Beloit College

I’ve had the opportunity over more than fifty years to participate in and observe many, many wonderful aspects of Beloit College life. One of great parts of a small residential liberal arts college is student life. Central to that is athletics, varsity and intramural.
 
When I arrived on the Beloit campus in the fall of 1961 men’s basketball was one of the highlights of campus life. Of course, there were others: fraternities and sororities, the Union, The Gun Club, Frank & Mikes – and classes. Weekend basketball games at the Field House were the place to be on winter nights. A popular date night or simply hanging out with friends. I’m not sure if attendance was kept but the arena was invariably packed.
 
My time in the early ‘60s was the Bill Knapton era with strong teams. On occasion memories of the Dolph Stanley teams of the ‘40s and ‘50s were shared by older students and returning alums. But we were very happy with our Buc teams.
 
What an honor to cheer for my Phi Psi fraternity brothers, Tom Fawell and Phil Woolley. What other Bucs come to mind? Ben Galloway, Lanier Gordon, Dave Hendricks, Bucky McMorris, Tom Moran, Ray Niznik, Bill Offill, Bob Rudolph and Lloyd Smith.
 
When I was on campus for the 2008-09 school years as interim president, I certainly took advantage of being a Bucs fan again. Flood Arena had the same spirit as the old Field House. It was fun to see students, faculty, alums and townsfolks come together to cheer. An added bonus was cheering for the women’s team.
 
Now that the Powerhouse is open in all its glory on the Rock River the old Field House will turn to dust but that will not diminish my memories of the Bucs in the ‘60s.
 
Thanks to The 1889 Council for keeping the spirit alive!!
 
Dick Niemiec ‘65
Chair, Beloit Board of Trustees
Interim President, 2008-09