Shootout Champions Men's Shootout History
MEN’S SHOOTOUT HISTORY he Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout reaction of the visiting coaches, who praised T GoSeawolves.com began as a dream of Bob Rachal, who coached the hospitality, the officiating and most of all, the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves the level of competition. during the 1977-78 season. Rachal, who died Even as the first Sea Wolf Classic ended, of cancer in 1985, wanted to put a fledgling plans were being made for hosting the sec- UAA basketball program on the map and do ond tournament, pending a review of the it in style. With a personality reminiscent of a three-day event by UAA officials. In the end, 19th century riverboat gambler, he parlayed they declared that the Classic was a success an NCAA rule that said games outside the and should continue. contiguous 48 states didn’t count against And in 1979 it did. Only it wasn’t the your normal allotment of 28, plus the lure of Sea Wolf Classic anymore. It was now called Alaska itself, into a winning hand. the Great Alaska Shootout – a name report- The big gamble was whether the UAA edly coined by television commentator Billy and the community could attract big-name Packer during regional television broadcasts schools to the new tournament, in Alaska of the initial tourney. Kentucky, led by guard of all places. The gamble paid off. Coaches Kyle Macy, defeated Jeff Ruland-led Iona for jumped at the chance to squeeze in three the 1979 title. “free” games against top-flight competition, Regardless of the name, this holiday not to mention the recruiting possibilities a event was now well on its way to acceptance trip to Alaska afforded.
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