[General] Rio Grande to host Newt Oliver Coaches Classic

Rio Grande Sports Information
    RIO GRANDE, Ohio - A full day of basketball action is on tap for Saturday, with five games scheduled to comprise the 12th Annual Newt Oliver Coaches Classic at the University of Rio Grande's Newt Oliver Arena.
    The event is named in honor of former Rio Grande head coach Newt Oliver, who guided the Bevo Francis-led Redmen to a 60-7 record from 1952-54, including a perfect 39-0 mark during the 1952-53 campaign.
    Oliver passed away in October at the age of 93.
    "One of things we wanted to do with this event was to honor some outstanding coaches and teams in our area but, moreso, to promote the game of basketball - because that's what Newt did," said Rio Grande head coach Ken French. "He was a master, one of the best in the history of college basketball, when it came to promoting the game. The Classic is a great way for us to promote the game and, at the same time, pay respect to coach Oliver and his legacy."