Herkimer Basketball: A Brief History

The Herkimer basketball team has a long and storied history dating back to the early days of the sport. The team was founded in 1898 and has been a fixture in the Basketball World ever since. Herkimer has won numerous championships over the years, and their players have been some of the best in the game.

Herkimer’s Basketball team has a rich history dating back to the early days of the sport. The team was founded in 1898, and since then, it has been a consistent powerhouse in the Basketball World Over the years, Herkimer has won numerous championships and produced some of the best players in the game. If you’re a fan of basketball, then you owe it to yourself to learn more about the Herkimer basketball team

The Early Years

The Herkimer Basketball team was founded in 1896, making it one of the oldest basketball teams in the country. The team got its start when a group of students at Herkimer High School decided to start a basketball team They played their first game against a local YMCA team, and won by a score of 2-1.

The team quickly gained popularity, and within a few years they re Playing games against teams from all over the country. In 1903, the team even traveled to Europe to play games against teams in England and France.

Despite their success, the team disbanded in 1909 due to financial difficulties. It would be nearly 20 years before the team was resurrected.

The Golden Era

Herkimer basketball reached its pinnacle in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the team won six consecutive National Championships This era of dominance was led by coach Paul Dautrich, who recruited some of the best players in the country to play for Herkimer. Among these players was Tony Kornheiser, who went on to become a successful sportswriter and television commentator.

The Post-Golden Era

Since the 1950s, Herkimer basketball has been in a period of decline. The Herkimer Huskies have only won one National Championship since then, and that was in 1983. In recent years the team has struggled to compete at the Division III level, finishing with a losing record in 8 out of the last 10 seasons.

The Modern Era

In the modern ERA Herkimer basketball has been defined by its success at the national level. The Generals have won nine NJCAA Division III National Championships, more than any other team in the country. Herkimer has also produced a number of professional and International Players including several members of the Generals’ most recent National Championship team.

The Women’s Program

The women’s Basketball Program at Herkimer began in the late 1970s, under the direction of Coach Jackie Van Nostrand. The team enjoyed considerable success in its early years, winning several conference championships and making several appearances in the NJCAA tournament. In recent years the team has struggled to maintain its winning ways, but remains a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

The Men’s Program

Herkimer Basketball is one of the most successful programs in all of junior college basketball With well over 1,000 wins, the program has produced many great teams and players over the years.

The men’s program was started in 1929 and has been very successful since then. The team has won 5 National Championships and has made 22 Final Fours appearances. Many Great players have come through the program, such as Michael Jordan Jerry West and Magic Johnson

The women’s program was started in 1981 and has also been very successful. The team has won 3 National Championships and has made 8 Final Four appearances. Many great players have come through the program, such as Sheryl Swoopes Tina Thompson, and Candace Parker

The Coaches

Head coach Bob Czyz led the team to a then-record 29 wins in his first season in 1984–85. Czyz coached the team for five seasons, compiling a 136–21 record. In 1989, he guided the Herkimer Generals to the NJCAA Division III National Championship

Czyz left Herkimer after the 1988–89 season to become an Assistant Coach at his alma mater, Syracuse University He was replaced by Ben Presley, who coached for one season before being replaced by Steve Smiley. Smiley coached the team for four seasons, compiling a 74–56 record.

In 1994, Czyz returned to Herkimer as Head Coach He coached the team for five more seasons, winning another NJCAA Division III National Championship in 1996. Czyz left Herkimer again after the 1998–99 season to become an assistant coach at Siena College.

Smiley returned as head coach for the 1999–00 season and would go on to coach the team for 14 seasons. During his second stint as Head Coach Smiley led the team to six more NJCAA Division III National Championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008).

The Players

The first formal organized Herkimer basketball team was in 1903. The team was made up of six players: Andrew Elliot, Frank Pearsall, Frank Baker, Willie Newell, Jesse Richardson and Alonzo Van Valkenburgh. They played their first game against a local YMCA team. The game ended in a tie.

Herkimer Basketball Today

Herkimer basketball is currently one of the most successful programs in all of NJCAA Division III The team has won 8 National Championships, including 5 in the last 7 years. They have also been ranked #1 in the nation for the past 7 years. In addition to their success on the court, Herkimer has also had great success in the classroom, with a 100% graduation rate for their basketball players

Herkimer Basketball: A Brief History