1974 Basketball Team (2004)

Successful programs seldom, if ever, look at winning as an end in itself. Accordingly, the 1974 Basketball Team despite a roster loaded with three Hall-of-Fame players and two such coaches adopted a team-oriented game built on patience, poise, and purpose. Indeed, the 74 squad, a sum total of its parts, checked its collective ego in favor of fraternity, balance, and trust. That acceptance cemented a rousing 23-and-8 record, a 74% winning edge, and a litany of season-long accomplishments. Fresh from a second-place finish in the Chicago Catholic League Holiday Tournament, the 74 cagers headed to Washington, DC and the Bishop O'Connell Christmas Tourney. Against the nations then number-one team, New Yorks Archbishop Malloy, the Ramblers held their own for the better part of the game before bowing out in a two-point decision. Returning to conference play, Coach Bill Gleasons charges finished second to Hales Franciscan in the CCL North Section, only to lose again to the Spartans in the league championship game. Finally, in a year-end DC nationals tournament, Loyola lost but once to claim fifth place overall. The 1974 teams lustrous run mirrored its style of play. Leading scorer Gary Feiereisel (Hall of Fame, 2003) paced a balanced attack with 15.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game; top rebounder Charlie Leibrandt (Hall of Fame, 1985) averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 boards; sophomore Mark Feiereisel chipped in with 9.0 and 4.7, respectively; assist leader Dan Monckton (Hall of Fame, 2004) poured in 8.6 ppg beyond his duties as floor marshal; and Rick Daly netted 6.0 ppg on 62.5% shooting. Indispensable sixth man Tom Arens proved a perfect complement at both ends of the court. Reserves Ed Condon, Scott Feiereisel, Mike Halminiak, Pete Steger, Joe Morrison, Marty Gleason, Rich Wehman, Tom Morrison, and Ray Carney rounded out a team blessed with chemistry and draped in history. The 1974 Basketball Team, a study in measured success, rightfully assumes its place among LoyolaÕs powerhouses. Buoyed by Head Coach Bill Gleason (Hall of Fame, 1999) and Assistant Coach Jim OÕDonnell (Hall of Fame, 2003), it represents the schools call to passion, dignity, and excellence.