High schools are taking turns hosting each night of the county tournament at Wallace State Community College this year, which means more money for schools and less stress for those working at the event, said Brandon Payne, Cullman County Schools athletic director.

For the past 14 years, the same high school hosted the county tournament through its entirety, he said.

“In years past we’ve always had one school host all seven nights, and it was just such a burden on that one school for the whole week to try to find that many people to work, so we had an agreement back in the spring and what we’ve gone to is each night, one of our seven county high schools will provide the workers for that night,” Payne said.

Twenty-five percent of money from ticket sales from the tournament go to Wallace State, while county schools receive the remaining funds, Payne said.

He said eight to ten workers man ticket gates during the tournament, and about 10 people direct the entire event. Cullman Electric Cooperative sponsored hospitality rooms at this year’s county tournament, he said.

Vinemont parent Tammy Whittle, who was taking tickets Monday night, said hosting the tournament one night a week is less stressful than hosting seven consecutive nights.

“It’s been kind of interesting tonight, seeing the people come through,” she said. “I’m glad we got Monday because it’s the easier night. This is easier because a lot of schools don’t have enough volunteers to do it every night.”

Payne said before school officials made a decision allowing each school to host a night of the tournament, all seven county high schools had gone through two rotations of hosting the event.

“Everybody was in agreement that it would be much easier on our schools and on our local people if they all hosted a night,” Payne said. “It’s an even thing for everybody and it equals out. Everybody gets a little more money every year now.”

Wallace State President Vicki Hawsey said the tournament gives hundreds of students, family members and others exposure to the college.

“It is an opportunity for us to recruit students and show off our campus and facilities,” she said. “And as the community’s college, we are always pleased to be able to work with other educational institutions to host events such as this one, the County Science Fair, scholars bowl and math tournaments, band and cheerleading competitions, and other activities. High schools are among our most important constituents, and we treasure our relationships with all of them.”