Dec. 27, 2007

PARKVILLE, Mo. - Park University Athletic Director Claude English announced that Pirate Athletics will honor a piece of its past Jan. 19, as the 1997-98 NAIA National Semifinal team will be present for Park's basketball doubleheader with Brescia University (Ky.).

The 1998 tournament team won a school record 27 games, going 27-8 on the season, including three wins in the 1998 NAIA tournament.

American Midwest Conference Champions in 1997-98, Park defeated St. Mary's out of San Antonio, Texas, in 1998's first round 74-58, followed by a three-point second-round win over Phillips, 69-66.

In the quarterfinals, Park earned a 14-point victory over St. Vincent, 73-59, but the dream season would come to an end in the semifinals, falling 67-56 to Southern Nazarene.

The 1998 tournament was played in Tulsa on the campus of Oral Roberts University. Southern Nazarene would go on to finish second in the tournament, losing to national champion Georgetown in the title game.

All Park University Alumni and friends of the basketball program from both past and present are encouraged to attend the basketball doubleheader Jan. 19. For more information, please log on to www.parkathleics.com or call (816) 584-6490. Athletic Director Claude English can be reached at the main athletics line, (816) 584-6425.