Former UMW Coach, Alumni Celebrate Historic Title Run with Enthusiasm

Students, faculty and alumni gathered in Ball Circle Tuesday night for a Soar & Roar send-off rally. They celebrated as the University of Mary Washington men’s basketball team prepared to play for the NCAA Division III title in Indianapolis.

Road to Indianapolis

The Eagles enter the championship game with a 29-3 record. Their opponent is Emory University, which stands 27-3.

The game is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. ESPN+ will carry the telecast. UMW will provide an audio-only live stream.

Program History and Context

Mary Washington seeks to become the second program in school history to win a national title. The women’s tennis team claimed national championships in 1982, 1988 and 1991.

High academic standards and strict admissions and aid policies shape recruiting at UMW. Those constraints make building a top basketball program especially challenging.

Voices from the Sidelines

Rod Wood led the men’s program from 1996 through 2014. He is now the assistant director of athletics for facilities at UMW.

Wood cited the program’s steady rise under current head coach Marcus Kahn. He praised the coaches and players for reaching the national final.

Milestones Under Past Coaches

Wood noted a breakthrough in 2002-03. That season ended 24-5, produced the program’s first conference title, and led to the first NCAA tournament appearance.

Wood’s final season in 2014 produced a 25-6 record and a conference championship. That team advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals.

Alumni Reaction and Watch Parties

Former players and alumni are following closely. More than 10 watch parties are planned from Baltimore to San Francisco.

Former UMW Coach, Alumni Celebrate Historic Title Run with Enthusiasm as events draw supporters nationwide. Many will view the game together or follow online.

• Dan Dupras, a small forward now in the athletic hall of fame, plans to attend the game in Indianapolis.
• Evan Fowler, also in the hall of fame, will watch remotely after subscribing to ESPN+.
• Barney Reiley, a co-captain in the late 1970s and early 1980s, recalled early program struggles and recent program growth.

Remembering the Early Years

Reiley transferred from Bridgewater College and played his final seasons at UMW. The team went 6-20 in 1979-80 and 11-15 in 1980-81.

Tom Davies coached the program from 1978 to 1996 and helped establish the team. Former teammates remain connected and supportive.

Coverage and Following

Filmogaz.com will provide a live game blog by award-winning sports reporter Joey LoMonaco. Fans can follow live updates and reaction there.

Many alumni describe the run as the program’s most remarkable athletic achievement. Supporters expect an intense national-title showdown on Sunday.