Austin Peay State University - Yearbook (Clarksville, TN)

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THE PEAY AND THE PAUPER ers Association All-American team. Garrett topped the Gover- nors in scoring and joined Howard as an All-OVC selection. Kelly and assistant Larry Reid left the program and headed west for Oral Roberts early in May but they left an impressive cast be- hind to insure success for a new coach. But the final analysis of 1976- 77 must rest with the OVC Tour- nament. To call it an interesting season would be an understate- ment. It was, in a word, bittersweet.

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There were a few tears and a lot of people left the Dunn Center shaking their heads as Middle Tennessee dominated second- half play and downed the upstart Governors 77-65 and earned the right to represent the OVC in NCAA play. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the 1976-77 teamis ef- fort was its lack of national atten- tion. Austin Peay's 24-4 record ranked as one of the 12 best na- tionally, yet the Governors failed to penetrate the wire service top 20 and when the NCAA and NIT passed out at-Iarge bids for their post-season tournaments, Kelly and his hopeful squad were ig- nored. In retrospect, however, there are many happy moments to re- member. The final record repre- sents the best in the school's his- tory and its 13-1 conference mark is the best in seven years. Above Left - Calvin Garrett sets up to take a charge from Florida State's James Smith, and Far Right both players fall to the floor with Gary Greene coming down on top of them. Smith was whistled with the foul, but the Seminoles still beat the Govs in Tallahassee 97-86, APSU's only loss in its first 12 starts. Right - Senior Juan Smith looks inside for the open man during win over Pikeville. It was also a team of records. All told, eight new installations were made under the school list- ing and three brand new OVC marks went in the record books. Norman Jackson claimed the honor as the top assist man in Austin Peay and OVC history as he set school and conference marks for season and career. Howard and Garrett collected their share of honors. Howard was named AII-OVC and HPlayer of the Year in the conference and was included on the District 3A United States Basketball Writ-

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Oral Roberts makes big catch after being drowned by Lake Austin Peay's most st'artiing wm of the season came on the road at Oral Roberts University, ORU had won 103 cut bf its 333': 107 home con- tests before Lake Keiffs Govs wan 80-76. Be- cause of APSU's impressiva performance, Keliy was the farst candidate contacted for a vacant ORU head coaching position at the end of the. season, which Keliy accepted. Left ... Keuy and assistant coach Larry Reid give orders during ORU win. Above -- Ketfy savers the victory white his piayers whoop it up. Right -- Raiph Gamer goes high to score two of his 17 points. He was also the rebound ieader with 12. Beirut -- Reed Epley hits Caivin Garrett with a pass. Bottom Left - Norman Jackson appiies pressure at mid; court. .