- BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY Bloomsburg University is a multi-purpose institution of higher education serving the citizens of Pennsylvania as one of the 14 Commonwealth-owned universities. With a commitment to provide a quality, affordable education for all qualified students, Bloomsburg combines the tradition of an institution founded in 1839 with modern learning, living, and recreational programs and facilities. Commonwealth funding provides 55 percent of Bloomsburg's annual operating budget. Undergraduate students may enroll in degree programs in 64 areas of study in the arts and sciences, business, teacher education, nursing, and health sciences. A program in engineering is offered in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State University, and preparation for post-baccalaureate study at professional schools is offered. Unique educational opportunities are available through advanced placement, study abroad, professional practicum, internships, independent study, and the Department of Developmental Instruction programs. At the graduate level, the master's degree is offered in 25 areas of study, and there are 10 supervisory certification programs in the field of teacher education. Extended program offerings provide continuing, life-long learning opportunities for people of all ages and educational interest through non-degree courses, non-credit mini-courses offered at off-campus locations, and by public service television and credit for work experience. Enrollment fort he fall semester 1987 totalled 6,936 students. There were 5,452 full-time and 900 part-time undergraduates and 122 fulltime and 462 part-time graduate students. Instruction is provided by a 367-member faculty. The university's 173-acre campus overlooks the Town of Bloomsburg and the scenic Susquehanna Valley. Carver Hall, built in 1867, provides a contrast with the modern facilities that include seven residence halls, a library, a 2,000-seat auditorium, student union, dining hall, gymnasium, administration building, five classroom buildings, athletic fields, and recreational areas on the lower campus. An athletic complex and recreational area occupy the school's 1 00acre upper campus. In addition, the James H. McCormick Center for Human Services is the newest building on the lower campus and was used for the first time in the fall of 1985. Located less than two miles from an Interstate 80 interchange and 22 miles from Interstate 81, Bloomsburg is within one hour's driving time from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Hazleton, and Williamsport, 1 ½ hours from Harrisburg, 2½ hours from Philadelphia, and three hours from New York City. The community is 45 miles from the Avoca International Airport and is serviced by major bus lines. Bloomsburg has an enviable placement record. Of the 1,104 who graduated in the 1984-85 academic year, 81.4% have meaningful employment or were in graduate school one year later. Active files of over 25,000 living alumni are kept by the university. Graduates of BU have distinguished themselves in areas including law, medicine (one is a Nobel Laureate), science, architecture, education, industry, and research. Bloomsburg University is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Pennsylvania Board of Education. Bloomsburg University is committed to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity. Minorities, women, and other protected class members are urged to pursue educational and employment opportunities at Bloomsburg University. - Table of Contents - Bloomsburg University ..... ......... . . . .. . .. .. ... Inside Front Cover To The Media, Quick Facts and Contacts at Bloomsburg . ... .. ... . 2 President Harry Ausprich ..... .. ... . ..... . ...... . .. ....... ... .. .... 2 Athletic Director. .. ....... .. . .... . . ... ..... . . .. .. ...... . ...... . ..... 2 Associate Athletic Director ... .. ... . . . . .. . ............ . .... .. .. .. .. . 2 Head Coach Charles Chronister ..... . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... 3 The Bloomsburg Staff . .. ......... . ................. . .... .. ... . ... . . 4 1987-88 Pre-season Outlook . ... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .... 5 1987-88 Pre-season Roster. . . . . . . .. .. ... . .... . ... .. ... .. .. .. ... . .. 6 1987-88 Player Profiles ........... ... ... .. .. . . . .. ... . ............ 7-9 1987-88 Opponent Quick Facts ........ .. . .. ... ... . .. . . . . . ... . 10-1 3 Records Against 1987-88 Opponents ... ... . .. . .. .... .. , ... . .. ... 13 1986-87 Season Review.... .. .. . ...... ... .. . . . . ...... . ........... 14 1986-87 Season Results ..... . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ... . .. .. 1 5 1986-87 Season Statistics . ... . .............. . .. . .. . .. .. .. ... . ... 16 1986-87 Season High Marks ... .. ... .. ... . . . . . .... .. . .. .. . . . . .... 17 Basketball's Birth at Bloomsburg .. .... . .. .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bloomsburg Basketball - A Winning Tradition .... . . ... .. .. ....... . 19 Bloomsburg Basketball - Over the Years . ... . . .. ..... 20-21 Bloomsburg's Top Twenty Scorers ........ .... . .. ... . . . . .. . ... . ... 22 Bloomsburg's Individual and Team Records . . . .. . . . .... . . . . . .. 22-23 The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference .. . .. . .. .. ... ........ 