Kentucky State University - Thorobred Yearbook (Frankfort, KY)

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w L K MILE RELAY TEAM SENIORS I

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. -A' BARBARA CRONEY 0 First Woman on Track Scholarship At KSC. CHARLES STALLWORTH RONALD WERTY

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Lucias T. Mitchell, Head Basketball Coach. James V. Oliver, Assistant Basketball Coach. BASKETBALL The THOROBREDS were expected to be high in the small college rating during the 1970-71 season. As defending NAIA champs they should have expected recognition of their abilities, but especially because only one team member graduated the year before, the THOROBREDS were expected to be a power house. The pressure of being defending champs and thereby having every team on the schedule hoping to upset the 'Champsi was present throughout the season. Along with the pressure came nation-wide recognition. In one week K-Statels team was featured in articles of News-week, Sport's Illustrated, and Sport. National press recognition was suddenly expected and no longer an exceptional incident. 1970 Small College Coach of the Year, Lucious Mitchell expected great deeds to be done by the THOROBRED team in 1970-71 and was not disappointed. The THOROBREDS Waltzed through their schedule, losing only twice, once in a debacle of ineptitude at Georgia Southern and to Tennessee State at Nashville in what is perennially a battle royal more often decided by the referee than by the players. Coach Mitchell gathered more honors this year by becoming NAIA District 24 Coach of the Year. All American Travis Grant continued his dead-eye shooting. He consistingly hit 25 points a game and con- sistently hit better than 55'Zn of his shots. Some rival coaches and pro scouts have dubbed the Machine the purest shooter in the country and perhaps the best they have ever seen. Big E , Elmore Smith, another All American and at seven feet tall is the most intimidating player on the THOROBRED team has had another great year. Continually scoring above twenty-five points a game and gathering over twenty rebounds a game, he was the most dominating man among the small colleges, and one of the best big men in the country. Captain William Bird Graham received a chance to prove himself as a starter this year. He was under some pressure because filling Michael Bernard's fthe only regular who graduated in 19703 shoe's was a tall order. The Bird didn't disappoint anyone. He consistently hit in double figures in points and rebounds, and specialized along with E in defense, blocking shots and intimidating his opponent often to the point of distraction. Jerome Brister continued to function as play maker and floor general for the THOROBREDS. He directed the offense and defense and when needed was depended upon to score. Score he did when necessary since he is probably the second best marksman on the team. Jerry Stafford has proven to be an invaluable asset to to the THOROBREDS. His lightning quick hands and blind- ing speed have tormented countless foes and often re- sulted in breaking open close games. At press time K-State had won the District Twenty- Four Tourney at Bethal, Tennessee and was preparing to defend their title at Kansas City in the N.A.I.A. Tournament. In addition, the National Invitation Touma- ment board of selection was considering inviting the THOROBREDS to New York City to participate in their prestigious, major college tournament.