Thursday, April 30, 2009

One Night and A Wake-up


There's only one night and a wake-up for the big game lovingly called the Old Gray Mayor's Basketball Game. Although ticket sales have been going well there is still some available and they tell me what's left will be available at the door tomorrow night. They are only $5 each and $3 for age 16 and under. You can get tickets at Coffee Fusion in EL, Center Pharmacy & Air Waves here in the ville or from any Alley Cat Aid Brigade or Revitalization Committee member.

Went down to the high school to watch them practice for awhile this evening. Looks like they will be using the slow down strategy. From what I saw there will be no need for a stop watch to time any fast breaks. Actually a calendar might be more in order. A sneak preview of the program reveals that the Potter players are bringing the EL City Nurse along for their bench. The Tigers will have Physical Therapist Maria McNicol. Medicare Representatives will be available in the lobby for both teams and the cheerleaders.

Bud Ceneviva (WHS Class of '54) brought a scrap book of the 1951-52 basketball season for the Bengals as they use to call them back in those days. The Potters and Tigers were regularly scheduled opponents back then. Pictured above is a copy of the article written by EL Review reporter Bob Shaffer on a game that took place January 29,1952, Bevo's senior year in high school.

Shaffer described the 2,000 that packed the Memorial Auditorium that night as a "breathing space only crowd". Man you hardly ever see descriptive writing like that any more. Anyhoo, that evening Bevo had an off night and only scored 23 points. He was averaging 27 ppg at that time. In the picture to the left is Bevo shooting with number 7 Jim Manning going up with him. Number 12 squatting and watching was Eddie Oliver. Where have I heard that name before? Just barely seen behind Bevo is Potter Bob McCoy. McCoy was the high scorer for the Potters with 18 points that night. Was Oliver a Bill Booth winner in football?

The final for that game, as Shaffer reported, was "59 for Wellsville, 48 for Liverpool was the happy ending". It was a happy ending because the outcome could have been much worse for the Potters. I'll go out on a limb and predict that tomorrow night will be another happy ending for the Bengals/Tigers when the orange & black win the bragging rights in this first annual Old Gray Mayor's rivalry.

Proceeds go to benefit the ACAB & Revitalization Committee. Hope to see you there.

ole nib

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