24 Bloomsburg's Area Media Outlets ............... . Inside Back Cover To The Media For furthur information concerning Bloomsburg Basketball, contact Sports Information Director Jim Hollister, Waller Administration Building , Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. (Phone: 717389-4413, office; 717-784-7756, home) Quick Facts and Contacts at Bloomsburg Location: Bloomsburg, PA 1781 5 Enrollment: 6,936 General Information: 71 7-389-4000 President: Dr. Harry Ausprich Athletic Director: Roger Sanders Associate Athletic Director: Mary Gardner Athletic Department: 717-389-4354 Colors: Maroon and Gold Niclmame: Huskies Home Court: Nelson Fieldhouse (3000) Pressbox: 717-389-4353 Trainer: Art Hopkins (phone: 717-389-4401) Conference: Pennsylvania (Eastern Division) 1986-87 Record: 17-11 1986-87 Division Record: 11-3 (2nd) ./ President Hany Ausprich Dr. Harry Ausprich began his tenure July 15, 1985, as the 16th president of Bloomsburg University. His appointment follows that of former President James H. McCormick, who is currently serving as the Chancellor for the State System of Higher Education, and Dr. Larry W. Jones, who served as President for two years on an acting and interim basis. Prior to coming to Bloomsburg, Ausprich served at Kent State University as dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts from 1978 to 1985. While there, he was instrumental in implementing a program in fashion design and merchandising that has gained a national reputation. In addition, he served as dean of the Blossom Festival School Program in cooperation wit ht he Cleveland Orchestra. In previous years, he served as dean of the Faculty of Arts and later as Dean of the Faculty.of Arts and Humanities, both at SUNY Buffalo. While at Buffalo, he developed a proposal for a program in dance and for a series of interdisciplinary seminars in the arts. In the early 1970s he worked at the University of Northern Iowa as dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Classroom teaching experiences and departmental chairperson responsibilities comprised his major assignments at Indiana State University and Memphis State University. His academic background includes a bachelor of science degree from New York University, College at Buffalo, a master of science degree from the University of Wisconsin in theater and broadcasting, and a doctorate from Michigan State University in communications and theater. Athletic Director Roger Sanders Roger Sanders assumed his duties as Bloomsburg's director of athletics in June 1982. In addition, Sanders has served as head coach of the Huskies' highly successful Division I wrestling program for the past 15 years compiling an enviable 175-72-3 record. During his tenure, BU has captured five Pennsylvania Conference championships and an Eastern Wrestling League title. He has coached 37 PC champions and numerous all-americans including six national championships. Under his direction, many new projects have developed in the Athletic Department including the construction of nine new athletic practice fields and an addition to the Redman Stadium pressbox. He has also spent numerous hours working on a program to build a general athletic scholarship fund through the Husky ClubAlumni Association to aid Bloomsburg in its efforts to maintain a highly competitive program in the Pennsylvania Conference and NCAA Divisions I and II. A native of Fairless Hills, PA, Sanders graduated from West Chester where he won three Middle Atlantic University Division championships and a NCAA College Division crown. During his four years of collegiate wrestling, he never lost a dual match. Before coming to Bloomsburg, he served as head coach at New York University where he had a five-year record of 50-18-1. Associate Athletic Director Mary Gardner Mary Gardner is in her second year as Associate Athletic Director for Bloomsburo. Before assuming her athletic administration duties she was head coach of the women's swimming and diving team for twelve seasons. Her teams posted an overall record of 88-28 in dual meet action and finished as the Pennsylvania Conference runner-up six years in a row from 1981 to 1986. She coached 44 performers to multiple All-American honors as the Huskies' coach. Her new duties include primary responsibilities for overseeing the Bloomsburg women's athletic program as well as scheduling of events and fundraising to aid the general athletic scholarship fund. Gardner joined the Bloomsburg athletic deprtment in 1974 and initiated the women's swimming and diving program that winter. In just herfifth season as coach she led the team to its lone undefeated campaign as the Huskies posted a record of 10-0. She has also served as Bloomsburg's head field hockey coach and recorded a 20-1 2-9 mark. She also serves as the university's Director of Equal Opportunity in Sports (DEOS). The Hatboro, PA native earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at East Stroudsburg where she was a four-year letterwinner in field hockey and swimming. She was a three-time national champion in the breaststroke. 2 Head Coach Charles Chronister Head coach Charles Chronister is entering his 17th season in charge of the Huskies' basketball program. The veteran mentor has directed his teams to an enviable record of 282-149 and 16 consecutive winning campaigns. He is the winningest coach in Blooms· burg history and has led his units into 10 post season tournaments, including four NCAA championship tourneys. His teams have enjoyed several outstanding seasons and have won 15 or more contests in a season on 12 occasions. Five of those years produced records including more than 20 victories and his 1973-74 and 1982-83 teams reached the national quarterfinals. Other national tournament teams were in 1980-81 and 1981-82. Chronister-coached teams have established almost every Bloomsburg single game, sea· son and career record. Chronister also coached the Huskies to their first ever title in the tough Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) during the 1980-81 season. The Huskies have also won three PSAC Eastern Division crowns during his tenure as coach. The Huskies posted their first 20-win season in 1972-73 posting a mark of 20-5. During Bloomsburg's stretch of three straight NCAA post season tournament appearances between 1980-83 the Huskies recorded a 70-24 log, including a school-record 24 wins in 1981-82. Last season the team, which did not have a