Echoes of 1962: St. Xavier's Quest For Basketball Glory — Show Notes

About the Guests:

• Vince Stamp and Bob Bohn were both members of the championship-winning 1962 St. Xavier High School basketball team. With a rich history in basketball, they are key figures in recounting the team's journey and success.

• Joe Reibel was a 23-year-old assistant coach who took over as the head coach of St. Xavier High School just before the 1962 season began. Despite being new to the role and coaching his first-ever team, Joe successfully guided the team to win the state championship.

  
  

Episode Summary:

Join Gary Fogle on Kentucky Sports Memories as he looks into the storied history of Louisville's St. Xavier High School's athletic achievements, with a special focus on their basketball journey to the 1962 state championship. Known for their dominant presence across various high school sports in Kentucky, St. Xavier had not clinched a basketball state title since 1962, despite its impressive record in other sports.

This episode not only explores the dynamics of the 1962 basketball championship team but also highlights the pivotal role played by then-rookie coach Joe Reibel. Gary Fogle interviews Vince Stamp and Bob Bohn, members of the iconic '62 team, about the pressure and challenges faced that season. Joe Reibel, thrust into the head coaching role just before the season, recounts his experiences leading the top-ranked team through to ultimate victory.

Key Takeaways:

• Athletic Powerhouse: St. Xavier High School has been a powerhouse in multiple sports in Kentucky yet has not secured a state basketball title since 1962.

• New Management: The 1962 basketball team was ranked number one preseason and successfully lived up to expectations under the leadership of a new, 23-year-old head coach, Joe Reibel.

• Insider Insights: Vince Stamp, the starting point guard, shared insights on the team's ability to handle pressure despite hefty expectations. Another 1962 team member, Bob Bohn, credits Reibel's coaching style that encouraged the team to play loose as a factor in their championship victory.

  
  

Notable Quotes:

• "I dreamt about winning a state championship in basketball for the whole time I grew up, and it was a fulfillment of what I strove to do, to get that championship." - Vince Stamp

• "As a matter of fact, I think we played looser under Joe Reibel...I think it was fortunate, and it may have been that that was one of the reasons we won." - Bob Bohn

• "I met him [Gene Rhodes] in the lobby, and I was waiting for him, and he comes out of the principal's office, and he said, Joe, I just resigned, and I've recommended you for the job. And he said, If you would like to have it, I think you should go in there and tell them." - Joe Reibel

Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. And tune in to the full episode to explore the incredible story of St. Xavier's 1962 basketball victory.

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