unipanther99 wrote:Always a sad occasion to recall. Over the years, I've seen quite a bit about what happened that night, but how did the school rebuild the team in the years after the crash?
Keep in mind, this was the first season for UE to be D-1. They only had 4 games under their belts as a D-1 program when the crash happened. In the months following:
Southern Illinois filled in as "host" of the annual Christmas tournament that UE was hosting during those years. Proceeds went to the school and families.
The Pittsburgh Steelers played an exhibition game in February to a sold out Roberts, again, with all proceeds going back.
The administration decided to rebuild and remain D-1. Dick Walters, a very successful JUCO coach from around Chicago was hired. The NCAA waived the transfer rule, meaning any transfer could play immediately without setting out a year. The new team was in place for the 78-79 season, and was fairly competitive. I will post Walters record below. In his 4th season, 81-82, they won the conference championship and earned a NCAA appearance. As his record fell, Walters was fired after the 84-85 season. I have always felt he didn't get enough credit for the monumental rebuild he successfully accomplished. Seems like leashes were shorter back then.
During the first season back, UE was also very instrumental in establishing the MCC, which grew into a very nice, all-private conference before unraveling in the early 90's.
Dick Walters Coaching Record
1978-1978 Evansville 13-16
1979-1980 Evansville 18-10
1980-1981 Evansville 19-9
1981-1982 Evansville 23-6 1st NCAA 1st Round
1982-1983 Evansville 13-16
1983-1984 Evansville 15-14
1984-1985 Evansville 13-16