senior on the roster, got off to a slow start winning just six of its first 14 games but came on strong in the months of January and February to win 11 of its final 14 games to finish at 17-11. Included among those 17 victories was an 11-3 mark in the PSAC Eastern Division which secured second place nd a spot in the conference's championship tournament. The Huskies lost to eventual champion Millersville in the semifinals. During his first 16 seasons Chronister's teams have been trademarked as well-coached, well-disciplined squads at both ends of the floor. In the 16 seasons his clubs have only allowed the opposition more than 100 points in a game on one occasion and conversely have only been limited to less than 50 points in a contest 11 times, winning six of those games. He has coached three All-Americans since taking over the Bloomsburg program in 1971-72. Center John Willis, the school's second all-time leading rebounder and fourth best scorer; for· ward Jerry Radocha, the all-time lead· ing scorer, and Jon Bardsley, the school's career assist leader and eighth-leading scorer all earned the top honor while performing for the Huskies and help· ing the team into the national tournament. Chronister has coached the school's top five all-time scorers and nine of the school's top 11 on the scoring Iist. The Huskies' coach is a 1963 grad· uate of East Stroudsburg with a bach· elor's degree in health and physical education and earned his master's de· gree from the school as well. He ser· ved as an assistant coach at Gettysburg College under Bob Hulton for four seasons prior to accepting the job at Bloomsburg. He was also the head coach at Hanover (PA) High School in south central Pennsylvania where his teams compiled a record of 59-8 while winning numerous county champion· ships and participating in the PIAA District 111 playoffs. 3 Assistant Coach Burt Reese Burt Reese enters his 20th season as an assistant coach for the Huskies. For seven of those years, Reese coached the freshman basketball teams, compiling an 83-27 mark. For the past ten seasons, he has worked directly with the varsity program. His most important duty with the Huskies for the past several years has been coordinating the staff's recruiting efforts. In addition, Reese serves as the head coach of Bloomsburg's nationally ranked men's tennis team. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from East Stroudsburg University. Assistant Coach Dr. Michael Herbert "Doc" Herbert enters his twenty-third season with Bloomsburg's basketball program. He has served in numerous capacities over the past 22 years, including a three-year stint in charge of the freshman team. He also serves as coach of the BU women's tennis squad and has led his team to three Pennsylvania Conference championships. His Huskies set a new conference record for points in a PC championship tournament with 27 points in 1985. Herbert received his bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland and his master's and doctorate degrees from Lehigh University. Assistant Coach Ray Ricketts Ray Ricketts begins his third season as an assistant coach at Bloomsburg. Ricketts came to BU from a highly successful program at Springfield College where he was an assistant for five seasons. Prior to that he was an assistant at the University of Massachusetts for four years. Ricketts is a 197 4 graduate of Albright College where he still ranks as the school's seventh all-time leading scorer with 1558 career points. Ricketts was a four-year starter and served as captain for two seasons. He also earned his master's degree at Springfield. Art Hopkins Rolene Wagner Ron Morgan Head Trainer Assistant Trainer Equipment Manager Dr. Jim Peny Dr. Kathy Kopach Team Physician Team Physician 4 1987-88 Pre-Season Outlook The Huskies would like to pick up this season right where they left off a year ago after winning 11 of their final 14 games in 1986-87 to post an overall record of 1711. The young unit made steady progression as the season developed, and with five regulars returning this year, along with an experienced bench and a good recruiting class, Bloomsburg will seek its 22nd consecutive winning seasor, with a confidence that could carry the Huskies into post-season action for the sixth time in the last eight seasons. Among the final 11 wins last season, nine came against Pennsylvania Conference Eastern Division opposition giving coach Charlie Chronister's squad second place with an 11-3 division mark and a spot in the conference's playoffs where they dropped a tough semifinal decision at Millersville, an eventual national tournament participant. "Last season, we started with a lot of pieces of a good team ," said Chronister, who is entering his 17th season with a record of 282-149. " I was very pleased with the way we came together and finished as a team. The maturity we gained for our young people can only be a help to us, and we feel real good right now about the entire picture and our chance to continue the success we have had." This year's team may boast the most balance in several seasons with solid performers to fill every role. Starting point guard Joe Stepanski , off guard John Williams, and forward Alex Nelcha all averaged in double figures, while forward Dave Carpenter and center Matt Wilson provided scoring when needed and ranked right behind Nelcha in the rebounding department. In addition, Steve Melchoir and Dallas Wilson saw time in almost every game a year ago, and Greg Thomas returns after rehabilitation work on an injured knee during the 1986-87 campaign. Ne Icha is the top returning scorer and rebounder after averaging 13.3 p.p.g. and 9.1 rebounds. He was selected as last year's team Most Valuable Player and is developing into one of the conference's leading inside players. His increasing strength is helping him develop into an outstanding rebounder and shot blocker. Stepanski and Williams gave the Huskies a