Dick Harmon, former Western High basketball coach, watches the Legends game and recalls bygone days. Glory Days of Bay City Basketball Recalled by Ex-Coach, Oldster Exploits
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When Joe Pergande of the Garber Dukes hit the first long range jump shot of the game like he was still back in the 1970s you knew these guys have been around a basketball court before.
Dick Harmon, coach of the Western High Warriors in that era recalled those days -- the '70s to mid '80s -- as the most exciting in Bay City cage history.
The Warriors even upset mighty Saginaw High once about 20 years ago, the onetime Gaylord St. Mary standout recalled.
And, who can forget the 30 foot jumper A.J. Still put up to snatch a buzzer-beating victory for the Handy Wildcats from state Class A leader Flint Northern on that memorable day in the mid-80s.
Tops, of course, were back-to-back state championships by Lefty Franz' All Saints Cougars in 1974-75. Busloads of Bay City fans traveled to those games and came home with big smiles and the team sported shiny trophies.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
Some of those players who figured in the best days of the era took to the floor again on Saturday, and others were coaching or watching from the stands.
"While Bay City isn't known for its rich basketball history, some fantastic players fascinated us along the way," says basketball coaching guru T.J. Newsham who promoted the Legends game. "And remembering those glory days is what the Bay County All-Decades Team is all about."
There was Billy Harris and Jeff Szczepanski, rival coaches at the Bay County Boys' Basketball All Decade All Star Game at the St. Joseph Gym. Another former All Saints star, Mike Gwizdala, returned to action, even stepping up for the tip off against Danny Snover, Handy star from the 1980s.
Greg Coburn, former Garber star, showed flashes of his old self and Doug Anderson, Central, and Whitey Hintz, Western, looked like they have lost few steps over the years.
Coach Harmon recalled the days of "outstanding competition, rivalry games with packed gyms and screaming fans," especially when Handy was still open (before 1990) and John Glenn was prospering with shooters like Steve Vlk were on the floor.
The rivalries continued during the summer leagues, everybody knew everybody else, began to appreciate the talent in the other schools, and the coaches worked the popcorn stand, he mused. The competition thereby"made a huge impact" and was "good for the community."
From the 1990s came Devon Gilliam, Eric Spielhaupter Steve Groya and Richie Miller of Central, and Western's all time deadeye free throw shooter Mark Wittbrodt.
We knew Eric Devendorf, all-time Central star, would not be on hand since he is playing way down under in New Zealand, but Ryan Janer of All Saints, Willie Pickvet of Pinconning, Nick Simpson and Greg Szczepanski of All Saints were there to represent the era of the 2000s.
Although definitely not throwbacks since they are still officiating, Jeff Doan and Jim Wood added an element of entertainment to the show. Before the game, Doan recalled broadcasting local games for years on Bay3TV, beginning with co-host Eric Pangborn in the mid-1980s.
The fans who packed the old St. Joe gym enjoyed the show immensely, reflecting the fact that 3,558 people voted for their favorites from each decade. No doubt many had the same thoughts: with a guy like T.J. Newsham teaching kids promoting basketball, there will be even greater days ahead for the game in Bay County. ###
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