Eastern Connecticut State University - Sustinet Yearbook (Willimantic, CT)

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1 M N'S KETB LL 'Nr' Front Row L-R- Mary Cochran, Claudia Sweetland, Wendy Rondeau, Crystal Brown, Darlene Cox. Second Row: Sue Moffitt, Andrea DeLuzio, Jancy Heck, Nola Boone, Leslie Collier. Back Row: Connie Clabbyg Ass't Coach. Robert Miller, Head Coach, Kathy Regan, Gwen Jones, Beth Regan, Joyce Williams, Mary Favaleg Manager Defending EAIAW Region IA Cham- pions ,xi W, l S k ,F , 5' uv L 12

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While reflecting back on the 1978 basketball season, the casual observer might blend this year's rather mediocre I2-10 finish with those from the past several years. For first year Head Coach Bob Fisk and others close to the situation, however, an evaluation of the past season, and of the men who played,would conjure up a totally different picture. With the loss of four of last year's starting six, Fisk stepped into the vacated head position, recruited a host of top-flight freshmen, and hoped to eventually build a tourney con- tender. After a 6-1 early-season record, and a promising perfor- mance in the Christmas tourney, it looked as though nothing could stop Eastern's first-year coach from guiding a basically first-year team to their first tournament berth since 1975. But then the roof fell in. After losing a valuable starter due to ineligibility, Fisk then lost his senior co-captain because of disciplinary reasons. With a cloud of turmoil and controversy surrounding his young charges, it would have been easy for them to throw in the towel . . . to fold . . . to give up. But they refused. Showing the poise of a veteran club, the Warriors picked themselves up, brushed themselves off, and jumped back in the ring. And only a late-season seven point loss prevented them from squeezing into the final playoff spot. For seniors Donald Jones and Louis Canady, a tourney bid would have been a rewarding climax to their four year careers. Because of their guidance, however, next year's squad may fulfill that dream. Senior center Louis Canady is presented with the game ball in the Francis E. Geissler gymnasium, after reaching the 1000 career point plateau two days earlier at SMU. 5 M--1 iw wqyuff

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,: rs -t-.-ff. X N-J For the l978 Women's basketball team, the past season was a crucial one, of sorts. After gaining entry into the Small College National Tour- nament in l977, in light of their outstanding 19-4 record and three consecutive upsets in the regionals, it remained to be seen whether or not the women would again dominate the New England area. Well, come March, the women proved that, unlike the maxi-dress and hula hoop, their success was not simply a passing fad. The Warriors let an 18-1 regular season record and wins over the University of Connecticut, New England powerhouse Boston State, and Clark University speak for them- selves. Though a heartbreaking four point loss in the EAIAW satellite tournament prevented them from earning another shot at the regional championship, the women, nevertheless, attained the confidence in themselves and in their entire program which should keep them among New England's finest for many, many, years to come. For two women, however, l978 also marked the close of their four year careers at ECSC. Though Head Coach Bob Miller will replace senior playmaker Leslie Collier and leading rebounder and scorer Joyce Williams,the enthusiasm and spark which each brought to their positions will be sorely missed. Each of these two women played an essential part in Eastern's rise to the top, and it will be the task of Miller's youngsters to continue this tradition.