solid duo at the guard positions, averaging 11.6 and 10.4 p.p.g., respectively. Stepanski ran the club from his point guard slot and handed out 84 assists last season. He is one of the team's top defensive performers and is the one key player the Huskies need on the floor at crucial times. He shoots the ball well and is a solid three-point threat. Williams' explosive offensive ability made an immediate impact on the club a year ago. His constant improvement paralleled the team's progress throughout the season. He also is looked to on defense to be the Huskies "stopper." Along with Williams, Carpenter also made a big impression in his first season of collegiate basketball. A tough front line player, he averaged 6.2 p.p.g. and 6.6 rebounds while providing the Huskies with the needed strength to improve their rebounding by an average of more than seven per contest. With the year of experience, he figures to be a key to the squad's inside success. Matt Wilson is the biggest player to perform at Bloomsburg in several seasons and gives the Huskies the size they possibly need to make another run at the national playoffs. He contributed 7.2 p.p.g. and 5.6 rebounds and might be the most improved player since last season. Melchoir and Dallas Wilson saw action as role players last season and are in the process of making the transition from inside to the wing position. Melchoir averaged 3.4 p.p.g. and 2.6 rebounds while Wilson added 2.8 p.p.g. and 1.7 rebounds. Both players should see considerable playing time throughout the season. Thomas' status will depend on his health and how well he overcomes missing almost the entire season a year ago. He participated in only four games before being sidelined and averaged 4.0 p.p.g. In 1985, he averaged 4.2 p.p.g. and 1.7 rebounds in the role as the sixth man and played in all 26 games that season. Another player who saw very limited action in his freshman season appears to have made vast improvement in the off-season and could earn playing time on the front line. Sophomore Kyle Miller has the potential to score and rebound and should improve upon his 1.2 p.p.g . and 1.2 rebounding averages with more playing time. " We return good overall size and possess great quickness and explosiveness at the wings," said Chronister. "In addition, I feel very good about our point guard position. We have a proven leader in whom I hT,e a lot of confidence." Two key areas were the priority in Chronister's recruiting efforts, and the Huskies appear to have picked up talented performers at both the wing and point spots. Newcomers Bob Coppolino, the outstanding player in the Northern Division of Philadelphia's Catholic League, and Kevin Reynolds, one of the top guards in the Lehigh Valley, should provide more than adequate depth at the point behind Stepanski. The addition of the duo also affords the Huskies the opportunity to put either in the lineup while moving Stepanski to a wing position. Craig Phillips, an All-Metro Washington, D.C. second team selection, and Kelvin Morris, an all-city high school Division I choice in New York City, give the Huskies two additional quality performers at the wing. "Very simply, we got what we wanted in our recruiting efforts," said Chronister. "Our intentions were to pick up talented people who can help us at the wings and add some depth at the point. The new people are the type of players who should fit our program quite well. " The Huskies open the regular campaign against perennial Division II power Mt. St. Mary's in the Gettysburg tournament following an exhibition with a touring team sponsored by Marathon Oil Company in early November. Action in the PC Eastern Division begins after the start of the second semester. 5 1987-88 Pre-Season Roster Dave Carpenter Bob Coppolino So. Fr. F G 6-7 5-11 wt. 225 160 Jim Higgins Steve Melchoir Kyle Miller Kelvin Morris Alex Nelc ha Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. G F F G F/ C 6-2 6-6 6-6 6-0 6-7 175 190 215 150 205 Craig Phillips Kevin Reynolds Fr. Fr. G G 6-2 5-11 180 160 Joe Stepanski Greg Thomas John Williams Dallas Wilson Matt Wilson Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. G G G F C 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-10 160 175 178 185 240 Name Class Pos. Ht. 6 Hometown (High School) Oreland (Upper Dublin) (Cardinal Philadelphia Dougherty) Phoenixville (Phoenixville) Lansdale (North Penn) East Stroudsburg (Sparta N.J.) Bronx, N.Y (Rice) Caracas, Venezuela (Luis Ezpelosin Liceo) Washington, D.C. (Eastern) (Bethlehem Bethlehem Catholic) Shickshinny (Northwest) Carlisle (Carlisle) Detroit, Mich. (Detroit North) Wyandanch, N.Y. (Wyandanch) Setauket, N.Y. (Ward Melville) 1987-88 Player Profiles Dave Carpenter 6'5" 214lbs. Sophomore Oreland, Pa. Upper Dublin H.S. Enjoyed a very good freshman season for the Huskies and should top that due to added size and strength. His imrroved consistency makes him one of the club's top three big men, and he figures to be one of the keys to the success of the inside game. A solid ballhandler who works extremely well within the offense and is a good rebounder. A year ago he performed well, especially defensively, but must continue to improve his quickness and shooting range. Averaged 6.2 p.p.g. and6.6 rebounds while missing ju stone of the team's 28 games last year, that due to injury. A good free throw shooter who made 62 of 83 (7 4%) and had the fewest turnovers among the regulars last season. I \l Bob Coppolino 5'11" 160 lbs. Freshman Phlladelphla, Pa. Cardinal Dougherty H.S. A good athlete who competed in several sports in high school and was the outstanding player in the Northern Division of Philadelphia's Catholic League last season. Has a "point guard personality" and helps fill the Huskies' most pressing recruiting need. Pos· sesses very good skills in break situations and has a knack for delivering the ball to the right person in the right place. Showed good leadership