Former AD and friends celebrate Noonball 'reunion'
The UW-Green Bay tradition known as “Noonball” has been around ever since the old Phoenix Sports Center opened on campus in 1976. Noonball is the name the regulars use to describe the daily pickup basketball games that involve students, staff, faculty and occasional community or alumni visitors, typically over the noon hour.
In recent years, the games have become less frequent, especially as students gravitate to different sports/recreation options or choose to play basketball at night or on weekends and not during the day. To commemorate the tradition — and also to lure some hoops retirees or soon-to-be-retired players out onto the Kress Center courts for one final appearance — a special one-time reunion was scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Taking the lead in organizing the day’s games was Dan Spielmann (at center, second row, in green jersey). Old-timers generally acknowledge that Spielmann, the former Phoenix athletics director who is currently special assistant to the chancellor, is likely the all-time leader in games played and points scored over the informal league’s 35-year history. When he was AD, his office was a 15-second walk from the gym doors.
Bob, everyone can post me up. Even Mertzie! You’re right, we’ll have to get a more thorough list together next time. Although I’ll be on the sidelines. I was happy to walk away with knees and heart intact. They are playing the full college court!
What is even worse is that not ALL of us “noonballers” were contacted for this “non contact” ( except when Clampitt played) sporting event. How quickly we are forgotten, though most of my moves and shots were easily forgotten. Let those of us who are still around, though not on campus, know about these get togethers. Besides, I can still post up Bodilly!!!!!
What’s wrong with this picture?
Only two basketballs in it. The way some of these guys shoot — you know who you are — that’s not nearly enough.