ALBANY, N.Y. – In celebration of the University at Albany's 175th anniversary, the men's basketball program is turning back the clock more than half a century and honoring its history as the New York State College for Teachers.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, against UMBC, UAlbany will wear custom-designed uniforms in the style of those worn by the teams of the 1950s, featuring the “STATE” wordmark. For one night only, the program's mascot will be “Pedwin the Penguin,” who predated the Great Dane, and the team's nickname will be the Pedagogues.
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UAlbany began celebrating its anniversary in January with its "Unleash Greatness" brand launch. Founded as the Normal School in 1844, UAlbany became the New York State College for Teachers in 1914, and it kept the name until becoming a university in 1962. The University will be celebrating its history throughout the calendar year 2019.
In men's basketball, UAlbany has a rich tradition that dates to the early 20th century and spans NAIA, Division III and then, beginning in 1999, Division I eras. The program made 24 Division III NCAA Tournament appearances under coach Richard “Doc” Sauers between 1955 and 1997. And under Will Brown, who has led the program since 2001, the Great Danes have been to the Division I NCAAs five times. In total, UAlbany basketball has won 1,280 games.
“I believe it is important to celebrate the history and tradition of this outstanding university as well as the basketball programs successes and its journey from the NCAA DIII level to the NCAA DI level,” Brown said.
The throwback jersey design was inspired by a photograph of Gary Holway, who played under Sauers from 1955 to 1959. He finished with 1,851 career points, making him the program's all-time leading scorer for almost five decades, until Jamar Wilson graduated in 2007 with 2,164.
“I'm always glad to have the chance to see guys who played for me,” said Sauers, who won 702 games on the UAlbany sideline. “They're all my friends. The uniforms have improved a lot since that time, but they bring back a lot of great memories. And of course it will be fun to see the Pedwin again.”
Commemorative merchandise currently is on sale at the University Bookstore and will be available online soon.
Additionally, UAlbany fans and alumni will have the opportunity to bid on and purchase select game-worn uniforms in an auction. Fans attending the Ferocious Feast on Feb. 2 will get the first opportunity to see the new uniforms and place bids. The auction will continue through the conclusion of the game on Feb. 23. More information on the auction will be coming soon.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call the UAlbany Athletics Ticket Office at 518-442-DANE.
