St John Fisher Basketball Celebrates 50 Years
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The St John Fisher Basketball program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. Head Coach John Pagliaro has been at the helm for the past 25 years and has seen the program grow and improve.
St John Fisher Basketball: A History
St John Fisher basketball celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. The college’s Basketball Program has a rich history, having produced some of the best players and teams in the country.
Fisher first fielded a basketball team in 1966, under the guidance of head coach Jim Boeheim. The team had immediate success, winning the conference championship in its first year. The following year, the team made it to the NCAA Division III Final Four.
Since then, Fisher has won 12 conference championships and made 11 appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament. The team has produced numerous All-Americans and has had several players go on to play Professional Basketball
In recent years Fisher has continued to be one of the top teams in Division III making five straight appearances in the Elite Eight from 2013 to 2017. The team is coached by Andrew Dascolli, who was named National Coach of the Year in 2016.
The 50th anniversary season was a special one for Fisher Basketball as the team won its first ever National Championship The team finished the season 32-1, with its only loss coming in the National Championship game. Despite the loss, it was a historic season for Fisher and one that will be remembered for years to come.
The Team that Started it All
The St. John Fisher College men’s Basketball team is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. The team is made up of alumni from the very first season, 1967-68.
This season, the team has a record of 15-5, and is currently ranked 6th in Division III by the NCAA. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff.
“I am so proud of what this team has accomplished,” said Head Coach Bob Ward. “They have worked extremely hard to get where they are today. It is a great group of young men who are committed to each other and to the program.”
The St. John Fisher College men’s Basketball Program has come a long way since its humble beginnings 50 years ago. The team has seen countless players come and go, but the one constant has been the dedication of those involved to making the program a success. Here’s to another 50 years of success!
The First Game
St John Fisher Basketball celebrated its 50th anniversary with a game against the University of Rochester The game was originally intended to be played on December 3, 1967, but was cancelled due to bad weather. It was rescheduled for December 5, 1967, and was played at the Rochester War Memorial.
Fisher won the game 90-81, with Dick Suggs ’68 leading the way with 21 points. John Nucatola ’69 added 19 points and 15 rebounds, and Ray Ulmer ’70 chipped in with 16 points.
The Early Days
The St John Fisher basketball team began its journey 50 years ago in 1967. The team was started by a group of students who wanted to create a competitive Basketball Program at the school. They recruited talented players from the local area and started practicing. The team quickly developed a reputation for being tough and physical, and they often played against teams made up of players who were older and more experienced.
In the early years, the team did not have access to a gym or any other facilities, so they practiced in the school cafeteria. They would set up bleachers for the fans and play their games in the lunchroom. Despite these humble beginnings, the team quickly developed a loyal following among the student body.
The team had some early success in its first few years, winning several local championships. However, it was not until 1973 that they had their first real breakthrough. That year, led by star player Joe Lewandowski, the team won the New York State Championship. This was an incredible accomplishment for a small school like St John Fisher
The First Few Years
St John Fisher basketball celebrates 50 years this season. The team has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1967, when it was founded as a Division III program.
The first few years were tough, as the team struggled to find its footing. But by the early 1970s, Fisher had become a force to be reckoned with, thanks to the leadership of Head coach Bob Ward. Under Ward’s guidance, the team won four straight conference championships from 1972 to 1976.
Fisher made its first NCAA tournament appearance in 1974, and would go on to make the tournament six more times under Ward. The culminating moment of Ward’s tenure came in 1983, when the team reached the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.
The Birth of a Rivalry
The men’s basketball program at St. John Fisher College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. The Cardinals have a rich history, including a long-standing rivalry with nearby Nazareth College.
The rivalry between the two schools dates back to the early days of the program at St. John Fisher. In only their second season, the Cardinals faced off against Nazareth in what would become the first of many battles between the two teams.
The game was a close one, with Nazareth coming out on top by a score of 73-72. But it was clear that there was something special brewing between these two schools.
Since that first meeting, the two teams have faced off nearly every year, and the rivalry has only grown stronger over time. Today, the game is one of the most anticipated on each team’s schedule.
This season, as St. John Fisher celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Cardinals will once again take on their rivals from Nazareth. It is sure to be a special game, and one that will go down in history as another chapter in this great rivalry.
The Growth of the Program
St. John Fisher College men’s basketball is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. The program has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1967, when the team was composed of students who just wanted to play the sport for fun.
Now, the program is a Division III powerhouse, with a passionate fan base and a tradition of success. The team has won four conference championships and made five appearances in the NCAA Tournament most recently in 2016.
The secret to the team’s success over the years has been its ability to adapt and evolve with the times. While other programs have come and gone, St. John Fisher has always found a way to stay relevant and competitive.
As the team looks to the future, it is poised to continue its tradition of excellence for many years to come.
The Championship Years
St John Fisher Basketball is celebrating 50 years of excellence this season. The program has enjoyed great success over the years, winning multiple championships and producing many outstanding players.
The championship years began in earnest in the early 1990s, when the team won back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992. Led by future NBA Star Adrian Dantley, the Fishermen were a force to be reckoned with, winning 25 games in both seasons.
In 1994, the team made history by becoming the first and only Division III program to win a National Championship Led by tournament MVP Jeff Bray, the Fishermen defeated heavily favored Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the final, cementing their place in the history books.
The team has continued to enjoy success in recent years winning another National Championship in 2012. Led by dynamic guard Jamal Olasewere, the Fishermen defeated No. 1 ranked Stevens Point in the final to claim their second title.
With 50 years of success to celebrate, St John Fisher Basketball is poised for another great season.
The Legacy
In 1967, a group of students at St John Fisher College founded the school’s first Basketball team From humble beginnings, the team has gone on to enjoy great success, winning numerous conference and division titles. The team has also produced many successful players, who have gone on to enjoy careers in professional basketball
Today, the team is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff who have been involved with the team over the years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the team throughout its history and we look forward to continue enjoying success in the future.
The Future
The future of St John Fisher Basketball looks bright as the team celebrates its 50th anniversary. The team has a strong core of young players led by senior captain Emma Blevins, who will be looking to build on the success of recent years With a mix of experienced veterans and fresh talent, the team is in a good position to compete for trophies in the coming years.
The team has a strong tradition of success, and this year’s squad will be looking to add to that history. The players are excited to get started and are determined to make the most of their opportunity. It promises to be an exciting season for St John Fisher Basketball.