Dr. Seven Tallant, left, Texas A&M University-Kingsville president and Capt. Phil Waddingham prepare to jump for the ball with the Harlem Ambassadors. (Photos by Michael Grigsdy) The Harlem Ambassadors caused the local VIP basketball team to sweat it out at a game held Wednesday at the Texas A&M University gymnasium with many spectators present.

The VIP team consisted of Capt. Phil Waddingham, Capt. Mark Brooks, CDR Gerry Murphy, Lt. Col. Terrence Latoree, CDR John Kelsey, CDR Ed Harshany, LCDR Dave Anderson and Master Chief Charlie Ratliff from NASK.

Also, on the VIP Kingsville team were Mayor Sam Fugate, Sheriff Ed Mata, TAMUK president Steven Tallant, TAMUK’s Ken Oliver and Emilio Castro, KISD superintendent.

Based in Colorado, the Harlem Ambassadors entertained the crowd with their unique brand of “Harlem-style” basketball featuring high flying slamdunks, dazzling ball-handing tricks and hilarious comedy routines.

“Wait a minute, do I really have to play?” seems to be question pondered by the local VIP Team. The fun benefit game ended in a score that was 89-82 with the Harlem Ambassadors wining of course, but, had it been, a real basketball game, the VIP Team would have received a real blistering.

Castro said it was a real blast to participate in the game.

“It gave people an opportunity to see us in an informal setting,” Castro said.
No, it was not dancing with the stars but Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate, Capt. Phil Waddingham, and KISD Superintendent Emilio Castro rock with their best moves.
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