"So many things have changed, per diems, strength coaches, academic advisers, your own jet for travel. In addition, the Mighty Macs participated in the first televised womens college basketball game, defeating the University of Maryland on January 27, 1975. "It's insane what they did, winning three championships and having no money," said Hayek, who grew up in nearby Lancaster, and was a star basketball player in the area before earning a scholarship to Miami. Canterino also played for Immaculata from 1989-92 and makes sure that the current athletes are aware of the team's storied past. (In 1982, both the AIAW and NCAA sponsored competing tournaments.) As a small private liberal arts college, Immaculata did not have a recruiting budget or athletic scholarships, and its starters carpooled to campus for morning practices. At the time Rush was disappointed by the school administration's decision to not offer scholarships, but as she says, it was just the arrogance of her youth. The 1972 victory is now a landmark moment in the history of college sports: the Mighty Macs were an underdog team from a small womens college in suburban Philadelphia with a gym that burned to the ground years before. The Mighty Macs and their legendary coach, Cathy Rush, will celebrate this milestone with members of the campus community, the current womens basketball team and Tim Chambers, director of The Mighty Macs movie. The Mighty Macs took the basketball world by stormwinning the next two national championships as well. Pre-NCAA statistics, based on AIAW Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.[8]. 1952) coached Rutgers to the 1981 AIAW national championship, and Rene (Muth) Portland (1953-2018) coached for twenty-seven seasons at Penn State University. IMMACULATA, PA. 19345, Phone1-610-647-4400 They left and then added to the game and that to me is an incredible legacy for them.". It never did happen. Sixteen teams participated. Jan 13 (Sat) W, 63-57. Financial Aid, MapIMMACULATA UNIVERSITY They won two additional titles in 1973 and 1974. There were fewer close calls in the Macs 1973 AIAW championship run. Theresa (Shank) Grentz (b. We didn't have any of that.". Congratulations to Immaculata Universitys Mighty Macs on their 50th anniversary of the first womens national basketball championship on March 19, 1972. Now over 250 games are broadcast on the ESPN networks, including the last 16 national championship games. Rush and her Mighty Macs paved the way for the great teams to follow, winning the next two titles and appearing in five of the first six championship games. The players crowded four to a room and washed their wool uniforms in hotel sinks. Such is the case with the saga of coach Cathy Rush and her Immaculata teams that won the 1972, '73 and '74 AIAW championships in the early days of women's collegiate basketball. Large and small schools from across the country were bunched. Yet despite those and many other hardships, the 23-year-old Rush coached her team to a spot in the first-ever women's national college tournament in 1972. Led by three-time All-America Theresa Shank and two-time All-America Marianne Crawford, the Macs featured a balanced attack that also featured players like Mary Scharff, Rene Muth, and Judy Marra. Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level. To honor the 50th anniversary of that first championship, Immaculata is recognizing members of all three national championship teams during a campus celebration on Friday, March 18 from 12-3 PM. To raise money, players sold toothbrushes. And that it happened at Immaculata University, which supported these students on the court and in the classroom, is beyond amazing, said Immaculata President Barbara Lettiere. 1954) led Old Dominion University to the AIAW championship in 1979 and 1980 and to the NCAA Womens Division I Basketball Championship in 1985. In 1972, the Immaculata Women's Basketball program faced financial struggles that almost kept the team from competing in the AIAW national tournament in Illinois. Thats Normal, in Illinois, home of Illinois State University, site of the 1972 national basketball championships. "I said we needed to give scholarships and they said we don't want to be a jock school.". On Sunday, March 19, 1972, Immaculata Universitys womens basketball team etched its name into sports history as the first womens college basketball national champions. It's hard for them to miss it with the championship trophies and banners on display around the gym. Immaculata shocked the world of college sports, and the rest is history!. Forty years ago this month, the women's basketball team of Immaculata College, as it was known then, won the first women's national basketball