The Staten Island Basketball League (SIBL) celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2015. Under the direction of Craig Raucher, the SIBL has provided friendly competition for adults from their mid-20s to retirement age for decades. Playing on the 100-year-old hardwood court of Public School 8, the SIBL started as an alternative to outdoor courts and has emphasized the needs of mature players while maintaining a competitive spirit. Over 35 years, the SIBL has welcomed around 250 players from various professions who are united by their love of the game and dedication to sportsmanship.

1. STATEN ISLAND
BASKETBALL LEAGUE
CELEBRATES 35 YEARS
OF PLAY
By Craig Raucher

2. Introduction
 Under the direction of Craig Raucher, an
experienced executive in the transportation
industry and a longtime basketball fan, groups of
adults from their mid-20s up to retirement age
have gathered for fun and friendly competition for
decades as the Staten Island Basketball League
(SIBL). 2015 marked a major milestone for the
league, as it honored its 35-season history. New
York’s Public School 8, which hosts the SIBL’s
activities, has a long history, too, and Craig
Raucher and the other players appreciate its 100-
year-old hardwood court and wooden backboards,
so reminiscent of the 1986 feature film Hoosiers.

3. Staten Island Basketball
League
 Started as an alternative to outdoor courts’ hard
surfaces and often rough play, the SIBL
emphasizes the needs of mature players while
remaining so competitive that its games have
received local news media coverage.
Over the course of its 35 years, the SIBL has
welcomed about 250 players, including
executives, longshoremen, police officers,
firefighters, construction workers, and health care
professionals. Their common denominator is their
love of the game and dedication to keeping their
tradition of sportsmanship and friendship alive.