ONOVILLE, NY- The 2nd Annual Morrie Abrams Memorial Snowsnake Tournament was held February 22-23 on top of Oldro Hill in Onoville, NY with a great turn out! “The participation this year was huge,” said Steve Frank, Onoville team member. The tournament was organized by Councillor Tina Abrams, Sherry Dowdy, and Christopher “Bundy” Jimerson.
The late Morrie Abrams was a former Seneca Nation Councillor whom had a life long love for the traditional game. Starting out on Snow St. in the pre-Kinzua days, Morrie carried his passion for ga:wa:sa’ through the years and started the annual tournament in Salamanca, NY years ago. His team, Ononville, carries on the event in his memory.
Due to falling temperatures and lack of snow, the game was relocated to Oldro Hill in Onoville, a practice track for local teams.
The tournament hosted two separate tracks, one for youth and one for adults. Ages 5-16 threw their sticks first with men following in 3rd class, 2nd class, 1st class and mudcats. Indian Hill threw the farthest sticks taking home the top prizes in 1st and 2nd class with Ice Age taking 1st in 3rd class.
Winners received cash prizes, trophies, sweat shirts, and gift certificates for pizza and wings at the Old Tool Tavern.
“It’s always fun to be here,” says Allen Burch, Onoville team member and 1st class shooter.
Onoville would like to thank all participants, Rae Lynn George, and the Seneca Nation Council for their support. See you next year!
Complete list of winners
Youth
5-6
Mason Kettle
7-8
Ivan Abrams
9-10
Hiram Watt
11-12
Isias Abrams
13-14
Aubrey Henry
15-16
Alex Deer
Adult
3rd Class
Ice Age
2nd Class
Indian Hill
1st Class
Indian Hill
Mudcats
Ozarks
***Information and photos provided by Steve Frank. Additional photos by Seneca Media. Compiled & written by Tami Watt. ***
