USD Magazine, Spring 2000

I t may have been knocked by some as resembling a high school gym, but the Spores Center served as a proud home to the dozens of USD teams who played there the past 37 years. Opponents feared the decibel level created by cheering fans for the women's basketball and vol– leyball teams, and the men's basketball team always found magic on its hardwood floors - the team had a .710 winning percentage there since joining the NCAA Division I level 21 years ago. Fans said their goodbyes in February at the final home basketball games, which were attended by more than 50 former players and coaches. Among chose who played on the center's court were Bernie Bickerstaff '66, former coach of the NBA'.s Seattle Supersonics, Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards. The teams will move chis fall into the 5,100-seac Jenny Craig Pavilion, which will be dedicated in October and hose the inaugural Torero Tipoff basketball game Dec. 2, a double-header featur– ing both the men's and women's teams. Season ticket plans are being finalized, but will be based on a point system with donors and current season ricket holders getting first priority. For infor– mation, call (619) 260-5916. Supporters interested in helping raise the final $5 million for the $1 7.5 million facility can participate in a campaign chat allows donors to be recognized by

placing their names on seat backs, bricks and lockers. For information on the campaign, call (619) 260-4569.

Candida Echeverria '90 led the Toreros in most points scored in a career until t his year, when her record was eclipsed by Susie Erpelding.