The atmosphere at a college basketball game in the 1960s was dramatically different from today. Gyms offered few comforts, and fans often sat just a few feet from the players. Even powerhouse programs weren't glamorous. The result was a more intimate — and, in many ways, more intense — basketball experience.

Playing during the golden era of Saint Francis basketball, Bill Coyle will tell you it was a privilege to compete in those venues. He has fond memories of playing alongside the legendary Norm Van Lier at the old Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. He still remembers the smell of popcorn and the theater-style seating.

"The Jaffa was a shorter court. When the game started, they killed the lights over the crowd," Coyle said. "It was a super place to play if you were a shooter. Even under pressure, you could pick out the basket very easily."

A product of Bishop Egan High School in suburban Philadelphia, Coyle played in 93 games for the Frankies from 1963-67. He became the eighth player in program history to score 1,000 career points. During his senior season, coach John Clark gave him the green light to shoot the basketball.

"My role was to get open and, when I could, look for Norman (Van Lier) to find me," Coyle said. "He was such a great passer that he would get you the ball."

Coyle finished his career with 1,097 points. Later this month, he will become one of the newest members of the Saint Francis University Athletics Hall of Fame.

His 1966-67 Saint Francis team finished 20-6 with impressive victories over Marshall and Saint Peter's, both of which advanced to the National Invitation Tournament.

Along with Coyle and Van Lier, the lineup included the likes of Larry Lewis, Len Murray and John Kerr. The roster wasn't blessed with great size, but the team averaged 83 points per game by playing a fast, aggressive style of basketball.

"John Kerr and I attacked on the zone press, and when Norm intercepted the ball, we got an instant fast break."

One game Coyle remembers most from his senior season came at the Jersey City Armory. Unlike the cramped gyms of the era, the Armory was described as a "cavernous cathedral." Its vaulted ceilings were nearly as intimidating as the fans packed along the baseline.



















The Armory was home to Saint Peter's University.  The Frankies walked into a raucous gym on Saturday, Feb. 25, 1967. Coyle remembers a bunch of students sitting behind their bench taunting them with giant stuffed dolphin.

"We're in our huddle, they're waving it around and it hits some of our guys. Kevin Porter, he was a freshman and couldn't play, grabbed it and ripped the stuffing apart. Their student section stood up and the police had to come over to calm things down," Coyle said laughing."

That energy may have helped the Frankies race to a 38-24 halftime lead. The advantage grew to as many as 20 points in the second half before Saint Peter's mounted a comeback.

"That's when the referees started to give St. Pete calls. We got into foul trouble."

With Lewis, Van Lier, and Murray all fouled out of the game Coyle led the team in the final minutes.

"When we did get to shoot a foul shot, their fans were behind our basket rocking it. Coach Clark is yelling at the referee asking them to do something. The ref looked at coach and said, 'Live with it. If you want to do something about it you go down there, we're not.'"

Saint Francis held on for an 82-79 victory, with Coyle scoring 19 points. The Frankies closed the season on a five-game winning streak.

Coyle played three seasons under head coach Skip Hughes before enjoying a standout senior year under Clark.

"He was relentless in scouting the other team. You never went into a game unprepared. To play for him was a pleasure."

After graduation, Coyle spent two years at Saint Francis as an assistant coach before Clark took a job with the Pittsburgh Pipers of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

He met his wife at Saint Francis, and the couple has been married for 58 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Coyle enjoyed a successful career in the furniture business but always remained close to the game he loved, including several years coaching high school basketball.

"I was in right place at the right time. I feel very lucky to have people in my life to help me be where I'm at today."

Saint Francis Alumni Weekend is July 23-26.
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