La Salle's 1981 Champs . . . 25 Years Later

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  We thank Chris Carabello for sending the pictures and text below!
  Photos by Bro. James Reick, FSC (director of admissions).

Top Row (left to right): Head Coach Bill Michuda, Dave Powell '81, Mark Mischler '81, Mike Flanigan '81, Joe Foley '81,
Jim Osborne '82, Chip Greenberg '82, Barry McCormick '82, assistant Tom Speakman
Bottom Row (left to right): Keith Shepard '82, assistant Pete Mimmo, Joe Dowling '82, Chris O'Brien '81, Mark McNulty '81,
Brian Rodden '82, Chris Carabello '82

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   In 1978, La Salle College High School started three sophomores on a team that made the Catholic League Playoffs.  The following year, they were joined by a new coach and two members of the previous year’s undefeated freshman team.  The 1980-81 season started slow, but the Explorers finished with a record of 23-6, and concluded with a magical moment at the Palestra.  On Sunday, March 15, 1981, La Salle faced a triangle-an-two defense for the first time all season and defeated West Catholic 40-38 to wins it first Catholic League Championship since 1963.  Although La Salle has reached the championship game five times since then, the 1981 championship is La Salle’s only Catholic League Basketball Championship in the last twenty-five years.
   On Friday evening, January 13, 2006, the 1981 Catholic League Championship Team held a reunion at La Salle College High School.  The team met with the players and coaches of the current team and were introduced at center court during halftime of the La Salle/Ryan game and presented with a token of appreciation by Brother Richard Kestler, President of La Salle College High School, Principal Joe Marchese, and Head Basketball Coach Joe Dempsey.  Twelve of the fourteen members of the team (along with their families) were able to attend and it was as much a reunion for the parents as it was for the players.

Some Facts on the "Starting Five" (as they were introduced during the ceremony on Friday night) . . .
   At one Guard, a junior and three-sport All-Catholic at La Salle.  He wore number 24 that day and now resides in Southern California with his wife Susie and their two children.  Brian Rodden.  Brian flew in from Huntington Beach, CA for the reunion.
   At the other Guard, a three year starter and First Team All Catholic.  He wore number 10 that afternoon and now resides in Drexel Hill with his wife Sharon and their three children.  Chris O’Brien
   At Center, another three year starter.  His two free throws with 0:21 left in the game sealed the victory.  He wore number 42 that day and now resides in Doylestown with his wife Kim and their four children.  Mike Flanigan
   At one Forward, a First Team All Catholic and MVP of the League, who went to star at La Salle University and become a member of the Big Five Hall of Fame.  Wearing number 20, his 14 points lead all scorers that day.  He now resides in North Wales with his wife Jane and their three children.  Chip Greenberg
   At the other Forward, he was injured prior to the start of the 1980-81 season and La Salle began 3-6, but upon his return to the starting lineup, La Salle won 20 of its last 22 games.  A Second Team All-Catholic.  He wore number 24 that afternoon and now resides in Jenkintown with his wife Sue and their three children.  Mark Mischler

The original team photo.

Starter Brian Rodden flew in from California.

Head Coach Bill Michuda presents the original net cut from the Palestra on Sunday, March 15, 1981 to Brother
Richard Kestler, President of La Salle College High School, and Principal Joe Marchese (NY State Basketball Coach
of the Year in 2003).