St Vincent College - Tower Yearbook (Latrobe, PA)

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91 5. James Ragan George Radakovrc James Kane Paul Benko john Marfin PIayer's laces reveal mingled emotions as they wait on bench for Doda Canterna's signal dur- ing hard fought game. Left to Right, R. Simasek, G. Radakovic, F. Dattilo, D. Berkmyre, j. Wirth, P. Benko, T. Gentile. 84

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'ww at it , ' if Salim L4 ., w . ' .L i Y K - U , ' I'.'UiLL3ygf5 ' A ffiff- Eye? fr' -. f I 4 'A - asv ':. Ken Sweder up for rebound. Dodo explains strategy to Walt Hobart during tense game. COACH Oland fDodol Canterna, former University ot Pittsburgh basketball star, has completed his tenth season as head coach of the SVC Bearcat hoopsters. Prior to his arrival before the 1953-54 season, basketball was at a low ebb at SVC. During his first rebuilding year 1953-54, the Bearcats were winless in 15 out- ings. The following year the Bearcats won 4 out of 19 contests. However, in 1955-56, personable Canterna came up with the best won-lost record in the history of the school, and the 16-3 record was enough to gain Saint Vincent the George Mikan award which signifies the most improved basketball team in the United States. Canterna continued to guide the Bearcats in their winning ways in 1956-57 and 1957-58 posting 13-8 and 13-7 records respectively. The last four years have showed the Bearcats playing a rugged schedule and finishing below the .500 mark. Prior to the 1962-63 season, Cantera's overall coaching record shows 74 victories against 104 losses. rin Dodo Canterna and the three SVC co-captains-D. Berk- myre, J. Wirth, and R. Simasek Ctop to bottomb. This year's St. Vincent basketball squad provided the fans with much interest and excitement through- out the long, hard, twenty-one game schedule. Team strength rested in its only seniors: tri-captains Jim Wirth, Dave Berkmyre, and Rege Simasek. Although hampered by a definite height disadvantage in al- most every contest, the team employed speed and hustle to try to offset this lack of inches. First year men on the team were freshman, Wally Hobart and sophomore Ken Sweder. Sophomore, Butch Tomasic and iunior, Tom Goetz provided re- serve strength when needed under the boards. .lun- iors, Paul Benko, Barry Gardner, .lim Kane, and Frank Datillo also saw a great deal of action in reserve. Like most other sports, basketball is a game of inches, and as long os SVC basketball teams lack these inches they will have to keep on relying on speed, hustle, and prayer.

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