March 3, 2007

DAYTON, Ohio - Dan Obrovac won the opening tip from Lew Alcindor and the evening ended the same. The 1966-67 University of Dayton men's basketball team hoisted the NCAA tournament runner-up trophy.

The 1966-67 team, honored during halftime of the current team's season-finale against Saint Louis Saturday, recreated scenes from its tournament run as part of activities honoring its 40th anniversary.

Don May stood near where many of his 34 points and 15 rebounds happened against Dean Smith's North Carolina team in the national semifinal. Dan Sadlier went to where his jumpers overcame deficits against Virginia Tech in the regional final. That was near where Gene Klaus torched Tennessee's 1-3-1 defense to help UD advance in the tournament. Fans chanted for Bobby Hooper to launch another bomb like the one that beat Western Kentucky in the tournament's opening round.

Many say UD's 1966-67 team was the best in school history. Others say the tournament run laid the foundation for UD Arena.

"It was a springboard for (UD Arena)," said Don Donoher, coach of the 1966-67 team, at a pregame reception. Donoher received a standing ovation before the halftime emcee finished Donoher's introduction. "After (we won) that regional final game, (former UD Director of Athletics) Tom Frericks said, `We just built an arena tonight.' Just think how this building has helped us stay in the big-time basketball scene."

The significance is not lost on current head coach Brian Gregory.

"(Our players) play in a program with unbelievable tradition," Gregory said. "It was special then with special people. We are trying to it do it now with special players."

UD President Dan Curran and Flyer Ted Kissell, UD vice-president and director of athletics, said people often bring up the former Flyers' exploits.

"I got off a plane wearing UD stuff and I heard someone say, `I know UD. I know the Dayton Flyers,'" Curran said during a pregame reception for the team. "(This team) is such a critical part of that. (They are) great representatives of the University."

Of all places, and from all people, Kissell heard former New York Knicks standout Walt Frazier yell, `Dayton Flyers! Donnie May!' while Kissell was "laboring around the reservoir in Central Park" wearing UD apparel.

"We are reminded again and again about your legacy," Kissell said.

Along with Obrovac, May, Hooper, Klaus and Sadlier and Donoher, manager Dave Borchers, and players Rich Fox, Dave Inderrieden and John Samanich were in attendance.

Manager Joe Emmerick, players Tom Heckman, Ned Sharpenter, John Rohm, Glinder Torain and Rudy Waterman (deceased), and assistant coaches Charles Grigsby (deceased) and Chuck Izor did not attend.

UD will honor the team again Oct. 9 during a celebration of Flyer basketball at UD Arena. Texas Tech head coach Bob Knight will be the keynote speaker. Call 937-229-4433 for more information.