Canisius College - Azuwur Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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f , L X x 1 ss - 1 C X. 1315- K X , - 1 gist. 'S s 'KL' w f 1 V ' was repeated at victories throughout the remainder of the season. The fact that it became equally applicable for losses was accidental, but important. The fans and players cared very much whether Canisius won, But if Canisius lost, in the end it didn't matter. They cared, but it didn't matter. That's an important distinction. The Classic in Rochester. Canisius lost the fi- nals 91-89 to Utah in overtime, but not before a bench-emptying brawl, a super- lative performance and a disappointing finish that found John Sommers knocked unconscious at the buzzer. The Griffs had given everything they had. And still there was room for partying afterward, drink- ing beers out of the Runner-up Cup which very nearly was tossed 15 floors into the Genesee River. They cared - very much - but in the end it didn't matter. The Griffs Are Alright! After one particularly frustrating loss, one of the Griffs sat slumped over a bar stool staring at his case of OV splits. I hate losing, he muttered, his face con- torted painfully. l really hate to lose. I wasn't used to losing in high school and l don't like it. But what can you do? We try, that's for sure. It was for sure. Last year Canisius posted its best rec- ord since 1966-67 and was booed. This year Canisius ran up its worst record since 1970-71 and was cheered. The difference was this: instead of some sort of professional farm team, Canisius fielded an aggressive squad which made up in fight and hustle what it lacked in height and individual talent. The student fans had kids they knew out there and they responded. One Griff discussed the phenomena very late one night at the Park Meadow. How could anyone hate a team like us? the Griff asked in between beers. You have to love us. We hustle all over the court. lf we can't stop somebody we hack them. We may not always win, but we're always trying. And, hell, we've won some really surprising games. Indeed, the statement was made soon after the 72-70 ambush of Fairfield. Som- mers cashed a layup in the final seconds to complete the astounding upset after Canisius had trailed by as many as 18 points. The fact that the Stags later stag- gered the Griffs by 107-87 in the lVladison Square Garden Classic only made the original upset all the more impressive. There were other big wins. Road tri- umphs were registered over Rochester and Colgate. The first two games played at the Koessler Athletic Center were con- quests of St. lVlichael's and Sienna. And an anti-hero was born. Buffalo Evening News sportswriter Alan Per- gament infuriated the fans with an appar- ent disdain for the abilities of the Golden Griffins. When he picked the University of Buffalo to beat Canisius by three points, the Griffs thrashed UB by 33. The so-called Canisius Singers serenaded Pergament for the first of several times

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