BLUFF CITY, Tenn. – Bill Mason said it was outstanding. Bob Chambers said he felt honored. And a group of Patriots all seemed to appreciate and understand the meaning of the moment.
Mason and Chambers were two of 15 members of the 1968-69 Sullivan East Patriots boys basketball team recognized by the school Friday evening at Patriot Palace. A break between East’s girls and boys games was used to honor the 68-69 Patriots, the first-ever Sullivan East basketball team.
“It’s a great night for East basketball. It’s a great night to have all these guys back,” said John Dyer, Patriots boys basketball coach and athletic director. “The first team: It’s exciting to see them, and almost all of them are here. It’s fun for our guys now to see the guys who were here first.”
Mason, Chambers, Mark Mason, Steve Warden and assistant coach John McKamey all gathered inside East’s boys locker room before the evening’s ceremony. They discussed their feelings about returning to the school they once attended and the program they started.
“It’s unbelievable, that’s all I can say,” Bill Mason said. “It’s just unbelievable that it’s been 40 years. It seems like it was yesterday.”
Meanwhile, Warden said his team played a different style of basketball than the one in fashion today.
“I think there are a lot more video games and stuff,” Warden said. “I don’t think they practice as hard as we practiced. When we [came] out here, that was our No. 1 job.”
The energized group of Patriots all wore bright smiles and appeared to enjoy being back inside their old home. And Chambers said Friday night’s reception was a moment he would not forget.
“I remember this building when it was being built,” said Chambers, who coached East to a 47-16 record in its first two seasons. “I’m proud of all these guys.”
btsmith@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2569
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