The Missouri Valley Conference has produced some outstanding championship games and individuals during its 37-year tournament run. Arch Madness has made St. Louis its home for the past 23 years.
I remember my first Valley experience in 1979 when my friend, East St. Louis’ own Alexander Gilbert, and some guy named Larry Bird combined for 30 points as Indiana State defeated New Mexico State 69-59 in Terre Haute, Ind.
I became a Valley fan when former Madison, IL standout Ron Jones and the Illinois State Redbirds under Bob Donewald upset #1 ranked UNLV in 1979.
From the summer of 1981 to December of 1985, I attended Illinois State University and was part of some of the best hoop times in Normal, Ill.. Let’s flashback to 1982. The great team coached by Donewald at Illinois State wasn’t good enough in the 1982 championship game in Tulsa Convention Center. The Redbirds, led by Hank “The Bank” Cornley, Rick Lamb, Rickie Johnson, Dwayne “DT” Tyus, lost 90-77 to Paul Pressey, a young Steve Harris and Bruce Vanley and the Tulsa Hurricanes in Tulsa.
I remember 1985 when Xavier McDaniel of Wichita State had 34 points, Steve Harris of Tulsa scored 37 points but the Shockers beat Tulsa 84-82.
I remember Maurice Cheeks in the 1977 championship game for West Texas State.
I remember Anthony Manual, David Moss, Rich Herrin, Chad Gallagher, Antoine Carr, Cliff Livingston, Benoit Benjamin of the early and mid-‘80s.
I remember Chris Carr, Marcus Timmons, Micheal Ruffin, Chris Rodgers, Alvin ” Poo” Williams, and Shea Seals in the 90’s. All delighted us those three decades.
There were some great games and players during the 2000s as well.
I remember coaches such as Matt Painter, Counzo Martin, Bruce Weber, Anthony Beane, Chris Lowery, Marty Simmons who was a great player and the best coach at Evansville in the last 15 years. And Barry Hinson, who’s one of the nicest men I’ve ever met in my life.
I remember local players whom I have fond Valley memories of, such Darren Brooks, Stetson Hairston, Kent Williams, Mark Dale of SIU, Phillip Gilbert, Alexander Gilbert’s nephew, who played at Bradley, Bryan Turner, Tamarr Maclin, Blake Ahearn, and the list goes on and on.
The Valley has produced some great basketball throughout the last three decades. And this weekend’s festivities should be great also. Get out locals, and enjoy the Valley experience, and weekend!
