NY Times Columnist George Vecsey Notes DePauw-Rochester National Championship Game

March 24, 1990

March 24, 1990, Greencastle, Ind. - "While the big-time 'programs' are competing to reach the Final Four of college basketball, one school has already won its national championship," writes George Vecsey in today's New York Times. "The University of Rochester in upstate New York defeated DePauw of Indiana for the Division III title last Saturday. The final score was 43-42."

Rochester coach Mike Neer tells the columnist, ''I was a little worried about the score. 'It sounded like Gene Hackman in Hoosiers. I was afraid people would think we played in black high-top sneakers and used an old canvas ball.''

Vecsey adds, "Actually, they use modern equipment in Division III, and they play a pretty good brand of ball. But they do not do athletic scholarships in Division III, and some do not even charge admission to the games. It is another way to do things, particularly when you compare Division III to abuses at major 'programs' with their celebrity coaches and players who break rules."

Access the complete text, headlined "Final Four: Another Version" -- at the Times' website.

Video highlights of the March 17 national championship game are available here.

Source: New York Times

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