Reunion held for players on CSUEB's first basketball team

• February 23, 2012 11:00am

Cal State East Bay Athletics celebrated some very special Pioneers: the 1961-62 men's basketball team. They played when the University was still called Alameda State College.

Players met up at the Ranch in Hayward, where the team used to have their pre-game meals back in 1961. The team then attended the Homecoming Basketball game and was honored at halftime. Each player received a commemorative trophy from CSUEB President Leroy M. Morishita.

Cal State East Bay's first head basketball coach, Bill Vandeburgh, was also in attendance for the reunion and presented an Inspiration Award to the University and to current Pioneers basketball player Adam Watts.

The Inspiration Award, started in 1961-62 by Vandeburgh, goes to the player who tirelessly inspires and encourage his team both on and off the court. This will become an annual award courtesy of the Pioneers First Basketball team and will be presented to one basketball player each season.

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