Comments:Historic gym the site of Benet Academy, Illinois victory over Oswego

Oswego vs. Benet Article on Wikinews.
Great article! It was almost surreal watching my sons - Jack on the Sophomore team - and Joe on the Varsity team - playing against my old team in the gym I played in over 30 years ago. The gym was smaller than what I remembered and much cooler due to a new air ventilation system. After now viewing a game from a fan's perspective, I can see why it was such a tough place to play. The court itself is narrower than most courts allowing less room to maneuver on offense. The fans are literally on the court on both sides of the stands. I also didn't realize or maybe I just forgot how loud it got in there. The crowd roar along with the pep band was almost deafening. I always felt playing at home was at least a 10 point advantage and all these factors certainly contributed to that edge.

I was fortunate enough to be on the team that started the conference winning streak. I don't think any of us ever dreamed that this streak would reach 95 games! What a thrill to be part of that streak!

I'm not sure what the record is for least points scored by two teams in that gym but I have to believe last Saturday's game has to be close. It was a testament to how hard these two teams played on defense. Watching the two teams reminded me of the Benet teams of old where the opposing team had to scrape and fight for every point. After the 1st quarter, I commented that the first team to 30 would win and it almost came down to that!

I am thrilled that my two sons were able to experience what it was like to play in the "old" gym. There is nothing else like it. It is a living sports memorial if there ever was one.

Thanks to Jim Bagley for working with our Alma Mater to set this game up! It was such a great thrill!


 * Thank you for your comments, mysterious Benet grad!