VOL. V, NO. 5

November 15, 1963

Maine Bucketmen Open At Barrington

Maine West's varsity basketball team will open its '63-'64 season on Friday, November 22nd at Barrington. Last year Coach Gaston Freeman's squad beat the Broncos, 60-56.

"Our toughest non‑conference games should be against Barrington in the opener and against Waukegan, November 27th; Forest View and Prospect will be tough in Conference, prophesized Coach Freeman.

This year's squad, with returning lettermen Dave Aegerter at forward, John Gabbert at guard, and Joe Wehlacz at center, will have its work cut out in trying to improve on last year's 23-5 showing. Others counted on are seniors Ray Bartholomae, Craig Ehlen, Chuck Esposito, Dennis Gundling, Les Jannusch, and Cliff Vogel. Junior hopefuls will be Charlie Curren, Dave Gnoske, John Greco, Tom Hendrickson, Stoney Jackson, Don Kinder, Gordon Olson, Jim Smith, Bill Verber, and Ted Wolter.

Will Use Trigger System

According to Coach Freeman, the team will operate under the trigger system again this year. The trigger is part of a system introduced by Coach Freeman during his first years at Maine. One player, known as the trigger, is stationed in front of the free‑throw circle. He starts a play by passing to one of the players on his left or right. These men play parallel with the free‑throw line and are known as pinchers. Two men play in close to the basket and are called tight men. Their job is to snare rebounds and play in for the close shots.

During his coaching career, Coach Freeman has missed seven times in taking his team to the 'sweet 16" by just one game. In his four years at West as head coach, he has compiled an impressive 59.34 record.

Last year's team placed second in Conference play behind Willowbrook and also second behind Morton West in the Proviso West holiday tournament. This year, both Willowbrook and Morton West are in the new Des Plaines Valley League.