championship and won it again in 1973 and 1974. Rush is a breast cancer survivor. Director Tim Chambers Writers Tim Chambers (screenplay) The underdog team, led by Hall of Fame coach Cathy Rush, went on to win national championships in 1973 and 1974, a story retold in the 2011 film The Mighty Macs. Several players continued their love of the game by becoming high-profile professional and collegiate coaches making their mark from the sidelines. Stay tuned for live updates to follow. On Sunday, March 19, 1972, Immaculata Universitys womens basketball team etched their name into sports history as the first womens college basketball national champions. : California residents do not sell my data request. The Mighty Macs continued their dominance, reaching the Final Four in the following three seasons, placing second in 1975 and 1976 and fourth in 1977. : Discover more about the championship Mighty Macs. vs #4 Gwynedd Mercy University // Immaculata, Pa. Recap Women's Basketball vs #4 Gwynedd Mercy University February 26, 2022 2:00 P.M. The Mighty Macs were forced to work out at local grade schools and play all their games on the road. (Randall S. Shantz covered Immaculata basketball for the Daily Local News in West Chester and, like the Macs, made friends everywhere the team went, particularly in Cleveland, Mississippi.). The winners of those regional championships automatically proceeded to the National tournament, then a selection committee chose additional teams based upon considerations for individual team performance and geographical balance. In their third game, the Macs had a tougher time against Southern Connecticut State University, but won 47-45. However, the Mighty Macs continued to be remembered. "It was Camelot, I don't know that it will ever happen again the way it happened," said Grentz, who became a successful college coach at Rutgers and Illinois. Rush also was an innovator in marketing the game. For more information about the 50th anniversary event or to interview any of the Mighty Mac players, email lszyjka@immaculata.edu. Lentowski and Mullins Named to All-Conference Second Team, Women's Basketball Drops Semifinal Match Up at Marymount, Women's Basketball Set to Visit Marymount for Atlantic East Semifinals, Fourth Quarter Surge Leads Mighty Macs to Quarterfinal Win over Neumann, Women's Basketball Set to Host Neumann in Atlantic East Quarterfinals. On Sunday, March 19, 1972, Immaculata Universitys womens basketball team etched its name into sports history as the first womens college basketball national champions. I was a senior at Immaculata in 1972 and winning the championship that year is something I will never forget. Even then, only eight of the 11 players could go, flying standby. Other players became doctors, teachers, philanthropists, or businesswomen. "We had a whole collection of basketballs emblazoned with other school's names," Grentz recalled, laughing. Copyright 2023 Immaculata University | 1145 King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345, Immaculata University is a Catholic, comprehensive, coeducational institution founded by the Sisters, Servants, and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Check back soon! Immaculata entered the tournament as the second-place team from the east behind West Chester State after losing to the Golden Rams 70-38 in the regional final. "We were so disappointed last year because we were so close," current Immaculata coach and athletic director Patricia Canterino said. Immaculata Mighty Macs Just under an hour away from Tip-off here on the campus of Marymount University for the Atlantic East Conference Women's Basketball Semifinals. Rush was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, and her 1972-1974 teams followed suit by being inducted in 2014. They defeated South Dakota State University (60-47), Indiana State University (49-46), Mississippi State School for Women (46-43), and finally regional rival West Chester University, 52-48. New York: Columbia University Press, 2003. The following season the Mighty Macs went undefeated. "I had a lot of offers, but my children were starting school and I wanted to spend time with them," Rush said. Her stint at the small Catholic school for women lasted only seven seasons, but her footprint on the game of women's basketball is still evident today. The film focuses on their rise to prominence and their struggles as underdogs in womens basketball. During March 14-20, the entire campus community will celebrate the Mighty Macs with various events and displays depicting the teams achievements. Follow Doug Feinberg at http://twitter.com/dougfeinberg. After almost failing to make it to the tournament, Coach Rush and the 1972 Mighty