Temple University Athletics
Temple To Honor 1969 NIT Championship Team At Sunday's Game
2.4.09 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 4, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - Temple University will honor one of its best basketball teams, the 1969 NIT Championship squad, when it celebrates the 40th Anniversary of that memorable accomplishment at halftime of the men's basketball team's game against Rhode Island this Sunday afternoon (2:00 p.m.) at the Liacouras Center. Seven members of that 1969 squad, along with assistant coaches Don Casey and Jay Norman will be in attendance. The late Hall of Fame head coach Harry Litwack will be represented by members of his family.
Assistant Athletic Director and current Temple men's basketball radio color analyst, John Baum, highlights the returning players from the 1968-69 squad. The team captain, Baum, a Big 5 and Temple Hall of Famer, led the Owls with a 19.3 scoring average that year. Baum will be joined by three of his fellow starters, Joe Cromer and Bill Strunk from that historic Temple team.
Tom Wieczerak, who came off the bench to spark a 25-9 rally in the Owls' 89-76 win over Boston College in the NIT Championship game, will also be in attendance. Three other reserves, Pat Cassidy, Gordon Mulava and John Richardson round out the members of the team expected to be at the Liacouras Center.
The 1968-69 team was the last Temple men's basketball team to win a National Championship. Two managers from that historic team, Mel Greenberg and Doug Verb, will also be honored.
Sunday is also the final Temple men's/women's basketball doubleheader of the season with the women hosting Saint Louis at noon. For tickets, call 1-800-298-4200 or visit www.comcastTIX.com
