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Post by Ace78 on Apr 11, 2024 15:51:50 GMT -6
UE announced that Dr. Russ Grieger, a member of the 1964 and 1965 Aces teams, passed away. I remember him sharing his thoughts in a video on that undefeated season, discussing the championship game that the Aces won vs. SIU. |
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Post by aceschamps6571 on Apr 11, 2024 17:23:17 GMT -6
I had the pleasure to speak with Russ Grieger a couple of times. One of the times was at Barnes and Noble, where he was signing copies of his book. He seemed appreciative of those of us in line and made sure everyone was taken care of.
He transferred "home" after starting his career at St.Louis.
When he went to talk to Coach McCutchan, who had been unsuccessful recruiting him out of Bosse High School, Grieger was hoping the Aces' coach was still interested. He was beyond relieved when Coach McCutchan asked "Have you seen the error of your ways? Are you readyto come play for me?"
Now 2 of the iconic starting 5, the Iron 5, are gone.
Jerry Sloan, Grieger, Larry Humes, Sam Watkins, Herb Williams- coach McCutchan- Marv Bates on the radio- Jerry Birge on TV broadcasts, Sports Illustrated doing a piece on Aces basketball and the city's love for the team- what a time in Evansville.
Thanks for the memories Russ.
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Post by paradeuce on Apr 12, 2024 8:13:15 GMT -6
Well stated, Champs! During Bosse's 2nd quest for an IHSAA Championship @ the E-villeSemi-state (1962-63), TH Garfield pulled one of the biggest upsets in memory over the talent-laden Bulldogs coached by Jim Myers. My family were aligned w/ the Purple Eagles, and this was my 1st exposure to Evansville basketball culture. "Double Cola" was an unknown soft drink...Grieger was on a talented Bosse roster, which included Jerry Southwood (Vanderbilt) and Ken Rakow (Valpo). S. Indiana was "rocking" w/ HS hoop talent during that era.
***Btw, we ate lunch that Saturday @ a Main St. restaurant w/ a "big chicken" outside!  The next year, we sold our NTH farm and moved to Newburgh... |
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Post by ATP on Apr 12, 2024 8:51:29 GMT -6
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Post by aceschamps6571 on Apr 12, 2024 9:20:33 GMT -6
Russ Grieger was actually already at Evansville College by 1962-63. That was the season he had to sit after transferring. Back then, they had to sit out a year no matter what level they transferred from or to.
But you're absolutely right about the quality of that Bosse team. That team had Gary Grieger, Russ's younger brother who I think went to IU, and the other guys you mentioned. In 1962, they knocked off undefeated Madison and the great Larry Humes in the afternoon round of the final four at Butler. North had Dave Schellhase and Rex Mundi had 3 sport standout Bob Griese, Jerry Mattingly and Tom Niemeier.
That was just before my time of attending games.
After wanting to go the previous season, I started getting to attend some Aces games in 1964-65, got spoiled- they always won 😁-and saw lots of high school games too starting the following season.
That was the era of Bob Ford, Larry Weatherford, Vaughn Wedeking, Curt John, Pete Rupp, etc. in high school basketball.
As a 6th grader, I saw the 1967 Semistate with North and another talented TH Garfield team, that lost to the Huskies by 1 or 2 points. Ford blocked their last shot and North went on to win the State title.
Fun times!
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Post by ATP on Apr 12, 2024 15:33:57 GMT -6
Russ Grieger was actually already at Evansville College by 1962-63. That was the season he had to sit after transferring. Back then, they had to sit out a year no matter what level they transferred from or to. But you're absolutely right about the quality of that Bosse team. That team had Dave Grieger, Russ's younger brother who I think went to IU, and the other guys you mentioned. In 1962, they knocked off undefeated Madison and the great Larry Humes in the afternoon round of the final four at Butler. North had Dave Schellhase and Rex Mundi had 3 sport standout Bob Griese, Jerry Mattingly and Tom Niemeier. Larry Humes actually fouled out of that game, as did Howard, his brother. ihsaapublic.blob.core.windows.net/portals/0/boys%20sports/boys%20basketball/box%20scores/196162BBBBox.pdfPopovich for EC Washington was Jim, not to be confused with NBA coach Gregg Popovich. Rich Mason was one of the highly coveted players that year but only played 1 year at Northwestern before going to Terre Haute Tech where he played a couple of years against the Aces and made the Elite 8 in 1968. Howard Bugs Humes was one of his teammates at ISU. Ligon for Kokomo was Jim "Goose" Ligon who had an unfortunate fate after he left Kokomo. |
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Post by paradeuce on Apr 20, 2024 8:57:53 GMT -6
The 6'8" Mason was ruled "ineligible" to play in the '68 Finals, otherwise, the Sycs would've kicked KWC's butt! Had something to do w/ his time of transfer from Northwestern to TH.
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Post by aceshigh on Apr 20, 2024 9:29:50 GMT -6
I was at Butler Fieldhouse for the State finals. Pretty exciting times.
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