“This is the quietest locker room I’ve ever been in,” observed a photographer from the Washington Post.
One could almost hear a wristband drop as the dozen or so Colonials in the room awaited the arrival of Vincent Gray, B.S. ’64, newly-elected mayor of the District, who delivered a pep talk.
“I’m proud to be a George Washington University graduate of many years ago,” he said, noting that when he was a student, the basketball team was very different. “It’s nice to see a team that is fully integrated,” he said.
“I’m going to stay until I know victory is in hand, and if we don’t win tonight, me and a few other people are going to be waiting for y’all in the locker room,” he joked.
A few minutes before halftime, the announcer called Mayor Gray to center court. “Congratulations, Mayor Gray on your election as mayor and on being the first GW alumnus to hold that position,” the announcer said. “Your alma mater is very proud of you!”
Four of Mayor Gray’s former GW intramural teammates and brothers from the fraternity Tau Epsilon Phi -- Stephen Haenel, Neil Hausig, Garry Lyle and Norm Neverson -- then walked out to half court to greet him.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Mayor Gray said he was surprised to see his teammates of more than 45 years ago.
“Oh my God, what a shock,” he told the Post. “I love that GW did this for me. It brings back memories of the Tin Tabernacle,” the former GW basketball facility.
As promised, Mayor Gray stayed long enough to watch GW secure the victory, seated in the Colonials Club beside GW President Steven Knapp and W. Russell Ramsey, B.B.A. ’81, chairman of the board of trustees.
“La Salle is not going to be as good as GW tonight, is that right?” Mayor Gray asked the team during the pep talk.
Indeed, that was the case, as the Colonials beat the visiting team 72-67.