sunrise Christian Academy, right here in Wichita. We are thrilled to cheer them on in the first-ever Air Capital Hoopfest,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “It’s a great opportunity for locals and basketball fans in the region to see top-notch talent and high-quality basketball on the court at Charles Koch Arena.”

Kevin Jenks, president/CEO of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission added, “The Air Capital Hoopfest is going to be awesome! Luke Barnwell, head coach of Sunrise Christian Academy, has built the program into one of the nation’s elite basketball schools. GWASC is proud to partner with NIBC, Sunrise Christian Academy and Visit Wichita to bring top level high school hoops to Wichita.”

Participating teams*:

Arizona Compass Prep (AZ)
Bishop Walsh School (MD)
Oak Hill Academy (VA)
Sunrise Christian (KS)
Wasatch Academy (UT)

*Additional teams, within and/or outside NIBC, are being considered and may be announced at a later date.

“I’m so excited to bring together the great basketball city of Wichita, the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference, Sunrise Christian Academy and other talented teams to compete under the same roof at Charles Koch Arena,” said Luke Barnwell. “It’s been a blessing to play against programs like Oak Hill Academy all over the country the last few seasons but I’m more excited to have these game here in Wichita. We are looking forward to three great nights of basketball in Wichita.”

The broadcast partner and details regarding ticket sales will be announced at a later date.

The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced today that long-time employee Tonya Atta has been named Vice President of the Sports Commission.

”It’s an absolute honor to work alongside Tonya and promote her to Vice President,” said GWASC President Kevin Jenks, “Her devotion and loyalty to the Sports Commission is second to none. Tonya’s attention to detail, work ethic and critical thinking is the driving force behind our success. Her leadership makes us all better.”

After joining the Sports Commission in 1999 as an administrative assistant, Tonya has steadily expanded her role with the organization, holding titles including Director of Events and Director of Operations & Communications. In addition to business operations, financial reporting and event logistics, Tonya has also been involved with marketing, promotions and much more.

Atta has been involved in many key sporting moments in Wichita, including the creation of the National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, the downtown arena campaign, and bringing in major events including the first NBA exhibition game, USA Track & Field Junior Olympics, and USA Volleyball.

“I am looking forward to taking on an even larger role in creating the strategy and plotting the course for the Sports Commission in this new role,” said Atta, “After 22 years of being a part of the organization’s evolution, I’m very excited for our vision moving forward.”

“Tonya’s institutional knowledge of the Sports Commission, and her passion for our mission and the community in Wichita makes her an invaluable part of our staff,” said Jeff Weiford, Chairman of the GWASC Board of Directors, “We are so glad that Tonya has agreed to step up in this manner and continue her leadership and growth for our organization.”