Doc Sauers Tribute

[Dane Pound]

This was mentioned "Hoop Games" last week but this is the first thing I've seen publicity-wise.

 

RICHARD "DOC" SAUERS TO BE HONORED AT UALBANY-VERMONT BASKETBALL GAME ON JAN. 28

     Albany, N.Y. – Former University at Albany men’s basketball coach Richard "Doc" Sauers will be honored in a halftime ceremony when the Great Danes take on America East Conference-rival Vermont on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Recreation and Convocation Center. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m.

     Sauers, who is being recognized on the occasion of his recent induction into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame, is one of the winningest coaches in the history of college basketball, and coached the UAlbany program from 1955-97.

     Sauers led the Great Danes to eleven NCAA and four NAIA post-season tournament appearances during his career. His teams averaged more than 17 wins per season and recorded just one losing campaign. From 1975 until his retirement in March 1997, the Great Danes participated in 10 NCAA tournaments. In 1993-94, UAlbany established a school record for victories with a 25-3 mark, and reached the Division III East Sectional final. Albany also qualified the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) playoffs seven times and won a pair of championships in 1978 and 1989.

     Coach Sauers finished his career with a 702-330 career record in 41 seasons. He stands alongside such legendary mentors as Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp and North Carolina’s Dean Smith in the 700-win club. Sauers achieved that prestigious mark on Feb. 8, 1997 in an 89-71 victory over Bridgeport.

[reeder]

Didn't they already honor Sauers at the Hall of Fame ceremony this year. I was at the game when he got victory 500 and the players carried him off on their shoulders. It must be a little tough on him now watching the team struggle as he spent so many years leading the UA teams.

Edited January 24, 2004 by reeder

[Dane96]

Did you mean 700?

[reeder]

Did you mean 700?

 

No, 500

[olddog71]

Yes, I remember that game well -- Doc's 500th. There is a broadly published picture of Doc being hoisted up on the shoulders of his team as the crowd loudly and proudly chanted "500, 500, 500, . . . "

 

A very special moment in the history of Albany basketball. I doubt if anyone else will be able to duplicate the effort and genius of Doc Sauers at Albany -- although Will Brown could be a very good potential follow-up.