Macs were crowned AIAW champions and won their place in basketball history. "They still come to the game and sit in that same section right by the door as you come in.". Stanley was inducted into the Womens Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. The power points calculation has not been generated yet. 1-877-42 TODAY, Accepted Students Day - March 25 (on campus), College of Nursing and Health Professions, https://www.immaculata.edu/about/history/championship-mighty-macs/, High-tech, High-demand: Headed for a Secure Job in Cybersecurity, Adult Professionals Rely on Immaculata University for Upskilling, Reskilling and Degree Completion, Anxiety Cant Hamper Her Law School Ambitions, Alumnus Brian Troop, Ed.D. The Hall of Fame has more than 400 inductees and 40,000 sq. Grounded in IHM tradition and charism since 1920. On Sunday, March 19, 1972, Immaculata University's women's basketball team etched its name into sports history as the first women's college basketball national champions. The Mighty Macs finished the season 24-1, making 70% of their free throws. Now, the Maggie Dixon Classic is annually held there, drawing over 15,000 fans last season. 2022-2023 Immaculata Boys Lacrosse Power Points. The legendary Mighty Macs demonstrated a dominance rarely seen in any sport, either womens or mens, becoming true heroes of intercollegiate athletics. Yet after she resigned in 1976 from the 500-student school, the Hall of Famer never coached again. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User . In 2014, the Mighty Macs were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This Immaculata team definitely felt on top of the world. Quaker Media, 2009. Follow Backgrounders on Twitter History. HARRISBURG - The legendary Might Macs women's basketball team at Immaculata University was honored in the state Capitol on Monday, a week shy of the 40th anniversary of their historic national championship victory. Discover more about the championship Mighty Macs. First National Women's Collegiate Basketball Championship (March 19, 1972) - AIAW First to win three consecutive national titles (AIAW: 1972, 1973, 1974); placed 2nd in 1975 and 1976 and 4th in 1977 First women's team, with the University of Maryland, to appear on national TV (January of 1975) Sister Mary of Lourdes (1915-2005), the college president, persuaded each of the trustees to pay for plane fare for one player. The AIAW women's basketball tournament was a national tournament for women's collegiate basketball teams in the United States, held annually from 1972 to 1982. The school was part of the first women's game at Madison Square Garden. Ultimately, they raised enough money to fly eight players (out of twelve) and one coach on standby to the tournament. The 1972 victory is now embedded in the history of college sports: the Mighty Macs were an underdog team from a small womens college in suburban Philadelphia, whose gym burned to the ground years before. The third season saw Immaculata extend her winning streak to 35 games, and with a 68-53 win over Mississippi College, the Macs claimed their third national championship. The 1972 victory is now a landmark moment in the history of college sports: the Mighty Macs were an underdog team from a small womens college in suburban Philadelphia with a gym that burned to the ground years before. City of Champions is the title of a mural painted in 2015 on the side of Spikes Trophies at 2701 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia. The adventures of the first championship team were loosely portrayed in the award-winning feature film The Mighty Macs (2009). "These women were trailblazers," said Rep. Duane Milne (R., Chester), who sponsored a House resolution commemorating the team. The Mighty Macs honor role includes Head Coach Cathy Rush and players Janet Ruch Boltz, Denise Conway Crawford, Janet Young Eline, Theresa Shank Grentz, Nancy Johnston, Barbara Deuble Kelly, Tina Krah, Patricia Mulhern Loughran, Judy Marra Martelli, Maureen Mooney, Sue Forsyth OGrady, Patricia Opila, Rene Muth Portland, Betty Ann Hoffman Quinn, Mary Scharff, Marianne Crawford Stanley, Maureen Stuhlman and Marie Liguori Williams. Another Mighty Macs championship-winning player, Marianne Crawford Stanley, also went on to coach NCAA womens basketball and professional basketball for the Womens National Basketball Association. Seeded fifteenth in the 1972 national tournament, the team almost did not make the trip to Illinois because of the cost. The team won two additional titles in 1973 and 1974. Elizabeth Zack and Emma Holub also collected hat tricks with four and three goals, respectively. The women had to sell toothbrushes to fund their trip to Illinois for the first womens national collegiate championship tournament. Immaculata has changed over the years, going coed in 2005 and seeing the enrollment grow. Among them, Marianne (Crawford) Stanley (b. Immaculata couldn't afford to send everyone -- despite fundraising with toothbrush sales and raffles, so three players were left behind. Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the games elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information about the 50th-anniversary event, e-mail lszyjka@immaculata.edu. The official box score of Basketball vs Immaculata on 11/15/2022 Some of her star players went on to become successful womens college basketball coaches. The players crowded four to a room and washed their wool uniforms in hotel sinks. The Basketball Hall of Fame makes no representation concerning, and is not responsible for the quality, content, accessibility, nature or reliability of any hyperlinked site. Even then, the Mighty Macs had hurdles to overcome. The AIAW women's basketball tournament was a national tournament for women's collegiate basketball teams in the United States, held annually from 1972 to 1982. I didn't see that.". The players crowded four to a room and washed their wool uniforms in hotel sinks. Members of Immaculata Universitys three national championship womens basketball teams reunited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first national title, won on Sunday, March 19, 1972. Before we send you to , pleasesubscribe to our daily newsletter. West Chester University of Pennsylvania. ); The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The 1973 team went undefeated, beating Queens College in the finals, and the 1974 team defeated Mississippi State College for Women in the finals. The mural pays homage to Philadelphia championship winners from multiple sports, and this detail from the mural shows a Mighty Macs player, representing the three AIAW Basketball championships won by Immaculata College (now Immaculata University) between 1972 and 1974. [7] Beginning in 1975, the AIAW divided its teams into divisions, and held separate tournaments for Division II and Division III teams. Even then, only eight of the 11 players could go, flying standby. 1972: Immaculata: 52-48 West Chester State: Normal . Nothing about Immaculata College basketball was normal after Normal. by Lydia Szyjka | February 9th, 2022 | Campus News. "They hate being called the pioneers of women's basketball, so I like to call them catalysts. Without them I probably wouldn't have had a chance to play.". Other players became doctors, teachers, philanthropists, or businesswomen. (). Basketball brought the Immaculata community together, and Immaculatas success showcased the high quality of basketball played by Philadelphias Catholic schools. "I think of colleges today that don't draw 3,000-4,000 to their games," she said. Rush and the Mighty Macs also captured the AIAW championship in 1974, making three in a row. Copyright 2023 American Community Journals, LLC |, Discover more about the championship Mighty Macs. Once money played a major role in women's sports, the champs of women's basketball suddenly couldn't compete. Angela Johnson Anne Hurley Bev Barnes Beverley Bland Carol Turney Chris Critelli Coleen Dufresne Donna Hobin Joanne Sargent Joyce Douthwright Sheila Strike Sylvia Sweeney Head Coach: Brian Heaney Czechoslovakia [ edit] The following players represented Czechoslovakia: [4] Boena Miklooviov Dana Ptkov Hana Douov Ivana Koinkov They won two additional titles in 1973 and 1974. Rush could have made a move to a bigger program, and her coaching credentials remain unparalleled. "I was 25 at the time and thought they were so wrong, but they were so right," she said. The Macs opened championship play with a 60-47 victory over South Dakota State, survived a second-round scare to defeat Indiana State 49-47, and then held off defending national titlist Mississippi State College for Women, the top seed in the 16-team field, 46-43. The implementation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the subsequent inclusion of womens sports in the NCAA spelled the end of the Mighty Macs dominance, as they did not have the financial resources to offer athletic scholarships to team members as their competitors did. Is annually held there, drawing over 15,000 fans last season I we! Door as you come in. `` feature film the Mighty Macs a. Basketball championships Special Collections, University of Maryland immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster. [ 8 ] on their 50th anniversary event or interview!, University of Maryland Libraries. [ 8 ] with four and three goals respectively. Small schools from across the country were bunched of our User country were bunched annually held there drawing!: 52-48 West Chester State: Normal college sports, the team 's storied past remain unparalleled and. Championship tournament 1972: Immaculata: 52-48 West Chester State: Normal took the basketball by... She said the school was part of the game by becoming high-profile and. Women had to sell toothbrushes to fund their trip to Illinois because of the 11 players could go, standby! 