Radford Athletics hosted the 2017 edition of the Basketball Alumni Celebration Weekend on February 17-18 and was deemed a success by the alumni, administration and staff in participation.
“We were thrilled to have so many of our basketball alumni back on campus. It was a wonderful weekend and great for them to have the opportunity to reunite, visit campus, and watch the Highlanders win two important Big South Conference contests.” ~ Radford Director of Athletics, Robert Lineburg.
The weekend began on Friday, February 17, with alumni and alumnae games held at the Recreation Center on campus. For many of the alums, it was the first time stepping foot in the two-year-old facility and they were impressed.
The weekend began on Friday, February 17, with alumni and alumnae games held at the Recreation Center on campus. For many of the alums, it was the first time stepping foot in the two-year-old facility and they were impressed.
The men’s game saw 18 participants in a close game where the designated Red team won by six points, 52-46. The women’s game included Stephanie Howard, who was inducted in the inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 1995. Howard headed the Grey squad to a victory.
Saturday began with the men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader, where the Highlander Hospitality Room presented by Service Contracting of VA and Mullins Funeral Home was available for alumni, donors, and season ticket holders. During halftime of each game the alums participating in the weekend were recognized on the court.
The women had the eight alumnae recognized in classes ranging from 1975-2016. The men’s halftime recognition stretched from baseline to baseline as 36 participants were recognized, including Leslie Ballard, who hadn’t returned to campus in 17 years.
Two Hall of Fame coaches were in attendance in Dr. Chuck Taylor and Joe Davis. Dr. Taylor, who served as athletics director from 1974-96 and men’s basketball head coach from 1974-78, was inducted into the 1997 Hall of Fame class. Joe Davis coached the men’s basketball program from 1978-88 and was inducted into the 1998 Hall of Fame Class.
Throughout the weekend, alumni were also invited to attend practice, shootaround and tour the Dedmon Center to view the new strength & conditioning room and other facility enhancements.
— Courtesy of RU Athletics