abilities in high school and allows ·,7 • - · 111 the coaching staff the option of moving veteran Joe Stepanski to the off gaurd slot on occasion. His court awareness is a definite strength, and if he can make the adjustment in the early going, he could see a lot of action this season. Jim Higgins 6'2" 175 lbs. Junior Phoenixville, Pa. Phoenixville H.S. Is a pleasant surprise who should provide some experienced depth at the wing position. He is a transfer from a solid program at Keystone (Pa.) Junior College and was a two· year starter at the school. Has a very good understanding of the game and is a good passer. Doesn't appear to have any outstanding qualities but possesses a good overall game and should provide stability when he is on the court. He is not eligible until the second semester which should give him ample time to adjust to the new system. Steve Melchoir 6'6" 190 lbs. Junior Lansdale, Pa. North Penn H.S. Has performed as a role player over the past two seasons and will probably be asked to change positions this season moving from the inside to a wing position. His transition to the new surroundings wil determine his play· ing time early in the campaign, but his ex· perience should assist the move. Excellent shooting touch for a big man from the 15'· 18' . range. He will definitely provide good exper· ience and depth of the bench no matter i Ii •where he plays. Needs to improve his mobility and gain a feel for facing the basket more than in the past. Averaged 3.4 p.p.g. and 2.6 rebounds as he played in 20 games in 198687, which were similar to his numbers of 3.0 p.p.g. and 1.8 rebounds in his first year. a ~'/ Kyle Miller 6'6" 215 lbs. Sophomore East Stroudsburg, Pa. Sparta (N.J.) H.S. Made great improvement during the off season and could press for playing time on the inside. He uses his body very well to es· tablish position and has :he capability to score in the basket area. If there is a "blue· collar" worker on the squad, he has to be it. A solid player who understands his limitations and doesn't try to do things that aren't expected of him on the floor. He needs to work on his foot speed and limited shooting range but has made strides in those areas as well. Averaged 1.2 p.p.g. and 1.2 rebounds while seeing limited action in 11 games a year ago. )J \\ 7 Kelvin Monis 6'0" 150 lbs. Freshman Bronx, N.Y. Rice H.S. Was a pleasant surprise in the recruiting efforts. A good high school player from a tough, competitive area. Should provide good depth at the wing position. another area where the coaching staff looked for additional help. A very explosive offensive player who also has good three-point shooting range. He also takes the ball to the basket very well and is the type of player for the position, although his size could be a limiting factor. Was an all· city high school Division I selection last season. Alex Nelcha 6'6" 205 lbs. Junior Caracas, Venezuela, Luis Ezpelosin Llceo H.S. Last season's team Most Valuable Player for the Huskies. Has come back with improved slrength and should be one of the Pennsylvania Conference's top big men. Has really developed into an excellent rebounder and shot blocker with the experience he has gained in lhe past two seasons. A good athlete and tough competitor who wil be dJ looked loas the Huskies' inside scorer. When ., he is "on", the Huskies will be very tough to handle at both ends of the floor. He needs to continue to improve his strength but has all the other necessary tools to be one of the best Bloomsburg has had at the position. Averaged 7.4 p.p.g. and 5.1 rebounds as a freshman and improve those tremendously a year ago with averages of 13.3 p.p.g. and 9.1 rebounds. Craig Phillips 6'2 180 lbs. Freshman Washington, D.C. Eastern H.S. He was a second team All-Metro selection in Washington last season and should be one of those rare players to enter the program and make an immediate impact as a fresh· man. His background of playing against out· standing competition in high school should make his transition period an easy one. He is a good athlete who likes to go to the basket and create the three-point play opportunity. Has great court awareness and is a solid passer. His defensive skills will allow the Huskies to extend their defense when he is on the floor. Needs some improvement on his perimeter shooting but is almost perfectly molded for the wing position he'll play. Kevin Reynolds 5' 11" 160 lbs. Freshman Bethlehem, Pa. Bethlehem Catholic Was possibly the best point guard to come out of the Lehigh Valley last year and will be a real bonus for the Huskies at the position. Sees the entire court very well and is a solid ball handler and passer. A smart player with good leadership skills who has the necessary tools to be a good college point guard. He must work on his physical strength but will be in a real battle for the backup point guard role on this year's unit. He was an All-East Penn Conference choice as well as a Lehigh Valley all-star selection. Joe Stepanski 6'0" 160 lbs. Senior Shickshinny, Pa. Northwest H.S. Probably the one player the Huskies cannot play without this season. He is a proven leader who has the complete confidence of the coaching staff as well as his teammates. One of the team's top defensive players who has the versatility togo to the wing position in certain situations. He is a serious scoring threat, especially from three-point range. A player with very few weaknesses and is extremely t0ugh both mentally and physically. Averaged 11.6 p.p.g. and 2.8 rebounds. Led the team in assists with 84 and free throw percent (80) on a 89 of 111 performance at the line. He was 47 of 107 from beyond the three-point line and started all 28 games last season. I ,--31 8 Greg Thomas 6'2'" 175 lbs. Senior Carlisle, Pa. Carlisle H.S. Suffered a severe knee injury last season which sidelined him afteronlyfourgames. He is a major question mark for this season depending on his