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Contact: Jennifer Anderson (andersonj@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
1/23/2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES- Former players and coaches will gather to celebrate the long success of the Demon and Lady Demon basketball third annual NSU Basketball Homecoming, which is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 23.
All former basketball players, coaches, managers, trainers and their families are invited to rejoin their former teammates for a reunion and recognition.
During this event three former Demon basketball players will have their jerseys retired; Charles "Red" Thomas, John McConathy and Vernon Wilson.
Thomas became Northwestern's first All-American basketball player in 1941. As head basketball coach at NSU he lead the Demons to a 129-76 record in seven years, never experiencing a losing season. He was honored for both his athletic abilities as a basketball player and trackman with an induction to the Northwestern State Graduate "N" Club Hall of Fame in 1971.
McConathy became Northwestern's second All-American basketball player in 1952. He set a school record for most points scored in a single season with 562 and a 21.6 average. He was invited to play in the College All-Star game in Chicago and was in the first of the NBA Draft by Syracuse. McConathy became a member of the Northwestern State Graduate "N" Club Hall of Fame in 1973 for his athleticism in basketball and track.
Wilson was named as an All-American in 1973 and remains NSU's all-time leader in average points-per-game with a career figure of 20.6, and scoring 1.548 points in just 75 games. He earned MVP honors for leading the Demons in scoring during the 1971-1973 seasons. He was named the 1971 Gulf States Conference Rookie of the Year, first team all-Louisiana in 1971 and 1973 and was chosen to the first team of the NAIA District 30 squad that toured Israel while playing its Olympic team.
The celebration kicks off with the homecoming luncheon, along with a short program featuring head men's basketball coach Mike McConathy, and women's basketball coach James Smith. Former Lady Demons whose jerseys have been retired, Lonnie Banks, Linda Grayson, Pam Hudson and Teressa Thomas Lewis will also be recognized. A short presentation in memory of Dr. Buddy Bonnette and in honor of Dr.Vera Bonnette will recognize their contributions.
Afternoon events include the men's and women's basketball games against the University of Texas at Arlington. All former Lady Demons will be recognized at the half time of the women's game, which begins at 2 p.m. All former Demons will also be recognized during half time of the men's game, which begins at 4 p.m.
For more information about NSU Basketball Homecoming, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs, Chris Maggio, at (318) 357-44144 or (888) 799-6486 by phone or via e-mail at maggioc@alpha.nsula.edu.