This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Class of 1975 - Contributor Harry Fisher was the first paid coach at Columbia (1906-1916) and guided his teams to EIL Championships in 1911, 1912 and 1914. He coached the U.S. Military Academy from 1921 to 1925, including an undefeated season in 1922-23. Fisher served on the first collegiate athletics rules committee, and as editor of the Collegiate Guide. Contributor Maurice Podoloff was appointed as the first Commissioner of the BAA (now the NBA) in 1946 while still serving as President of the American Hockey League. He was responsible for the merger with the NBL in 1949, securing the first television contract in 1954, expanding the NBA to 17 teams, and increasing the national reputation of professional basketball. Ernest Schmidt was an explosive center with the ability to score from all angles on the court. He led Kansas State College of Pittsburgh to three conference titles, and was named an All-America in 1932. Class of 1975 - Joe Brennan went directly from high school to a brilliant 17-year pro career. He was the top scorer in the Metropolitan League in 1922. Brennan led the Brooklyn Dodgers to the "Met" title in 1922 and 1923, and the Brooklyn Visitations to American Basketball League Championships in 1929, 1931 and 1935. Contributor Emil Liston spent 25 years at Baker University as Athletic Director and basketball coach. He organized the National Association of Intercollegiate Athetics, and in 1937 was the primary individual responsible for founding the NAIA National Tournament. Robert "Fuzzy" Vandivier was captain of Indiana's Franklin High School "Wonder Five" team. Led by Vandivier, the team won three consecutive Indiana State Championships from 1920 to 1922. Vandivier and the team all went to Franklin College, where they had a three-year record of 54-5. All are Silver Relief medallions. Brennan and Liston are in NM condition. Fisher is in very good condition; one slight dimple in background caused by mounting bolts. Podoloff is in good condition; tip of nose chipped and scratched, scratch on cheek. Schmidt is in good condition; tip of nose scratched and chipped. Vandivier is in fair to good condition; two dimples on background caused by mounting bolts.