response to the extensive rehabilitation efforts he is undergoing He has a tremendous amount of court savvy and will play at the wing position. He is a good onthe-court leader and has three-point jump shooting range. His mobility and foot speed are his biggest deterrents. Averaged 4.0 p.p.g. last year before being forced from the lineup. The previous season, he played in all 26 games, averaging 4.2 p.p.g. and 1.7 rebounds. John Williams 6'2" 178 lbs. Sophomore Detroit, Mich. Detroit Northern H.S. A very explosive offensive player who improved tremendously as last season progressed. Runs the court well and has the capability to put points on the board quickly. lallr - , He has tremendous offensive instincts but could be the squad's top defensive player as well. Takes a lot of pride in defending the opponent's top outside threat. He is one of the Huskies' best athletes and excels at the end of the break. His continued improvement will be instrumental in the team's success this season. Must improve his shot selection but averaged a solid 10.4 p.p.g. and 4.0 rebounds. Earned a starting role as a first-year player and rapidly became a player others looked up to for making something positive happen at a crucial time. Dallas Wilson 6'3" 185 lbs. Sophomore Wyandanch, N.Y. Wyandanch H.S. Made good progress last year as he made the transition from playing inside in high school to a wing position at Bloomsburg. Needs to continue to become more comfortable facing the basket and playing from the perimeter. Runs the floor well and likes to get out on the break. Has a good shooting technique and must rebound from the new posilion. He must continue to improve his ball• .• handling skills and defense away from the basket. He saw action in all but two games last season, averaging 2.8 p.p.g and 1. 7 rebounds. fjj Matt Wilson 6'10" 240 lbs. Senior Setauket, N.Y. Ward Melvilee H.S. May be the key to just how far the team carries out its playoff aspirations this season. One of the most improved players since last season and has the size a winning team needs at the starting center position. Has surprisingly quick moves for a big man in the low post area and a good shooting touch as , he moves away from the basket. Huskies must get him the ball more in scoring posi.JI - . • .• }J \\ lions, because he is capable of having big DI . /J \\ games. Seems to have more intensity had competitiveness and must maintain it as the season progresses. Still needs to keep improving his quickness. Averaged 7.2 p.p.g. and 5.6 rebounds. Shot better than 50 percent from the floor a year ago. 9 QUICK FACTS on 1987-88 Opponents "Wolves" Cheyney CJniversity Cheyney, PA 191319 Jan. 25, Away; Feb. 13, Home Head Coach: Charlie Songster (6th) Office Phone: (215) 399-2267 Home Phone: (215) 593-7073 1986-87 Overall Record: 1 9-8 1986-87 PC East Record: 8-6 Conference: Pennsylvania (East) SID: George Heaslip Office Phone: (215) 399-2025 Home Phone: (215) 593-6764 A.D.: Andy Hinson "Clippers" Concordia College Bronxville, NY 10708 Feb.26,Away Conference: lndependant Head Coach: Howie Frajberg (1st) Office Phone: (914) 337-9300 Ext . 222 SID: Kevin Cook Office Phone: (9 14) 337-9300 Home Phone: (718) 428-0286 Home Phone: N /A 1986-87 Overall Record: 1 6-14 A.D.: Kathy Hardigan "Pioneers" UU-C.W. Post Campus Greenvale, NY 11548 Jan. 13, Home Head Coach: Tom Galeazzi (7th) Conference: Big Apple Office Phone: (5 16) 299-2289 SID: Bill Huffman Home Phone: (516) 421-1891 Office Phone: (516) 299-2333 1986-87 Overall Record: 25-5 Home Phone: (516) 629-1093 1986-87 Conference Record: 8-0 A.D.: Vin Salamone "Warriors" East Stroudsburg University East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Feb.3,Home:Feb. 24, Away Head Coach: Sal Mentesana (1st) Office Phone: (717) 424-3317 Home Phone: N/A 1986-87 Overall Record: 3-23 1986-87 Conference Record: 2-12 Conference: Pennsylvania (East) SID: Pete Nevins Office Phone: (717) 424·3312 Home Phone: (717) 421-4246 A.D.: Dr. Louis M. Marciani "Blue Jays" Elizabethtown CoUege Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Husky Invitational: Jan. 9-10 Head Coach: Don P. Smith Conference: Middle Atlantic Office Phone: (717) 367-1151 (Ext. 141)SID: Art George Home Phone: (717) 566-9639 Office Phone: (717) 367-1151 1986-87 Overall Record: 16·11 Home Phone: (717) 367-4579 1986-87 Conference Record: 10·6 A.D.: D. Kenneth Ober "Colonials" George Washlngton University Washington, D.C. 20052 Dec. 2, Away Head Coach: John Kuester (3rd) Office Phone: (202) 676-6656 Home Phone: N/A 1986-87 Overall Record: 10·19 1986-87 Conference Record: 6-12 Conference: Atlantic 10 SID: Doug Gould Office Phone: (202) 994-6654 Home Phone: (301) 493-4574 A.D.: Steve Bilsky 10 "Bullets" Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA 17325 Gettysburg Tournament; Nov. 20-21 Head Coach: Donald Anderson (3rd) Office Phone: (717) 337-6406 Home Phone: (717) 334-2828 1986-87 Overall Record: 13-13 1986-87 Conference Record: 8-4 Conference: Middle Atlantic SID: Robert B. Kenworthy Office Phone: (717) 337-6804 Home Phone: (717) 334-2881 A.D.: Robert T. Hulton "Monarchs" King's College Wilkes-Barre, PA 19530 Dec. 12, Home Head Coach: Ken Atkins (5th) Office Phone: (717) 825-5900 Home Phone: (717) 829-0598 1986-87 Overall Record: 20-5 1986-87 Conference Record: 13-3 Conference: Middle Atlantic SID: John Engel Office Phone: (717) 826-5900 Home Phone: (717) 822-3564 A.D.: John Dorish '·Golden Bears" Kutztown University Kutztown, PA 19530 Jan.23,Home;Feb. 10,Away Conference: Pennsylvania (East) SID: Pete Katsafanas Office Phone: (215) 683-4113 Home Phone: (215) 683-3846 A.D.: Irv Hess Head Coach: Rick Binder (4th) Office Phone: (215) 683-4064 Home Phone: (215) 373-7037 1986-87 Overall Record: 1 6-11 1986-87 PC East Record: 9-5 "Lions" Lincoln University Lincoln University, PA 19352 Gettysburg Tournament; Nov. 20-21 Head Coach: Robert Byars (2nd) Office Phone: Robert Byars (2nd) Home Phone: (215) 