News Summary

On August 7, former members of the 1975 Lincoln High School boys basketball team celebrated their historic state championship win at the Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk. The gathering was filled with nostalgia as teammates reminisced about their undefeated season, overcoming numerous challenges, and ultimately bringing home the school’s first state title. This reunion not only honored their athletic achievements but also highlighted the strong bonds formed during their high school journey, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.

Lincoln, Iowa Celebrates 50 Years of Basketball Glory with Emotional Reunion

This past August 7, the Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk buzzed with excitement as former members of the 1975 Lincoln High School boys basketball team gathered to celebrate a monumental chapter in their lives—their historic state championship win. It has been half a century since this remarkable team etched their name into the record books as the first and only in the school’s history to snag a state title.

Back to the Glory Days

As reminiscing kicked off, the room was filled with laughter, memories, and the unmistakable spirit of camaraderie that has withstood the test of time. Captured in those discussions was a timeline that started in January 1975, when head coach John Carle prepared his team for an unforgettable season. Right in the middle of practices, Coach Carle faced a personal scare when he was informed that his son had been hit by a car while riding his bike. Thankfully, the news turned out to be a relief as his son suffered no major injuries.

Despite the unsettling news, Coach Carle returned to his team, eager to oversee the practice that had drawn acclaim from a visiting scout from Georgia Tech University. The scout couldn’t help but praise the Lincoln boys for their impressive performance, declaring it the best he had ever seen without a coach present!

A Season Like No Other

The journey began with a flawless regular season—24 wins and no losses. Everyone was riding high, and expectations were through the roof. However, as the postseason approached, the team faced unexpected challenges like sickness that struck several players, including bouts of pneumonia and strep throat. But that’s hardly where their troubles ended.

In a gut-wrenching twist, during the first game of the state tournament, starting forward John Thorpe suffered a broken leg. In that moment, backup Dennis Livingston needed to step up, and step up he did. The team showcased incredible resilience and determination, ultimately defeating Waverly-Shell Rock 74-56 in the quarterfinals and Marshalltown 65-52 in the semifinals, paving their way to the championship showdown against Ames.

The Stunning Championship Moment

Facing a tough opponent, the championship game was nothing short of nail-biting, particularly as players coped with injuries. One of the stars, Mark Long, pushed through the pain to score four crucial points, leading the team to a 56-51 triumph over Ames. When the final whistle blew, the atmosphere exploded with euphoria! Fans rushed onto the court, the net was cut down, and the coveted trophy was proudly lifted high as the community celebrated around them.

A Strong Community and Lasting Bonds

Reflecting back, former captain Mike Long noted the immense support they received from the student body and community throughout their championship quest. The five senior starters emphasized that their success was deeply rooted in the strong chemistry built off the court. Whether it was through dinners, team activities, or simple bonding moments, these young men forged connections that translated smoothly into their game.

A Time to Cherish

The reunion was more than just a celebration of athletic achievement; it was a heartfelt reminder of the pride felt by the south side of Des Moines during that golden era. As the former teammates took a trip down memory lane, it became clear that the essence of their bond has only strengthened over the years.

With laughter, stories, and perhaps even a few tears of joy, the 50-year reunion of Lincoln High School’s 1975 basketball team was a testament to the indelible impact of their shared experiences—a chapter of high school history that continues to resonate deeply with all who were a part of it.

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