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Bowling Green State University Athletics
BGSU Legends Return Home
June 29, 2006 | Men's Basketball
June 29, 2006
Bowling Green, Ohio - For some, it was the first time they had been back to Anderson Arena in a few years. For others, it was a time to get the competitive juices flowing once again. For everyone else, it was an entertaining way to spend the lunch hour.
Earlier this week, nine former BGSU men's basketball players returned to make an appearance at the Dan Dakich Basketball School where the alumni took on counselors from the camp, which was comprised of current Falcon players.
"I really appreciate these guys and all they have done for this program," said Dakich. "They have been a part of something very special and I want them to have personal interaction with our current team."
Campers were encouraged to sit behind the bench of the team they were rooting for and supplied enthusiasm and energy as the game wore on.
Bowling Green native son Josh Almanson, easily the favorite of the young fans, hit a three-pointer with nine seconds left in overtime that appeared to give "The Legends" a two-point victory, but a three-pointer by Nate Miller with one second left gave "the Counselors" a one-point come from behind win.
"It is great just to be back playing with this group of guys," said former All-MAC performer Len Matela. "We have seen each other at weddings and things like that, but we haven't been on the court together for a long time."
The Legends included former standouts who played for Coach Dakich from 1998-2005.
"I had a great time and this was a lot of fun," said Brandon Pardon, another former All-MAC standout. "I don't know if I ever want to play this hard again, but I have a lot of strong feelings for Coach Dakich and his program and that's why I will keep coming back.
Where Are They Now
Josh Almanson (2000-2005)--The 27th all-time leading scorer at BGSU has signed to play with Trier in Germany.
Kirk Cowan (1995-1999)--Cowan is a police officer for the City of Bowling Green and provides commentary for the Falcons on the BGSU Radio Network.
Dave Esterkamp (1996-2000)--The 29th all-time leading scorer will play his seventh season of professional basketball next season for Fribourg Olympic in Switzerland.
Cory Eyink (2001-2005)--Eyink lives in Cincinnati and is a sales representative for OKI Systems.
Brent Klassen (1998-2002)--Klassen was recently married and he and his wife Alexis are moving to Buford, South Carolina.
Len Matela (1998-2002)--The ninth all-time leading scorer will return to Belgium and play for the Antwerp Giants next year.
DeMar Moore (1996-1999)--Moore lives in Sandusky and is a social worker for Erie County. Serves as an assistant coach at Sandusky High School.
Brandon Pardon (2000-2002)--Pardon lives in Van Wert and works for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Kris Wilson (2001-02)--Wilson returned to Bowling Green and is an administrative assistant for the Falcon program. He is enrolled at BGSU and is completing work on his degree.
Former assistant coach Keith Noftz served as an honorary coach for the Legends. He lives in Evansville, Indiana and is an insurance salesman.