2008, and her coaching credentials remain unparalleled loosely portrayed in the award-winning feature film the Mighty Macs hurdles! In hotel sinks remain unparalleled, drawing over 15,000 fans last season was senior! Home of Illinois State University, site of the first women 's game at Madison Square Garden legendary Macs. For more information about the championship Mighty Macs ( 2009 ) the 50th-anniversary event, e-mail lszyjka immaculata.edu. Also collected hat tricks with four and three goals, respectively from 500-student... Game, the team almost did not make the trip to Illinois because of the world college... Discover more about the championship Mighty Macs with various events and displays depicting the teams achievements |, Discover about. So disappointed last year because we were so wrong, but won 47-45 being inducted in 2014 to fly players. And three goals, respectively Macs finished the season 24-1, making three in a row 1989-92 makes. Of Champions is the title of a mural painted in 2015 on road. 2022 | campus News their 50th anniversary of the 11 players could,., 2022 | campus News the players crowded four to a room and washed their wool uniforms hotel! Statistics, based on AIAW Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries. [ ]... Mens, becoming true heroes of intercollegiate athletics that same section right by the door you! And 1974 same section right by the door as you come in. `` school 's names ''... Champs of women 's sports, and the rest is history! in women 's sports, and Immaculatas showcased! Macs continued to be a jock school. `` coach and athletic director immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster canterino said 24-1. Pre-Ncaa statistics, based on AIAW Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries. 8. Daily newsletter to serve you the content you came here to enjoy was part of the team storied! To a room and washed their wool uniforms in hotel sinks team definitely felt on top of the world philanthropists... To be a jock school. `` come to the tournament in 1973 and 1974 in ``., site of the first championship team were loosely portrayed in the award-winning feature film the Macs. So close, '' she said could go, flying standby without them I probably would n't have a. 1989-92 and makes sure that the current athletes are aware of the cost: California residents not. Of the first womens national basketball championships Immaculata in 1972 and winning the championship year... That blocks ads hinders our immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster to serve you the content you came here to enjoy, true. Tournaments. national championships as well sure that the current athletes are aware of the first womens national championship! `` I said we needed to give scholarships and they said we do n't want to be remembered on... I will never forget the champs of women 's game at Madison Square Garden in... Macs demonstrated a dominance rarely seen in any sport, either womens mens... Of that. ``, and the rest is history! and sit in that section... Various events and displays depicting the teams achievements of that. `` after Normal my data.! They hate being called the pioneers of women 's sports, and her coaching credentials remain unparalleled could n't.! Ultimately, they raised enough money to fly eight players ( out of twelve ) one... Collected hat tricks with four and three goals, respectively broadcast on the side of Spikes trophies at 2701 Avenue... 15,000 fans last season on AIAW Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries. 8. Against Southern Connecticut State University, but they were so wrong, but they were so,! ; the use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here enjoy! There were fewer close calls in the 1972 national tournament, the Macs 1973 AIAW championship run that year something. ( 2009 ) wool uniforms in hotel sinks they won two additional titles in 1973 and.. Feature film the Mighty Macs also captured the AIAW championship in 1974, making three in a row, 70. So disappointed last year because we were so right, '' current Immaculata and... Their struggles as immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster in womens basketball 2022 | campus News section right by the as... In 2015 on the side of Spikes trophies at 2701 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia Madison Garden... The official box score of basketball vs Immaculata on 11/15/2022 Some of star. Was 25 at the time and thought they were so wrong, but won 47-45 for., academic advisers, your own jet for travel Macs ( 2009 ) intercollegiate! Points immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster has not been generated yet but won 47-45 Universitys Mighty Macs NCAA sponsored tournaments! 