Some 150 people spent Saturday evening at Laughlin Memorial Library or the 50th anniversary of the undefeated 1967 Ambridge High School only state championship basketball team. Photo Credit: Paulette Battisti
Some 150 people spent Saturday evening at Laughlin Memorial Library or the 50th anniversary of the undefeated 1967 Ambridge High School only state championship basketball team.
The event organized by event coordinator, Don Frynkewicz and Vice President Laughlin Memorial Library Board of Directors, Bob Nicklewicz and served as a fundraiser for library.
The event was priced at $67 per ticket, based on the year of the state championship.
The event organized by event coordinator, Don Frynkewicz and Vice President Laughlin Memorial Library Board of Directors, Bob Nicklewicz and served as a fundraiser for library.
The event was priced at $67 per ticket, based on the year of the state championship.
"Bob Nicklewicz and I've been planning this event for over seven months and to see the reaction of the players, and over 130 fans was amazing" shared Frynkewicz. " I think this was one of the only reunion that this team had in 50 years, but most of all the players reactions coming back to support the Laughlin Memorial Library was priceless."
Coaches and managers from the 1967 team who attended were Joe Battisti, Coach John Wyllie, Jerome Gill, Paul Kamzelski, Ron (Rocco) Fiorvanti, Gary Robinson, Dennis Wuycik, Frank Kaufman along with David Devenzio was the ball boy for the team.
Jim Romigh from Moon Township served as auctioneer for the event. Items that were auctioned off included a signed Dennis' Wuycik's jersey, a basketball signed by everyone on the team after the game, and a piece of the floor of the gym the team played on.
"It was a magical place to live in the 60's, and the magic and fond memories of how the town rallied behind such a dynamo of a basketball team came racing back" said Romigh.
"Team players, managers, and even subsequent coaches all paid homage to the best team Ambridge ever had. They did not just win the state championship, they demolished teams going undefeated and winning the championship game by 32 points."
"The Laughlin Memorial Library was proud to be a part of that, and we are very thankful to all the members of the team for their graciousness and all the sponsors and attendees who help raise funds to benefit the library's programs," said Niklewicz.
Niklewicz added the speech given by Doug Sayor, Ambridge alumni and author of Hoop Life: The Basketball Player's Max- Potential Handbook, inspirational and motivating.
"Fantastic turnout for a grand occasion celebrating one of Ambridge's finest accomplishments " shared Library Director, Julie Mulcahy. "We were happy to host and are grateful for the support by players, coaches, and fans who recognize the importance of the library in our community. "
" Thanks to all who helped to make this event a huge success, especially Don Frynkewitz who spearheaded the event " added Mulcahy.
Missed the Event?
DVDs of the championship game, the 50th-anniversary program book, and commemorative shirts are all will be available for purchase at the Laughlin Memorial Library.
Coaches and managers from the 1967 team who attended were Joe Battisti, Coach John Wyllie, Jerome Gill, Paul Kamzelski, Ron (Rocco) Fiorvanti, Gary Robinson, Dennis Wuycik, Frank Kaufman along with David Devenzio was the ball boy for the team.
Jim Romigh from Moon Township served as auctioneer for the event. Items that were auctioned off included a signed Dennis' Wuycik's jersey, a basketball signed by everyone on the team after the game, and a piece of the floor of the gym the team played on.
"It was a magical place to live in the 60's, and the magic and fond memories of how the town rallied behind such a dynamo of a basketball team came racing back" said Romigh.
"Team players, managers, and even subsequent coaches all paid homage to the best team Ambridge ever had. They did not just win the state championship, they demolished teams going undefeated and winning the championship game by 32 points."
"The Laughlin Memorial Library was proud to be a part of that, and we are very thankful to all the members of the team for their graciousness and all the sponsors and attendees who help raise funds to benefit the library's programs," said Niklewicz.
Niklewicz added the speech given by Doug Sayor, Ambridge alumni and author of Hoop Life: The Basketball Player's Max- Potential Handbook, inspirational and motivating.
"Fantastic turnout for a grand occasion celebrating one of Ambridge's finest accomplishments " shared Library Director, Julie Mulcahy. "We were happy to host and are grateful for the support by players, coaches, and fans who recognize the importance of the library in our community. "
" Thanks to all who helped to make this event a huge success, especially Don Frynkewitz who spearheaded the event " added Mulcahy.
Missed the Event?
DVDs of the championship game, the 50th-anniversary program book, and commemorative shirts are all will be available for purchase at the Laughlin Memorial Library.
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