Saint Mary's. That's Right!
BY RICK TITTLE
Saint Who? Saint Mary’s, fool! It’s about time my alma mater got some national publicity. This amazing run our men’s basketball team has put together in the NCAA Tournament is truly a joy for everyone connected to SMC.
Most people I’ve met over the years have never heard of St. Mary’s, even folks who live in the Bay Area. I guess they must be dumb…or because our teams never do much on the national scene. It wasn’t always that way. St. Mary’s used to be a football powerhouse that “went bowling” year in and year out. I played football for the Galloping Gaels – the picture is from ’86 with my Dad. But they’ve since dropped the sport. I guess I shamed the program. We’re also one of the oldest schools on the west coast, being founded in 1863. By the way, the basketball team was lousy that year.
We can boast a pretty campus with quaint Spanish architecture. We can also brag about the guard who sleeps in the booth as you drive in. There’s a lot of history there. I was on the first-ever lacrosse team at St. Mary’s and they recently had an alumni dinner for the sport. As it turns out, I’m the oldest guy from that program. I didn’t know I was that hella old, but I must be. Still, it was great to see some of my old teammates, which is the other picture (I’m third from left, not bald yet).
Don’t get me wrong: we at SMC don’t crave incessant national media attention. But once in a while it’s certainly nice to be a part of the party. Believe me, this current hoop team will be remembered forever out in Moraga. The “good old days”? They’re happening right now.
Rick Tittle can be reached at
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