1983 Men’s Basketball Team Strengthens Bonds During 30-Year Reunion
It took the passing of a beloved former teammate to make Brian Timm ’83 realize what he was missing – and how he could make up for lost time.
Coach Larry Hunter addresses the 1983 team via video message.
It took the passing of a beloved former teammate to make Brian Timm '83 realize what he was missing – and how he could make up for lost time.
Following the sudden passing of Mark Barren '83 in 2011, Timm began to reflect on the friendships that were such a significant part of his Wittenberg experience. A student manager for the men's basketball and football teams during his collegiate years, Timm decided to organize a reunion of the men's basketball team that finished second in the nation in 1983.
The result was a well-attended campus event in January 2013 that turned out to be more than a stroll down memory lane.
"After Mark's funeral, there were a lot of e-mails going back and forth between a bunch of 50-year-old guys sharing how much we love each other," said Timm, who is now director of corporate partnerships with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. "It was the first time that I could ever recall those types of feelings being spoken and written. I have had the privilege to serve as a student manager for both football and basketball, and I treasure those experiences even more now than I did 30 years ago."
One of the highlights of the event was a video recorded by former Tiger head coach Larry Hunter, who was unable to attend due to his coaching commitments at Western Carolina University. He spoke about his memories of the 1983 team and its unlikely run to the NCAA Division III Tournament national championship game.
The reunion continued during the current men's basketball team's game against Oberlin. During halftime, the 1983 squad was saluted by the Tiger fans.
However, it isn't about wins and losses – in 1983 or in 2013.
"The highlight of the reunion for me was seeing all of the smiling faces – the kind of genuine, over-powering smile that you just can't control," Timm said. "The joy of seeing teammates that I hadn't seen in nearly 30 years was overwhelming. Every time I stuck out my hand for a handshake, I was greeted with a bear hug instead. It was really special."