Long Time Journalists Remember
(St. Louis, MO) – Saturday brings to us the 139th edition of the ‘War on 74’. The basketball game between Illinois State and Bradley is more than just a college basketball game. These two Missouri Valley Conference schools are separated by less than a 40-mile trip on Interstate 74.
While the teams have played games for decades when Illinois State joined the MVC in 1980, the rivalry reached a new level of intensity. Retired sports writers Dave Reynolds (Peoria Journal Star) and Jim Benson (Bloomington-Normal Pantagraph) have fond memories of this storied rivalry.
Reynolds tells us the flames of the ‘War on 74’ were stoked by the clashing personalities of Bradley coach Dick Versace and Bob Donewald. Benson says sold out arenas was the norm in some of the most legendary times of this regional rivalry.
Head to Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts to hear our conversation with Dave Reynolds and Jim Benson.
Thanks for listening and Do Good
Editor: Cover photo of Anthony Parker, courtesy of BradleyBraves.com.
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I haven't heard, nor do I know, how does this apply to the typical 'foreign' basketball player that is most often over 19?
Obviously, this is a sentimental and not a ‘spreadsheet’ notion, but would hate to see @MVCsports change the #ArchMadness format from the traditional ‘family reunion’ feel by cutting teams from the experience. #FatherHarry
Another nice @MVCsports basketball schedule announcement. #FatherHarry . .
Congrats to @ISURedbirdGolf. T.J. Barger sets a school record. Pietro Pontiggia records the Redbirds' second-ever top 20 finish at a regional. The team finishes tent in the region which is tied for the program's best regional finish! #FatherHarry