623-5289 1986-87 Overall Record: 14-12 Conference: Eastern States Athletic SID: Sam Pressley Office Phone: (215) 932-8300 A.D.: Cyrus D. Jones Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA 17745 "Bald Eagles" Dec. 9, Away Head Coach: Kurt Kanaskie (3rd) Conference: Pennsylvania (West) Office Phone: (717) 893-2097 SID: Buck O'Reilly Home Phone: (717) 7 48-64 73 Office Phone: (717) 893-2350 1986-878 Overall Record: 22-9 Home Phone: (717) 748-2676 1986-87 PC West Record: 8-2 A.D.: Dr. Charles A. " Tod" Eberle "Mounties" Mansfield University Mansfield, PA 16933 Jan. 30, Away; Feb. 20, Home Head Coach: Roger Maisner (2nd) Conference: Pennsylvania (East) Office Phone: (717) 662-4636 SID: Jamie Butsko Home Phone: (717) 662-7268 Office Phone: (717) 662-4585 1986-87 Overall Record: 12-13 Home Phone: N/A 1986-87 PC East Record: 7-7 A.D.: Roger Maisner 11 "Marauders" Millersville University Millersville, PA 17551 Jan.20,Away, Feb.8, Home Head Coach: John Kochan (5th) Office Phone: (717) 872·3509 Home Phone: (717) 872-7191 1986-87 Overall Record: 27-4 1986-87 PC East Record: 13-1 Conference: Pennsylvania (East) SID: Greg Wright Office Phone: (717) 872-3100 Home Phone: (717) 872-1081 A.D.: Gene A. Carpenter f "Mountaineers" Mount Saint Mary's College Emmitsburg, l'ID 21727 Gettysburg Tournament; Nov. 20-21 Head Coach: Jim Phelan (34th) Conference: Mason Dixon Office Phone: (301) 447-6122 Ext. 474 SID: Tim Leber Home Phone: (301) 447-2198 Office Phone: (301) 447-5364 1986-87 Overall Record: 26-5 Home Phone: (717) 848-1704 1986-87 Conference Record: 7-1 A.D.: Jim Phelan "Bears" New York Institute of Technology Oki Westbury, NY 11568 Dec. 6, Home Head Coach: Robert DeBonis (4th) Conference: Big Apple Office Phone: (516) 686-7626 Athletics: (516) 686-7626 Home Phone: N/A A.D.: Dr. William T. Lai 1986-87 Overall Record: 5-21 Conference Record: 1-7 "Rams" Philadelphia Textile Philadelphia, PA 19144 Feb. 1, Away Head Coach: Herb Magee (21st) Conference: Mideast Office Phone: (215) 951-2724 SID: Mike Kleiner Home Phone: (215) 265-2829 Office Phone: (215) 951-2852 1986-87 Overall Record: 16-14 Home Phone: (215) 848-0459 1986-87 Conference Record: 4-6 A.D.: Harry Pure "Knights" Queen• s College Flushing, NY 11367 Jan. 16, Home Conference: Big Apple SID: Steve Balsan Office Phone: (718) 520-7775 Home Phone: (718) 478-2582 A.D.: Dr. Richard Wettan Head Coach: Don Lizak (5th) Office Phone: (718) 520-7775 Home Phone: N/A 1986-87 Overall Record: 18-11 1986-87 Conference Record: 5-3 "Red Raiders" Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA 17257 J Jan. 18,Away Head Coach: Roger Goodling (11th) Office Phone: (717) 532-1449 Home Phone: (717) 243-1542 Home Phone: ((717) 243-1542 1986-87 Overall Record: 8-18 1986-87 PC West Record: 3-11 Conference: Pennsylvania (West) SID: John Alesi Office Phone: (717) 532 Office Phone: (717) 532-1201 Home Phone: (717) 532-4435 A.D.: Dr. James Pribula • 12 j "Crusaders" Susquehanna University Selinsgrove, PA 17870 Nov. 30, Away Head Coach, Daniel Perna (1st) Conference: Middle Atlantic Office Phone: (7 17) 374-0 10 1 (Est. 272) SID: TBA Home Phone: (717) 694-34 79 Office Phone: (717) 372·4432 1986-87 Overall Record: 10· 1 5 Home Phone: N/ A 1986-87 Conference Record: 8·8 A.O.: Conn ie Delbaug h "Vikings" Upsala College East Orange, NJ 07026 Husky Invitational; Jan. 9-10 Head Coach: Russ Thompson (4th) Office Phone: (201) 266-7 16 1 Home Phone: N/ A 1986-87 Overall Record: 1 8· 7 A.O.: Ed Lyons Conference: Independent SID: Frank Ce ntore Office Phone: (201) 266-7164 Home Phone: (201) 334-3450 "Golden Rams" West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 Jan. 27, Home; Feb. 17, Away Head Coach: Earl Voss i 15th) Office Phone: (2 15) 436-2 136 Home Phone: (215) 692-9286 1986-87 Overall Record: 7-20 1986-87 PC East Record: 3· 11 Conference: Penn sylva nia (East) SID: Jeff Brewe r Office Phone: (2 15) 436-33 16 Home Phone: (2 15) 431 -3517 A.O.: Richard B. Yoder "Spartans" Yori< College Yori<, PA 17405 Nov. 23, Home; Husky Invitational, Jan. 9 -10 Head Coach: Jeff Gamber (11th) Office Phone: (717) 846-7788 Home Phone: (717) 24 4·9620 1986-87 Overall Record: 1 4· 1 2 Conference: Indepe ndent SID: Contact Ga mber A.O.: Jeff Ga mber Records Against 1987-88 Opponents i Cheyney Concordia (N.Y.) c.w. Post East Stroudsbu rg El izabethtown George Washington Gettysburg Ki ng's (Pa.) Ku tztown Lincoln Lock Have n Mansfiel d Mill ersvi ll e Mt. St. Mary's New York Tech. Phi ladelphia Textile Queen's Shippe nsburg Susquehanna Upsala West Chest er York (Pa.) Total .480 36-39 First Meeting 0-2 59-4 4 3-2 First Meeti ng 3-1 19- 15 75-26 First Meet ing 73-26 69-47 5 2-60 1-6 1-1 4-14 3-1 8 1-47 17-11 First Meet ing 43-26 13-0 .623 1.000 552-368 .600 13 .000 .573 .600 .750 .559 .743 .737 .595 .464 .143 .500 222 .750 .633 .607 1986-87 Season Review The preseason prospectus said the Huskies could be dangerous once they became accustomed to each other and, according to coach Charlie Chrcnister, "get all the talent we have going in the same direction." It was a slow start, but the more mature the young club became, the more dangerous it got as evidenced by the Huskies' late-season win over Millersville, the club eventually ranked number one in the final regular-season Division II poll. Bloomsburg won 10 of its final 12 games in the regular season to overcome a 6-8 start and went on to post a 17-11 mark, the school's 21st-consecutive winning campaign. Included in that record was an 11-3 record against Pennsylvania Conference Eastern Division competition, giving the Huskies a second-place finish in the division and a spot in the conference tournament where they dropped a semifinal decision to Millersville, to eventual titlist. The campaign opened at the Longwood tournament, and the Huskies split a pair of ciames, losing the opening night to Queen's, 74-67, but rebounding for third place with a 79-70 overtime win over Newport News in the comsolation