Christmas has engulfed the observer’s house but we’ll take a break for the Louisville-Western Kentucky basketball game. Via DVR after the three visiting grandkids are tucked into bed.

The latest renewal of the 75-game series bring back memories of my introduction to the rivalry, way back in 1955-56.  Louisville rolled into the game with sparkling 9-0 record, led by Charlie Tyra and Phil Rollins.

No TV back then, just WHAS Radio, with George Walsh calling the play-by-play.  Don’t remember many details, except for the fawning over WKU coach and his mention of a sea of red towels in Freedom Hall. The game was close all night long, the lead seesawing back and forth. Western Kentucky would win that game 86-77.

Louisville would go on to win the National Invitation Tournament that year in one of the first U of L games to be televised nationally. That night, however, a 12-year-old kid would shed a couple of tears before closing his eyes.

Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “Louisville-Western Kentucky flashback”
  1. A couple of us used to wait till halftime to go to Freedom Hall. The doors were open then and we could in free and see the best part of the games.

  2. I remember my dad taking me to the games that year . You could walk up to the ticket window and buy seats right under the basket!
    .

Comments are closed.