WAMBA

Wood Acres Men's Basketball Association

Commissioner Matthew Maury founded the Wood Acres Men’s Basketball Association (WAMBA) in 1995 in order to allow neighborhood guys to play basketball. Games were played at Woodacres until the school closed for re-construction in June of 2001. Our group moved to Bannockburn Elementary for a year. Twenty-four players participated on Wednesday nights from a talent pool of about 35 players. WAMBA moved back to Woodacres upon the school’s reopening in the fall of 2002, where two Wednesday evening games now take place each week.
The founding fathers of WAMBA were the guys who showed up on that first March night in 1995. The were:

1) Matthew Maury
2) Barry Harris
3) Billy Oshinsky
4) Dennis Osterman
5) Randy Lyon
6) Alan Willsey
7) Alan Weinberger
8) Ron Ehrmann
9) Jerry Bodisch
10) Garry Baker
11) Jim Duff

Only Matthew, Barry and Randy continue to participate in WAMBA. The remaining founders have retired from the basketball court and we thank them for their participation.

A second night of WAMBA was added in 2001. Two Monday night games are now played in addition to the Wednesday night games. A game is played at Westland Middle School on Mondays from 8:30-10:00pm and a game is played at Whitman from 9-10:30pm. Participation in WAMBA is strictly by invitation. Inquiries can be directed to the Commissioner at 301-928-8686 or matthew@matthewmaury.com.

The quality of play is spirited and the players take it seriously. A number of ball players played for their high school teams back “in the old days” and the age range runs from mid 30’s to late 50’s. In 2002, an all-star game was held in which the older group of defeated the young bucks

In 1997, a banquet was held at Alfio’s restaurant in which the Commissioner entertained and pretty much insulted the entire membership of WAMBA. The following Credo was the inspiration of WAMBA member Christopher Bigler and recited at the banquet:

“As a loyal member of the brotherhood of WAMBA, I vow to always show up just early enough to avoid the wrath of Saint Matthew (the patron saint of WAMBA), to play fiercely and fairly whether or not I ever touch the ball, to suffer in silence no matter how absurd or inaccurate the shots of my teammates, to never shoot from farther outside than brother Michael, and to never miss an opportunity to flail away at the Devil, who always resides in opponent’s forearms as they drive the lane.
I further pledge to uncomplainingly suffer the aches and bruises from coming into contact with Randy’s arms, Brian’s elbows, Alan’s chest, Mike’s shoulders, Kit’s butt, Barry’s body, or Dennis’s big feet.
Finally, I swear to never shoot more than or play better than our illustrious founder, the aforementioned Saint Matthew. Beware the ghost of Too Good Ray, the finest shooter in WAMBA. In all these things, do we pledge our troth.”

Kit Bigler, First Annual WAMBA banquet, March 1997

The men of WAMBA (click here for printable list)

The WAMBA WAY

1) Your most important responsibility is to safeguard not only your own health and safety, but the health and safety of all other players on the floor at all times.

2) Try not to complain about moving picks and try not to set them yourself either. None of us are professionals and sometimes it happens. Be gracious when it does.

3) Try not to stay in the lane so long that the opposing team feels your are taking advantage on offense. Be aware of the three second rule.

4) Try not to complain about the play of your own teammates, not everybody can be as good as you.

5) Arrive on time so that both games can begin with a full roster at the appointed time. We have issues with the custodial staff and should not be staying past the appointed time. Arrive dressed and ready to play.

6) Try to participate in the spirit of good, hard, competitive but ultimately fun play.

The 1994 Banquet Invitation

The Board of Governors of the Mighty WAMBA
in association with the NBA, the CBA, the NRA & the Q&A
cordially invite you to join the current stars of today,
the great players of the past, and a few guys that were so bad we never let them play again…
at the First Annual WAMBA Basketball Dinner Banquet!

Saturday, March 22nd, 1997
7:00 PM-cocktails
Alfio’s Restaurant
4515 Willard Ave.
Chevy Chase, Md, 20815

$31.00 per person (free booze)

Scheduled NOT to appear: Whoppi Goldberg, Kato Kaelin, Bill and Ted, Mr. Ed Hogan, Dennis Rodman, The Honorable Marion Barry, Christie Brinkley, Vince Foster and Warner Wolf.

Scheduled TO appear: Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Flipper, Beethoven, That Doll from Toy Story, Chewbacca
My Friend Flicka, Fury, Alf, The Little Mermaid & Eddie from “Frasier!”

WAMBA-long live its name and long live its glory and long may its story be told!
A splendid time is guaranteed for all.