50 years ago

While this looks like it quite possibly could be an historic season for the Columbia boys' basketball team, I was just at a luncheon and when I was reminded that this season is the 50th anniversary of Columbia's first team ever to play in a state championship game.

The 1957-58 team ended its season with a 25-3 record, winning its section in the old Lancaster County League, the county league with a 58-51 over Warwick and won the Class B District Three championship by beating Camp Hill, 56-48.

The team ended up losing in the state finals to Wampum that year 82-64.

The other losses were to Harrisburg/William Penn and Penn Manor. Oh by the way, that one league loss was to Penn Manor early in the season. The second time around, the Tide beat the Comets to force a playoff, which they won.

Sound a little familar?

Oh by the way, the season opener that year was against Lancaster Catholic.

Elmer Kreiser coached that team. "Skip" Marcello was the assistant coach.

Hi Fitzgerald was the captain. Other team members were Hal Smoker, Danny Monk, Eugene Makle, Hal Murry, Cy Young, Barry Fry, Ernie Gerfin, John Mountz and Pete Weimer.