game. Wins in their first two PC East contests over Shippensburg (69-62) and Kutztown (69-66) got the Huskies off to a good start in divisional play, but back-to-back losses to Millersville (79-67) and Mansfield (64-62) evened the PC East mark and began a stretch in which the club would lose five of its next six outings to fall two games below the .500 level. A team-high point total of 107 helped the club rout visiting East Stroudsburg (107-63) to raise the Huskies to 3-2 in the division, but a pair of losses at the Scranton holiday tournament to Cabrini (79-7 4) and Binghamton (92-77) had to t,e the low point of the young season. A veteran King's club ovrecame an early deficit to hand Bloomsburg its third loss in a row prior to the Huskies' own tournament. After a split of four games; which included wins over Bloomfield (78-57) and New York Tech (67-53) and losses to California (73-70) and national tournament participant Lock Haven (94-85), plus a runnerup showing in the invitational to start the second semester, Bloomsburg finally appeared to turn the corner in midJanuary with a five-game winning streak. Teams break out of slumps in different ways, and for the Huskies, it was at the offensive end of the floor where they averaged 89.8 p.p.g. while defeating Queen's (85-78) on the road to avenge the season-opening loss, West Chester (89-77), Cheyney (95-72), York(101-85), and Shippensburg (79-58). A loss to a hot-shooting Philadelphia Textile club (95-84) ended the streak, and the Huskies dropped their second contest in a row when Kutztown made a foul shot after time had expired to down the Huskies 75-74. Another five-game winning skein helped the Huskies end the regular season in style. The big upset of highly ranked Millersville (60-55) started the streak, which included three wins on the road at Mansfield (86-80), East Stroudsburg (98-75), and Cheyney (7 4-72). The latter two away victories sandwiched a win over West Chester (94-75) in the Nelson Fieldhouse. The solid play in the second half of the season earned the Huskies a spot in the Pennsylvania Conference tournament for the first time in three seasons. Continuing the type of performance that had gotten them to post-season action, the Huskies rolled over Kutztown (70-62) in the championship's first round. It was the third meeting of the season between the teams and set up a semifinal confrontation with Millersville. The Marauders took advantage of the chance to get revenge for the loss they suffered at Bloomsburg just two weeks prior to the playoffs and handed the Huskies an 87-73 setback, which ended the season fora young team that grew a lot during the season. Without a senior on the roster, the Huskies had several goals at the beginning of the season. Foremost was to improve as the season progressed, and although the squad struggled early in the campaign, once the pieces began to fit, Bloomsburg basketball returned to its familiar place among the elite in the conference. • D C@ 14 1986-87 SEASON RESULTS DATE ,J 11-21/22 9 HIGH HIGH SCORER REBCXINDER OPPONENT SCORE at Longwood Tourn. Queen's 67-74 Carpenter-16 Connelly-16 Carpenter· 13 Newport News 79-70 Stepanski· 14 M. Wilson-9 (ot) 12· 1 at Shippensburg 69-62 Connelly-18 Nelcha-14 12·3 KUTZTOWN 69-66 Connelly-20 Stepanski-20 M. Wilson-10 12·6 at Millersville 67-79 Connelly-22 M. Wilson-9 12-10 MANSFIE LD 62-64 Nelcha-12 M. Wilson -12 Nelcha-7 12-13 EAST STROUDSBURG 107-63 Williams-17 Nelcha-11 12-19/20 at Scranton T ourn. 74-79 77-92 Nelcha-20 Connelly-18 Nelcha-9 Nelcha-7 Cabrini Binghamton 1-7 at King's 65-77 Nelcha-19 Stepanski· 19 Nelcha-15 1·9/10 HUSKY INVITATIONAL Bloomfield California (Pa.) 78-57 70-73 Nelcha-22 Connelly-20 Carpenter-10 Nelcha-9 "1 . Wilson-20 .. , . 1-12 at New York Tech. 67-53 Connelly-16 1·14 LOCK HAVEN 85-94 Williams-16 Nelcha-10 1 17 at Queen's 85-78 Connelly-21 Carpenter-17 M . Wilson-15 1·21 at West Chester 89·77 Connelly-20 M. Wilson-11 1-24 CHEYNEY 95-72 Stepans,i-21 M . Wllson-9 1-26 at York (Pa.) 101-85 Connelly-29 Carpenter-9 Nelcha-9 1-31 SHIPPENSBURG 79-58 Williams-17 W1lliams-10 2-2 PHIL. TEXTILE 84-95 Connelly-21 Nelcha-21 Carpenter-10 2-4 at Kutztown 74-75 Simpkins-23 Carpenter-? 2-7 M ILL ERSVI LL E 60-55 Williarns-19 Carpenter-16 2· 11 at Mansfield 86-80 Connelly-26 Carpenter·? 2-14 At East Stroudsburg 98-75 Connelly-25 Nelcha-15 2-18 WEST CH ESTER 94-75 Stepanski· 15 Connelly-15 Nelcha-8 2-21 at Cheyney 74-72 Connelly-20 Nelcha-12 2-23 •KUTZTOWN 70-62 Connelly-26 Nelcha-16 2-25 •at Mille rsville 73-87 Nelcha-19 Nelcha-9 • Pennsylvania Confe rence Playoff Contest 15 " 1986 p layer # Games 1987 Season Statistics 3-Pt. FG Field Goals Att. Sc'd Pct. AtL Sc'd Free Throws Pct. Att. Sc'd Pct. Points # Avg. Rebounds # Avg. Pers. Fouls TO ~csists Dave Carpenter Bill Connelly Jim Lavelle Steve Melchoir Kyle Miller Alex Nelcha Steve Ross Mike Simpkins Joe Stepanski 27 28 7 20 11 28 8 27 28 118 148 13 56 14 268 10 156 206 53 146 5 22 5 147 5 66 95 44.9 41.9 38.0 39.3 35.7 54.9 50.0 42.3 46.1 0 84 1 4 0 0 0 50 107 0 37 0 2 0 0 0 22 47 0.0 44.0 0.0 50.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 44.0 43.9 83 171 6 29 5 132 5 67 111 62 130 2 17 3 78 1 42 89 74.7 76.0 33.3 58.6 60.0 59.1 20.0 62.6 80.2 168 459 12 67 13 372 11 196 326 6.2 16.3 1.7 3.4 1.2 13.3 1.4 7.3 11.6 186 103 4 51 13 254 7 57 77 6.6 3.7 0.6 2.6 1.2 9.1 0.9 2.1 2.8 80/3 73/1 7 19 5 61 5 56 86/2 35 80 8 8 2 52 5 44 91 8 49 11 7 0 11 2 44 84 Greg Thomas John Williams Dallas Wilson Matt Wilson 4 28 26 27 15 273 75 149 6 113 31 75 40.0 41.4 41.3 50.3 1 65 0 0 0 22 0 0 0.0 33.8 0.0 0.0 4 65 24 70 4 43 11 44 100.0 66.2 45.8 62.9 16 291 73 194 4.0 10.4 2.8 7.2 1 113 43 150 0.3 4.0 1.7 5.6 3 41 25 78/4 6 76 40 38 6 32 8 16 Bloomsburg Totals 28 28 1703 1813 771 773 45.3 42.6 Jl2 268 130 106 41.7 39.6 772 612 526 396 68.1 64.7 2198 2048 78.5 73.1 1059 985 37.8 35.2 539 664 486 470 278 281 Opponent Totals (!) 1986-87 Season High Marl