We did lose 80-76 to Tucson High. They had 3 all-staters ( Kenny Ball, David Price, and Hoagie Simmons ( the latter 2 were the only black guards we had faced all year and they were FAST ) But it was Chucko Miranda ( a 6ft-10in center who was a special ed. student who wore coke-bottle thick glasses, and if you had taken his brain and put it in a bird, the bird would have flown backwards ) who had the game of his life. We would have won, had there been a 3 point line. After the game, during the compulsary handshaking, that David Price and Tucson's coach told me that they had never faced a team that could shoot the outside shot like our Buffs. Tom Bunger ( class of 1970 ) has the game in its entireity on VCR. We should have won. I'll never foreget the crowd and the support of all of Tempe. The floor of the Collesium, I remember was real kind of ' bouncy '. The Suns played there, and I remember asking Coach Duane if I could dunk during warm-ups. He said no- that it would be a technical foul, since dunking was outlawed back then, except in the NBA. We finished 23 and 3. It was a proud moment for all of us.By the way, Paul DiGrande blew his knee in 1967, not his ankle. He was the best assist guard that I had ever seen in high school. And seeing Paulette, both Cindys, Vicki, Dianne and all the girls on the court was certainly motivating. I hope that tis clears up any questions about that game ! By the way, I nailed 19 points ( would have been 25 with the 3 pt shot ), but who's counting ? LOL
We can't forget our class of 1970 teammates- specifically Tom Bunger, Gary English, Mike Gracey, and Don Baker. They were as big apart of us as us 69ers.
That was a magical time for sure. When we ran out on the floor and the whole coliseum erupted ,it was hard to catch our breath. I remember the deal about dunking in the warm ups, we were so pumped up it would have been possible. I know one farm kid that put his hand on the rim. What memories!! By the way my youngest brother ran into Cuz Eddy Combs at a Diamondbacks game last night.
I ran into Eddie at Sky Harbor in 2006. He introduced me to his girlfriend. I pulled him aside, and he told me that he and Marcy had divorced. I remember thinking about the irony of an ordained minister- specializing in family counseling- getting a divorce. I guess that typifies what a crazy world we live in. Those two games in ' the big house ' were fun, weren't they ?
I ran into Eddie at Sky Harbor in 2006. He introduced me to his girlfriend. I pulled him aside, and he told me that he and Marcy had divorced. I remember thinking about the irony of an ordained minister- specializing in family counseling- getting a divorce. I guess that typifies what a crazy world we live in. Those two games in ' the big house ' were fun, weren't they ?
Mike
Sometimes pastors are held to unrealistic expectations concerning their personal lives. I've had pastors tell me its like living in a fish bowl, unfortunate. Hope to see him in Oct. Yeah, that 'Big House' experience was pretty special. We were lucky to play for a coach like Sammy Duane, even tho I didnt think kindly of his 'happy time' drills. ;o)
I was just joking about cuz. Personally, I don't care, nor is it any of my business, how he chooses to conduct his life. The bottom line is that he was, and will always be our teammate and friend- as well as a good man. He could be Warren Jeffs for all I care-LOL
I was just joking about cuz. Personally, I don't care, nor is it any of my business, how he chooses to conduct his life. The bottom line is that he was, and will always be our teammate and friend- as well as a good man. He could be Warren Jeffs for all I care-LOL
It's hard to match the fun and intensity of that legendary basketball season. What a team you guys / Sam put together! Despite no championship trophy, I'll never forget the pride we all had in your successes.
You make it sound like you were lounging on the beach in San Diego. In reality, while we were playing 'the '69 basketball game of all games', you were in fact in boot camp with the Marines, right?
You deserve to sit and talk with the birds in the park, drinking your beer. Sounds like a good salve for your PTSD. No wonder. You were a baby.
I'm also thinking Friday night at Daley Park is shaping up to be a great time. I say we ask Greg Campbell if we could walk accross the street to Rudy and Greta's at 10:00 for our after party. What do you think?
You make it sound like you were lounging on the beach in San Diego. Â In reality, while we were playing 'the '69 basketball game of all games', you were in fact in boot camp with the Marines, right?
You deserve to sit and talk with the birds in the park, drinking your beer. Â Sounds like a good salve for your PTSD. Â No wonder. Â You were a baby.
I'm also thinking Friday night at Daley Park is shaping up to be a great time. Â I say we ask Greg Campbell if we could walk accross the street to Rudy and Greta's at 10:00 for our after party. Â What do you think?
