CMC75 Moments: 1984 Men's Basketball Goes Undefeated in SCIAC for League Title

As part of the buildup to the 75th Anniversary celebration for Claremont McKenna College (visit CMC's 75th Anniversary Countdown Page to learn more), we are reliving many of the great moments from CMS athletic department history over the 75-day countdown from April 17 to July 1. If you were a part of this great moment and would like to add to the memories, or if you would like to submit your memories of your own favorite CMS Athletics moments, fill out the form on our main 75th Anniversary page.

Great Moments from 75 Years of Athletics
1984 Men's Basketball: Stags Go 12-0 in SCIAC for First NCAA Bid

The 1983-84 CMS men's basketball team probably didn't know it was on its way to making history when it began conference play with a 3-9 overall record. The challenging non-conference schedule prepared the Stags well for the SCIAC, though, as they opened with a narrow 47-46 win over Occidental and an overtime win over Whittier.

The Stags' confidence grew from there, and when they capped off the regular season with an 80-62 win over Pomona-Pitzer, they had a perfect 12-0 league record and their first conference championship since 1971-72, when Head Coach David Wells was a senior point guard. 

The Stags then earned their first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament berth, and after falling to eventual national champion Nebraska-Wesleyan in the opening round, giving the Plainsmen a battle before dropping a 62-47 contest. The Stags capped off their breakthrough season with a dramatic 84-83 win over Luther in the West Regional third place game.

Rich Davis was the SCIAC Player of the Year, while Dale Donohoe joined him on the NABC All-District and All-SCIAC first teams. Rich Milke and Scott Pritchett were also honored on the All-SCIAC second team.

1983-84 Men's Basketball Roster
Head Coach: David Wells
Assistant Coach: Todd Ervin
Henfred Brard (So., Guard, CMC)
Dale Donohoe (Sr., Forward, CMC)
Rich Davis (Sr., Center, CMC)
John Gusiff (So., Guard, CMC)
Mike Huber (Sr., Guard, CMC)
Troy Johnson (Jr., Guard, CMC)
Scott Lammers (Fr., Forward/Center, CMC)
Rich Milke (Sr., Guard, CMC)
Mitch Mosesman (Jr., Center/Forward, CMC)
Scott Pritchett (Jr., Forward, CMC)
Greg Ruecker (Sr., Forward, CMC)
Mark Sisson (Sr., Forward, CMC)
Jeff Sullivan (Fr., Forward, CMC)