Lynn Conway, left, is honored by the NJCAA Region XII, by, from left, front row, Pin Ryan of Oakland CC; Perry Conway, Lynn Reed; rear from left, Frank McCourt, Alpena CC and Greg Mallek, Delta Coach.
Lynn Conway Classic Men's and Women's Basketball Slated Friday, Saturday
Longtime Delta Athletic Director Sponsored 1st Women's National Tournament
December 15, 2009
By: Dave Rogers
Lynn V. Conway is a real "Pioneer."
The former Delta College athletic director, now 81, was first to establish a national women's basketball championship tournament sanctioned by the NCAA and was involved in setting up the first Division II national basketball tournament for men, held in 1986.
Conway retired in 1995 at age 73 as the college's longtime athletic director after a 38 year career in education. He joined Delta's predecessor institution, Bay City Junior College, in 1956 as faculty member and basketball coach. When BCJC was succeeded by Delta in 1961, Conway moved to the new school and became athletic director succeeding Dan Kinsey in 1966.
A 1946 graduate of Bay City Central High, where he was an all-state football player for the Wolves, Conway went on to Michigan State University where he played football for the Spartans and was graduated in 1950. He earned a master's degree from MSU in 1968.
"Delta alumni and friends are invited to spend a day enjoying the athletic prowess of the college's women's and men's basketball teams on Saturday, December 19," according to Athletic Director Greg Mallek.
The Lynn Conway Holiday Classic will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Pioneer Gymnasium on the campus at Delta and Mackinaw roads. The event spotlights both men's and women's teams.
The tournament will involve Delta, Erie, N.Y., Community College, Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek, MI; and Columbus State Community College, Ohio.
Weekend action will start Friday at 4 p.m. with Kellogg playing Columbus State followed by Delta vs. Erie at 8 p.m. On Saturday the Conway Classic will feature losing teams from the previous day pitted against each other at 2 p.m. and winning teams facing off at 6 p.m.
Tickets to see all four games are $5 at the door for the general public. The College will be offering a special cost to alumni of only $3. During half-times at each of the games, special activities will be held and alumni T-shirts will be sold. Alumni are encouraged to wear green and white clothing during the games to show their school spirit.
For more information on this event, contact Greg Mallek, Delta's athletic director, at (989) 686-9477 or gregorymallek@delta.edu.
###