1983: a year of fast action, high scoring and really short shorts.
Led by coach Gene Millard and co-captains Rich Gatterdam and Steve Williard, the ‘83 Lions won 27 straight games on their way to claiming the title of Division II State Basketball Champions.
The squad rode strong defense and fast break offense through the state tournament, ending with a victory over Toledo-Oak Harbor in the finals.
“They weren’t concerned with who scored the points, they wanted to win and have fun doing it,” Millard said.
The only loss of the year was the season opener against league rival Whitehall. The Lions came back, refusing to lose, literally. Coach Millard attributed this to the team’s closeness and camaraderie.
“They may not have been the most talented group of players in the state, but they were definitely the best team in the state,” Millard said.
This marks the 25th anniversary of the state title run, and we are checking in with some of the former state champions to see what they have been up to.
By Zach Fries / Staff Reporter
Chris Kondracke
Playing career: played four years in high school, competitive “intramural” in college
Profession: teacher and coach at Whitehall, coached middle school football at Bexley
Personal: lives in Bexley, has two children, seventh grade and fifth grade
Why team so memorable: “[The 1982-1983 basketball season] was a very memorable time. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
Rich Gatterdam
Playing career: played four years in high school and two years at Denison University
Profession: Masonry Supply Company
Personal: lives in Bexley, has two daughters, 12 and 13-years-old.
Why team so memorable: “We were a very close-knit group of guys who overachieved. Our biggest asset was our team unity. We were very cohesive and are still close today.”
Steve Williard
Playing career: played four years in high school and three years at Wittenberg University
Profession: medical sales
Personal: lives in Bexley, has one son, sophomore Chris Jones
Why team so memorable: “ [The 1982-1983 basketball season] was a lot of fun. What made it so fun was that we were all best friends back then and still are best friends today. It was a great experience to share with them.”
Compiled by Sara Fagin
Published April 2008. Digitized 2025.