To the Ramblermania audience:

Though I've followed this forum for its exclusive information and valued insights, I've never contributed content.
Until today...

I wish to share an article I've written with perspectives on this season's success, the 1984-1985 season, WLUW, and Loyola sports broadcasting.
Among other areas...

https://medium.com/@tcjpost/loyola-bask ... f5782c18cf

Your feedback and comments are encouraged, invited and welcome.

Let's get 'em this weekend!

I really love your passion for Loyola sports. Please stay engaged on Ramblermania. Your perspective is valuable. Without question the student run radio station could benefit the student body and the athletic department with dedicated coverage of Loyola sports. Also, it's hard to believe the broadcast communications people at the university wouldn't benefit from hands on experience. To be honest, I have been interested in Loyola athletics for 3 years now and I didn't even know there was a university radio station. That's sad...but judging from the last home men's basketball game hopefully excitement is building

Thank you for taking time to read the article, and for the positive response. Of course I'll remain engaged with Ramblermania.

The sports radio tradition at WLUW and Loyola is exceptional.
My article is anchored by this year's Rambler success and the contrast between the University experience of having a radio station that's active in covering school athletics, and one that's not.

Your comment about not knowing the station exists speaks volumes.
...with the broadcast tower above Mertz Hall, the lack of awareness within the student body is inexcusable.

Imagine if WLUW was active in the Rambler resurgence.
Then imagine what that the student experience would have been for those interested in sports broadcasting.

Tom, Now that was stroll down memory lane. Truly great days! I sat next to Bruce for ten years and we had a blast together sharing our pre-game Twizzlers and guessing the fake attendance numbers for the night. I always thought it was a mistake the university let radio go, Brian, Tom, and Lou were just great and a generation of fans identify with them. One of the best parts of Loyola athletics in those days was the student involvement. I have no idea if that goes on today in the same significant way. The current group of players are fun to watch and they have earned their success through hard work and dedication that matches the 85 team. I don't go to games the way I used too. However, the games I have attended there are more people coming out and certainly more of our classmates. Its a great reminder that its the people who have attended Loyola that makes the place special.
Klu

Thanks, Dave!

Recollections prompted by the extraordinary accomplishments this year, with a shout out to the 2015 effort.
Bruce Kite would've enjoyed all of it...

For those who would like a glimpse of the Lake Shore atmosphere during '85 March Madness, here's a YouTube clip post-SMU victory.
(I still maintain the outdoor festivities after the Georgetown game took it up a notch...)

https://youtu.be/t5ZAsR7VX0Q

Many may have seen the video, but it's always worth another look.
Roll to :25 to start the Loyola coverage.

-- Tony

Outstanding article. Great insights that brought back some wonderful memories. I was there on Sheridan road in 1985. I was not aware that WLUW was not making efforts to support this remarkable season - let alone LU athletics in general. Very disappointing to here. Maybe it will take a couple years of sustained success for the station and the administration to fully awake.

By the way - I seem to recall that Red Rush came out of retirement to call some Rambler games in 1984-85. Am I wrong about that?

Glad you enjoyed the article!

Had to do a quick check with Brian Wheeler to confirm, but yes, Red Rush did a number of TV games that year on Channel 66.
Chet Coppock was his partner, and color commentator.

Red and Chet also did TV games beyond the 84-85 season.

I had to confirm because I while distinctly remember watching televised road games vs. LSU, Oklahoma and Louisville on local UHF television in late 84,
I don't have those video tapes and can't recall if Red and Chet did those games or if an away feed was picked up for the Chicago telecast.

Imagine that... regular season games vs. LSU, OU and Louisville.

Halftime reading during (and for after) the UNI game...

Outstanding '85/Alfredrick Hughes/Rambler article new in the Chicago Tribune that I didn't see posted in the Forum.
So I'll add it to the mix on this topic:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/co ... story.html

The memories of a March Madness tournament bid will last a lifetime...

To the person who created and held up the "Party Like It's 1985" sign seen on national TV... thank you!

That camera shot, combined with the 84-85 team photo and Kevin Harlan's CBS-TV call with time winding down created a moment those of us who were around 33 years ago have been waiting for... for a very long time.

Those elements of the broadcast came together in an instant, landed, and created a Loyola alumni groundswell of emotion across the country.

Congratulations to the 2017-2018 Loyola Ramblers.

Can't wait for Greg Gumbel to put 'em on the board on Selection Sunday!

Superb article TCI !! Wish there were more of you !!

As I have stated I have been around since Jack Kerris--You know way back in ancient Roman times--Saw some great things--even cracked my head any number of time at Old Alumni Gym-- eg We blasted Paul Arizon and his Villanova gang by close to 40 points--Stadium double headers with Jim Enright--a ref showman and colleague (predecessor) of yours---Witnessed in person Big Al win in Tulsa-- was In Louisville 63 when we smacked Art Heyman and Duke--BUT even as this just happened. I do believe this team and its success ranks with LUC;s all time great teams !!

Keep up the great work !!