June 5, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Forty years ago this summer, the University of Central Florida (then known as Florida Tech) was getting ready for its inaugural season of men's basketball. During the summer of 1969, the school's first director of athletics, Frank Rohter, was working hard to develop UCF's athletics program.
On Nov. 21, 1969, UCF, under head coach Torchy Clark, played its first game. Then a club team, the squad posted a 99-38 win over Massey Tech in Jacksonville.
Over 600 victories later, the 2008-09 campaign will serve as the 40th season of men's basketball at UCF.
Clark's impressive Division II squads dominated the first half of the program's history. Clark guided the Knights until 1983 and won 274 contests at the school. Ten years later, Kirk Speraw arrived in Orlando as UCF's head coach. Speraw, who is entering his 16th campaign with the Knights, has led UCF to the NCAA Tournament on four occasions.
To commemorate the anniversary, members of the UCF athletics communications office worked with UCF basketball historian Bill Beekman to select the top-40 players in school history. From three-time Division II All-America selection Bo Clark to current star Jermaine Taylor, dozens of great players have suited up for the Knights over the years.
One player from the top-40 list, which only includes those who finished their collegiate careers as Knights, will be recognized each Thursday at www.ucfathletics.com.
Season tickets for the 2007-08 campaign are expected to go on sale in early July. Season ticket renewals will also be accepted at that time.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also visit www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.