The Lakers basketball teams, both the women and the men, were playing for keeps on championship Saturday. A win meant an OCCAC Conference championship for both teams and what better way to celebrate the day then welcoming back the original 1968-69 men's basketball team and cheerleaders. They were the first team to represent Lakeland in intercollegiate athletics.
Unable to attend was head coach and physical education instructor, Mrs. Harriet Bender. Mrs. Bender was the only female coach of a college men's basketball team. Other players unable to attend were Tom Epps, retired owner and manager of Mayfield Racquet Club and Vince Lechowick a retired California lawyer and Superior Court judge.
Deceased players include Don Andersen, Jack Codrington, Larry Lenk, and Greg Oberst.
In attendance and representing the cheerleaders was Karen Andersen Miller. Karen is presently co-owner of Vintage Hollow located on the Chardon square.
The team manager was Tom Szabo. Tom is a local small business owner specializing in photography, jewelry, and scuba instruction.
The assistant coach was Bob Booher, a retired Lakeland professor and coach, who just completed his 51st year of collegiate and high school coaching. He coached the last two years at Mayfield high school.
Players in attendance included:
Bill Adams, a retired theater technician and electrician spending 36 years at Mount Holyoke College.
Bill Herendeen, a retired mail carrier for the United States postal service.
Tim Morton, a retired teacher and coach.
Tony Newman, the owner and president of Lifeguard Financial of Mentor.
Lakeland athletics is proud to welcome back their former players. The team brought good luck for the current Lakers as both teams captured conference championships today. It was an exciting day for Lakeland all around and this is was a great example of what everyone who comes through the college is - Lakers for Life!!