Picture it. Springfield. 2007. A young broadcaster who had just a year earlier been given the privilege of calling a regional was now asked the big question by Chris Granozio. “Do you want to ride up to Massachusetts and watch the Division II Men’s National Championship game?” It was that domino that led me to where I am today.
I began broadcasting basketball in 1998, for real, you’d think I’d be better at it by now, but I digress. That title game wasn’t expected to be a competitive affair. It featured Winona State, a team that came in on a record 57-game winning streak. The opponent was Barton. The Bulldogs had won an NCAA-record nine overtime games out of nine in posting a 30-5 mark heading into the tipoff. This broadcaster initially balked at the idea of seeing a non-compelling offering when I could just watch the game on CBS. Granozio, the guru of D2 basketball, didn’t relent and told me, “You don’t have many chances to see a championship game.” I eventually gained the wisdom to listen and we rode up on one of our many journeys over the years. We took our credentials and found our seats on press row. The game wasn’t one that stood out over the first 39 minutes. Barton, the preseason #2, was a shell of the team expected to contend for a championship, but somehow it had embarked on a journey that culminated in the title tilt. Led by dynamic point guard Anthony Atkinson, the Bulldogs were picked to be beaten handily by those who knew. They had barely survived almost every game of the NCAAs to this point and the group was on fumes when Winona State arrived at the free throw line to put more ice on an iced game. After the second make and a score of 74-67 in favor of the better team, I had determined that the game was over with 45.6 seconds on the MASS MUTUAL Center scoreboard. It’s at this point I say to Granozio, “Let’s get out of here and beat the traffic.” If I know one thing that being a Jets fan has taught me, it’s when to give up and go home. Also, I’ve become quite good at beating the other cars out of the parking lots. Granozio, of course, tells me, “No.” He was delicate, but stern and reasoned. “Why leave? We’re here.” So I sighed like a petulant child and exchanged glances with a guy sitting right behind me, Jim Calhoun. I guess if he was staying, I should too and to this day I can’t believe what I witnessed over the next four minutes in real-time. No description can ever do it justice so here it is!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzmQmz9Kdc
Following that lay-in at the horn, I looked behind me and again locked eyes with Calhoun. He was speechless. He mouthed a “wow.” The look in his eyes crystallized the moment the around 5,000 had just seen inside the building.
A few observations:
1) One-and-ones change games. I miss them on the women’s side and hope that men’s basketball never takes them away. Make FTs, win games.
2) The amazing call of Ian Eagle and Dan Bonner elevated the game. While I didn’t hear the call in the arena, listening to their excitement always brings me back to that moment. Even in this short clip you see just how researched Bonner was. Broadcasting is so much more than just showing up!
3) Take a look at those referees. On this day there were three teams that excelled. Gary Tracy and Mike McCloskey were two officials who happened to call a fantastic game. It’s no surprise. Tracy has long been one of the best arbiters in our region. I would take his opinion on a block charge based on sound over my own. McCloskey has long been a musings fav. His no nonsense approach is welcome in a land where almost every single coach is trying to get a one-up!
Here’s the box score if you’re interested. This is VERY hard to find and isn’t on either of the team’s websites.
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_champs_records/2007/d2/eight7.htm
My Favorite Things
This week I take a look at my Top 3 gyms to broadcast from in the region. I’ve had the honor of calling action in some of the great facilities from the Palestra to the Carrier Dome, but did you know at one time I had called a game in every CACC gymnasium? In all candor I haven’t put on the headset in Georgian Court’s new home or Wilmington’s for that matter. Two non-original CACC members haven’t been crossed off either. Chestnut Hill came into the fold after our CACC game of the week was off the air. Finally, despite being only a mile from my house, I’ve never been to or broadcast from the Meyer Athletic Center at Concordia. I’ve also checked off every gym in the NE10, but unfortunately the ECC is a much different story. With all the turnover there, I’ve only done games at St. Thomas Aquinas and Bridgeport. Let’s unveil the top three:
3) Caldwell University (Newman Center)/Dominican College (Hennessy Center): Hello, Newman. There’s something about the crowds (and maybe the hospitality) that have always brought great joy to announcing a game here. Whenever Athletic Director and head men’s basketball coach, Mark Corino hosts the CACC tournament the bar is raised. What a view courtside with great lighting and atmosphere.
Joe Clinton has long been a gregarious fellow and one who always brings a smile. When we’re up in the catbird seat on the running track breaking down the game for the viewers and listeners, it can be slightly awkward, but the view from above is unrivaled. Not too high, not too low. The Hennessy Center (Orangeburg’s most famous arena) is a wonderful place to call a game.
2) University of the Sciences (Bobby Morgan Arena): While it’s not a running track per say, our broadcast location is above the stands in University City. The last time I was there I witnessed another on my favorite game list, but we’ll save that for another day. The Devils may seem like the little engine that could, but don’t be fooled - they have superstars in that athletic department.
1) Saint Michael’s College (Vincent C. Ross Sports Center): Press row is in the stands, but it’s not like a few venues where you may have a need for tweezers to pick out the splinters from your backside! It’s the best view anywhere. Period! Do yourself a favor if you haven’t had the chance to get up to Burlington and take a vacation and watch a basketball game when the world returns to normal.
Broadcast view from the Vincent C. Ross Sports Center at St. Michael's College. Photo courtesy Josh Kessler '04, Director of Athletic Communications
We’ve got more content coming up this week. Stay tuned for more of the Super 75. This week Steve (women’s) and Chris (Men’s) will reveal their best shooting guards in their now four decades covering basketball in the region.
Until next time, when we’ll do it all again, Always do what is right and not what is easy! Stay Safe everyone!
Have a comment or question? tpmccaffrey@gmail.com