Jan. 28, 2008

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst athletic department will be honoring the 1972-73 and 1977-78 men's basketball teams and their late head coach Dick Fox Saturday for the first "Back To The Future" Day. The teams will be recognized at halftime of the Mercyhurst men's basketball game against Saginaw Valley State beginning at 3:00 p.m.

The 1972-73 team went 19-7 in just the program's second year of existence and advanced to the NAIA District 18 playoffs. The Lakers defeated Clarion 56-55 in the playoffs before a 70-68 loss to Slippery Rock. Steve Albert averaged 16.7 points and 11.8 rebounds to lead the team.

The 1977-78 team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history, going 26-3. The team beat Clarion 91-71 and St. Vincent 73-67 to win the District 18 Championship and advance to the national tournament. Mercyhurst suffered a tough 70-69 loss to Kearney State in the opening round of the tournament and lost their three games on the season by a combined total of five points.

Seven players from each team are expected to be in attendance for the event. Albert, Dan Bukowski, Stephen Brandon, Dave Wieczorek, Sam Johnson, Mike Emick and Jim Mahoney will represent the 1972-73 team and Paul Young, Bruce Hennings, Jim McElrath, Kevin Bradley, Bill Link, Mike Molnar and Joe Ford will represent the 1977-78 team.

The Mercyhurst athletic department is also asking all fans and students to dress in their 1970s outfits. Prizes will be awarded to those judged to have the best outfits.