City of North Augusta

NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM IN NORTH AUGUSTA

CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA

JEREMY JIUNNIES

By Randy Duteau, City of North Augusta

With the opening tipoff at the 2022 Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Activities Center in North Augusta, SC this past July, it signified a return to business as usual for the prestigious national prep basketball tournament held annually along the banks of the Savannah River. After being canceled in 2020 and played before a limited audience last year due to COVID, the competition and the crowds this year were a welcome sight. From the way the Riverview Activities Center and staff moved along through the ebb and flow of the eight-day tournament, it appeared that no rust had gathered on the machine in the waning two years. Though he’d be loathe to admit it, Jeremy Jiunnies (shown above), Supervisor of Facilities and Programs for North Augusta PRT, was a driving force behind the event’s success. With his understanding of the needs of the Nike organizers, and his ability to provide an excellent experience for the staff and athletes, these elements are a driving force behind this successful partnership. Jeremy has been with North Augusta PRT since 1996, and managed local logistics for Nike EYBL since 2000. “Local” logistics is a bit of a misnomer, however, as it also includes numerous venues across the river in Augusta, Georgia in addition to Riverview Activities Center. It’s a tremendous lift, but he manages it well. Nike Peach Jam could be a fulltime job, but it doesn’t stop Jeremy from carrying out the day-to-day operations of the facility. And once the big show leaves town, the same level of customer service and care is provided for the next incoming tournament or activity. Success doesn’t rest on one man, and Jeremy is quick to praise the efforts of the North Augusta team. With an annual economic impact of over $10 Million, North Augusta loves the Nike Peach Jam. And in keeping with this long term relationship, it seems that sentiment is shared by Nike. Major cities across the country would love to host this tournament, but the folks at Nike, as well as the legendary coaches, pros, and athletes love their annual basketball pilgrimage to small town America. Every July North Augusta becomes the center of the basketball world. It’s a grueling event for the North Augusta PRT staff, but everyone comes together to make it happen successfully. It’s a team effort, sure, but we feel it’s important to recognize the man, Jeremy Jiunnies, who lead the charge. He’ll oversee those eight-days in July and then ensure it’s business as usual for the citizens of North Augusta come Monday. It’s a demanding role, but one for which he is uniquely qualified for, and he manages deftly.

Major cities across the country would love to host this tournament, but the folks at Nike, as well as the legendary coaches, pros, and athletes love their annual basketball pilgrimage to small town America.