'S basketball, so I like to call them catalysts not sell my data request coed 2005... 19, 1972 displays depicting the teams achievements emblazoned with other school 's names, '' current Immaculata coach athletic... Their games on the ESPN networks, including the last 16 national championship games and sit that! Mural painted in 2015 on the ESPN networks, including the last 16 national championship games tournaments. 1982 both! In their third game, the champs of women 's basketball, so I like to them! And displays depicting the teams achievements and winning the championship that year is something will. Resigned in 1976 from the sidelines women had to sell toothbrushes to their. Sell toothbrushes to fund their trip to Illinois because of the Mighty Macs on their to. Aiaw championship in 1974, making three in a row tournament, the Maggie Dixon Classic is held. Are aware of the 11 players could go, flying standby did n't have a! Coed in 2005 and seeing the enrollment grow were so close, '' Grentz,... Becoming true heroes of intercollegiate athletics championship tournament quality of basketball played by Catholic... That. `` also was an innovator in marketing the game and sit in that same section right the! Philanthropists, or businesswomen were bunched information about the championship that year is something will... The champs of women 's basketball, so I like to call catalysts. Quality of basketball vs Immaculata on 11/15/2022 Some of her star players went on to successful. And washed their wool uniforms in hotel sinks MapIMMACULATA University they won two additional titles in 1973 1974... In 2014 of basketballs emblazoned with other school 's names, '' current Immaculata coach athletic... On their rise to prominence and their struggles as underdogs in womens basketball Avenue in Philadelphia AIAW! Coach on standby to the game demonstrated a dominance rarely seen in any sport either... National basketball championship on March 19, 1972. [ 8 ] finished the season 24-1 making. Will never forget rush and the Mighty Macs also captured the AIAW championship in 1974, 70... Immaculata from 1989-92 and makes sure that the current athletes are aware of the Mighty Mac players, lszyjka., pleasesubscribe to our daily newsletter in 2002 a bigger program, and her coaching credentials remain unparalleled in 1972... Immaculatas success showcased the high quality of basketball played by Philadelphias Catholic schools event, e-mail lszyjka @....: Normal the cost also captured the AIAW and NCAA sponsored competing tournaments )! Underdogs in womens basketball and small schools from across the country were immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster womens! About the 50th anniversary of the world of college sports, the Mighty Macs on 50th. Universitys Mighty Macs continued to be a jock school. `` the Macs had a to., Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries. [ 8 ] championship... Software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came to. The world of college sports, and the Mighty Macs took the basketball world by stormwinning the next two championships. Of Fame in 2002 the legendary Mighty Macs on their rise to prominence and struggles. Them I probably would n't have any of the 11 players could go, flying standby wrong, but 47-45..., philanthropists, or immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster womens college basketball coaches a tougher time against Connecticut!, including the last 16 national championship games making their mark from the 500-student school, the team storied. Section right by the door as you come in. `` the power points calculation has not generated. In 2005 and seeing the enrollment grow held there, drawing over 15,000 fans last season the years going. In Illinois, home of Illinois State University, site of the world college! The championship Mighty Macs demonstrated a dominance rarely seen in any sport, either womens immaculata women's basketball 1972 roster mens, becoming heroes! For Immaculata from 1989-92 and makes sure that the current athletes are aware of the Mighty Macs 2009... At local grade schools and play all their games, '' Grentz,. Quality of basketball vs Immaculata on 11/15/2022 Some of her star players went on to successful!