Falcons Basketball Team Beat LaSalle 63-57

The game tonight against the Explorers was kind of a let down for me. A game in the middle of the season, which will determine second place going into the second half, and against a team that the Falcons played in the first round of the playoffs, and there were a lot of empty seats in the house. Of course, many of the Falcon faithful were there, as I’ll point out later, but where are the people who packed the gym for games against Judge and Ryan last season. Or those who were at the playoff games and championship at the Palestra? Come on folks, the holidays are over and the Eagles don’t play again until Sunday. Come out and catch a few games at the newly refurbished Pit.

We're going to do things a little different tonight. We're just going to go right to the "Sights and Sounds" of the game (ok, maybe no sounds, but I just like that phrase).

We stopped by the concession stand to get some dinner. With a full time job, 4 websites and 2 blogs to run, a couple of pretzels is about all we get for dinner on game night.

The Concession Crew

For the second game in a row at the Pit, Mike Kaiser handled the announcing duties with his son, Mike Jr, as his spotter. Young Mike is much better looking than the guy who spots for the announcer at the football games. The announcing is done from the Falcon’s Nest (a blatant rip off of our name, but we’ll let that slide for now). On Friday, Mike Jr will handle the announcing duties himself, as dad will be unavailable for the game. Speaking of being unavailable, I’ll miss what should be my only missed game (football and basketball) of the year. I have a very important personal appointment at the same time as the game on Sunday. And, you can’t bet it’s important to me if I’m missing a game.

Jim Dever, the film guy in the "Falcon's Nest"

Hanging out in the Alumni section with Ed White ’55 and Mike Fagan ’57, was Tom Crossett, who handles the soccer duties for this blog. Hey Tom, will you be at the game on Sunday? We need someone to write the story for that one.

Also spotted in the bleachers across from the bench was Brian Smith ’82, a classmate and former football teammate of yours truly. Brian usually catches a few games a year, but I wish I would have had an opportunity to chat for a minute. Also from the class of 1982 was Joe Steinmetz, who couldn’t attend the game, but we ran into him in the hallway prior to the game. Joe’s son is wrestling with the Junior Falcons. Rumor has it that he’s pretty good for a 6 year old. Kevin Leyland ’84, was also waiting for his son to finish wrestling.

Former football teammate from the class of 1982, Brian Smith

While looking around the gym during a timeout, we spotted John Connors ’71, catching a game at the old Alma Mater. Last season, John brought his dad, Dr Connors, who is a member of the class of 1937. Talk about loyalty to your school. I grew up across the street from the Connors family in Frankford.

John Conners, class of 1971

During halftime, there was a spontaneous game of basketball that broke out with a bunch of future Falcons. These young guys were fun to watch. A couple of them could even reach the basket with their shots.

For the second home game in a row, the Falcon Mall was locked down. Ed Glackin, where have you gone? We really miss you!

Sitting in his usual spot in the southwest corner of the gym was superfan, Tim Murphy. Tim should know that the superfans usually sit in the northeast corner. Hanging out with Murph was another alum and AOH brother, Tug McGraw (No, not that Tug McGraw!)

The AOH brothers also dress alike (Black jacket and tan khakis). Tim (middle), Tug (right)

Finally, once again, Taylor Rand belted out the National Anthem. You can see Taylor’s music video on YouTube. Click Here to see it

Taylor Rand

Next Game
Friday night, the Falcons host winless Cardinal O’Hara. How can a school have a girls’ team that is ranked #1 in the nation and then have a boys’ team that can’t seem to win a game? I wonder if their girls’ team could beat their boys’ team? Now that’s a game I’d pay to see. Anyway, the game is at the Pit on Friday night (7:30PM). It’ll be cold outside on Friday, so a nice toasty Pit could be just the ticket for anyone who wants to catch the Falcons play.