LORETTO, Pa. – The Saint Francis University men's basketball team is returning to its roots with an open practice at the Jaffa Shrine Center on Wednesday, November 15 from 6-8 p.m. The event is free to the public.
"One of the things we've tried to do with the Saint Francis basketball program is connect the past with the present," said head coach Rob Krimmel. "Tradition is a big reason why we are here today. I believe that. Maurice Stokes and the power of his message and story is something our team aspires to live up to."
The Shriners will be selling drinks and snacks at the concession stand during the open practice where fans can get an up-close look at the latest edition of Red Flash men's basketball. The Shriners are known for their philanthropic efforts across the country, including the Shriners Hospital for Children that helps children in the United States and internationally.
"We are very appreciative of the Jaffa and the Shriners for allowing us to this return to this special building," said Krimmel. "It will be an exciting night for our players and fans.
The Jaffa Shrine was one of the places that Saint Francis men's basketball played its home games before the opening of the Maurice Stokes Athletic Center on December 4, 1972 against Saint Vincent. The last full season the Red Flash played at the then called Jaffa Mosque was the 1969-70 season, but played a contest against Kings in 1971-72 before playing its final competition in the building in the 1989-90 season. Saint Francis defeated Youngstown State 97-85 in that contest on January 2, 1989.
The rich Saint Francis "Golden Era" tradition of players that called the Jaffa Mosque home includes NBA Hall of Famer Maurice Stokes along with Norm Van Lier and Kevin Porter, who also played in the NBA.
From the late 1940s to the early 1970s, Saint Francis ranked among the upper tier of the nation's college basketball programs. Between 1947 and 1971, the team then known as the Frankies teams turned in 19 winning seasons, six 20-win campaigns and were selected to participate in the elite National Invitational Tournament on three occasions.
After the open practice, Saint Francis will open a three-game homestand. The three-game stretch will begin with its home opener against Pitt Greensburg on Monday, November 20. Tip off is 7 p.m.
