This happened 47 years ago today! Loogootee won its 1st regional in 1970. We headed to Roberts Stadium for Semi State and was paired against Eve. Memorial ranked #6 and a record of 23-2. We came out of the gate hot. Brian Canada scored 32 pts,and we eventually took a 12 pt lead at 63-51 mid 4th quarter. The Tigers closed to within 73-71, but we prevailed for 77-71 victory! Between sessions we went to Mall, everyone was cheering us well, it was very exciting. The popular song in March 1970 was Simon and Gartfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Waters" was on our car radio and we talked of what if we win tonight, though it seemed like a distant dream to far to come true.
The undefeated 25-0 and 2nd ranked Seymour Owls led by Baron Hill and Rick Mousa awaited us in Championship game. By halftime we were ahead 34-33. We eventually built lead of 69-61 mid 4th quarter. The owls had one last run and with 1:50 left had the lead of 78-75. Seymour never scored again. We hit free throw to pull within 2 at 78-76. We forced turnover and Canada hit shot for 55th pts for day to pull us even at 78 all. Rex Sager and Jim Trout hit 1 free throw each to put us up 80-78! Seymour came down floor in closing seconds and had several attempts under basket that kept rolling off, thanks to stiff defense by Trout and Sager. The ball was on floor as buzzer sounded and we won! The roar of our fans was amazing seemingly going on for an hour. I eventually was against ropes separating us from the floor, and Jim Trout handed me piece of net, which I have to this day. Going back to Loogootee, the whole town was euphoric! My Maternal GrandMother, Jacks Aunt went to gym at 2 am in her night gown, which caught a few strange looks but she didn't give a damn she was going regardless! What a wonderful day and night that was! I was 14 yrs old
The undefeated 25-0 and 2nd ranked Seymour Owls led by Baron Hill and Rick Mousa awaited us in Championship game. By halftime we were ahead 34-33. We eventually built lead of 69-61 mid 4th quarter. The owls had one last run and with 1:50 left had the lead of 78-75. Seymour never scored again. We hit free throw to pull within 2 at 78-76. We forced turnover and Canada hit shot for 55th pts for day to pull us even at 78 all. Rex Sager and Jim Trout hit 1 free throw each to put us up 80-78! Seymour came down floor in closing seconds and had several attempts under basket that kept rolling off, thanks to stiff defense by Trout and Sager. The ball was on floor as buzzer sounded and we won! The roar of our fans was amazing seemingly going on for an hour. I eventually was against ropes separating us from the floor, and Jim Trout handed me piece of net, which I have to this day. Going back to Loogootee, the whole town was euphoric! My Maternal GrandMother, Jacks Aunt went to gym at 2 am in her night gown, which caught a few strange looks but she didn't give a damn she was going regardless! What a wonderful day and night that was! I was 14 yrs old
