The Old Gym at Lincoln
The first organized indoor basketball court in Ellwood City was at the Shelby Social Club on First Street. In 1918, the court also became the home to the Ellwood City High School basketball team. Ellwood City was without a high school team before that because the school did not have anywhere to play or practice. The high school played at the Shelby until they got a gym of their own in 1926 at the newly constructed Lincoln High School. Today that gym is known as the “old” gym or “little” gym.
As you can see in the picture, the backboards from the two practice courts were raised during games so the spectators view would not be blocked. Those fans filled the bleachers from the very first row all the way to the rafters. But this raises an interesting question. If the first rows of the bleachers will filled with spectators, does that mean that the teams were squeezed into the two foot space between the court and the wall opposite the bleachers?
These pictures Mr. Joseph “Joedy” Gardner of Peoria, Arizona recently shared with us were taken sometime in 1953 and 1954. As you can see in the picture of Joe Gardner in the Lincoln High School gym, Chuck Taylors were popular at this time. The close-up picture is of the same Joe Gardner with Head Coach Al Como.
If you would like to share your memories of the many games that were played in the old gym or memories you might have of Coach Como, please leave a comment below or email us at info@ellwoodcitymemories.com
Yes, the teams were squeezed between the court and the wall opposite the bleachers, but two feet? I could believe three or four feet. I had the pleasure of sitting on that bench and watching Joedy all of the 1953/54 season. I’m sure most people in EC know he was All State and then started at West Virgina on top college teams with “Hot Rod” Huntley and and then Jerry West. The only other player that I am aware of from EC that played on a good college team was Joe Dougherty at Duquesne who was some years ahead of Joedy. I left EC area in 1960 and didn’t follow basketball at Lincoln. My question is was there any others at Lincoln since then that made ALL State or All WPIAL or were starters on major college basketball teams. I would enjoy reading about them.
Dan Aloi was a star in the late 80′s. I forget where he started his college career but he ended it at Ohio University.
Sean Miller, born and raised in Ellwood City led Blackhawk High School to the WPIAL title in 1986, was an all Big East point guard at Pitt, where he led them to 2 NCAA appearances and an NIT appearance, then went on to coach Xavier to its current position among the college elite, and is now the head basketball coach at the University of Arizona.
Thanks Chris and Harvey. I had heard that Sean Miller was from Ellwood City but I thought that maybe he was just born there, I didn’t understand he lived there. So how could he live in EC and play for Blackhawk or did he have to move to Blackhawk area to play for his Dad. He certainly has had a great career. I have seen some of Dan Aloi great EC career by visiting the trophy case but know little about what he did in college. Someone also mentioned David Allen but they were unable to give me any details.
Harvey, where are you now – I am in Tampa, Fl.
Bob,
I believe Sean moved there just before varsity as his dad was the coach for Blackhawk. I remember seeing him on “That’s Incredible” in the early 80′s. He had some strong ball handling skills. Dan and Sean together would have done some amazing things in EC in my opinion. Sean coached Xavier and I believe he now coaches Arizona. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
David Allen was a good player in the mid 90′s. He ended up playing for Geneva College (I think he was a freshman at Geneva when I was a Sr. at Geneva). I do not know any of the stats he posted for Ellwood City and I am not sure of his success at Geneva.
Sean Miller’s Arizona team is on the way up. Last week they were ranked number 13 in the nation. Someone on ESPN said he is being considered for College coach of the year.