S1E16: Gonzaga Gamechangers: Coach Dick Myers and Tom Sluby '80 - P1

As the top-ranked and undefeated Eagles soared over DeMatha 87-73 Tuesday night (01/11/22) those of us watching online couldn't help but appreciate the strong Basketball tradition on Eye Street. And how, what we were watching, would have been hard to imagine when this week's guests arrived at Gonzaga.

Legendary Coach Dick Myers, Coach Bill Wilson, along with John Williams, Marty Favret, and Tom Sluby, (all members of the Class of '80) join for part one of a two part visit that covers that pivotal era when the investment that followed Gonzaga's commitment made to stay on Eye Street, started to show dividends.

Bill Wilson shares his memories before Father Dooley and Coach Dick Myers arrived. The "Old Gym" stories might seem like scary Grimm fairy tales to today's Gonzaga students and players, but they were very real for those who practiced in the "dungeon" as Wilson describes. Knowing the challenges, John said a big tournament win by Gonzaga when they were in eighth grade played a roll. For Marty and John their brothers had attended, but that wasn't the case for Tom Sluby. Tom credits a special Gonzaga family in his parish for making a big impact on his decision to go to Gonzaga.

What was the other sport did Sluby excel at that may have helped him in basketball? And why is he so familiar with the Byrd Stadium stairs? And why did Marty have to be a Monster for 45 seconds against Johnny Dawkins and Mackin? All those answers this week in Episode 16.

Don't miss part two of our visit and it's focus on that breakthrough win at DeMatha in 1980. As we celebrate Gonzaga's Bicentennial, the arrival Coach Myers in '75, then Tom Sluby in '76, and the Carmody Center in '77 laid the foundation for the tremendous legacy of excellence Gonzaga Basketball enjoys today. And here's hoping this years Eagles team continues to soar this Bicentennial season!

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