Fight for the Fish has spawned a new athletic tradition of goodwill for Coeur d'Alene and Lake City high schools: Minnow Madness.

"Since freshman year, I’ve had this idea of doing some kind of basketball tournament," Coeur d'Alene High School Associated Student Body President Nate Bullock told The Press. "This year, I’ve been able to make it a reality and get all the moving pieces together."

Held in conjunction with the National Honor Society's Wish Week, a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, four-on-four Minnow Madness games have taken place at the schools this month, leading up to the championship game between the schools, which will be at 6 tonight at CHS.

The championship game is free to attend.

The in-school games have been accessible to students of all athletic ability, opening the event to those who aren't always in the sports spotlight.

"The whole purpose is, because we don’t have intramurals, to open it up to kids who don’t play sports," Nate said. "It's an opportunity for kids to play if they don’t usually have a chance to play."

Nate has worked with Lake City ASB President Jacob Carter to continue strengthening the relationship between the crosstown rivals.

Jacob said co-ed games open to all were at first a weird concept for some people.

"But most weird ideas go well anyway," he said.

He said he gives Nate the credit for making this event happen.

"I think it is a phenomenal idea," Jacob said. "It's a fun little tradition to start. It won’t be as serous as Fight for the Fish."

Nate said it's rewarding to see something he has envisioned for years finally come to fruition.

"The work pays off, full circle,” he said.

CHS is at 5530 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene.