Duquesne WBB Celebrates 50 Years Of History

Duquesne Women’s Basketball Coach Dan Burt admitted that anytime you have a historic reunion, there is a bit of an unknown, especially from an attendance perspective, so as the RSVPs came in the smiles only grew.

With Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement Leah Adams and Women’s Basketball Director of Operations Melissa Franko leading the charge in planning, around 160 individuals whether it was former players, season ticket holders, practice players and other friends of the program all attended the Saturday evening event.

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“We had alumni from every generation and every decade,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt stated. “It was good to meet a lot of the people I had not met; it was good to have good fellowship and build bonds with some of the people that haven’t been back. It was a good night.”

Some members from the original 1970’s teams were among those appearing, and each was amazed with how far the program has come. The emotion was very clear during tours of the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse as a group picture was taken on the court.

All of those in attendance were also joined by this year’s team, coaching staff, University President Ken Gormley and Vice President of Athletics Dave Harper.

There were plenty of conversations to be had as all generations of Duquesne Women’s Basketball had the opportunity to bond and interact through the various activities planned throughout the event.

The event featured hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a silent auction and was centered around multiple speakers.

Gormley was the first to speak, welcoming everyone to the event while expressing gratitude for those who were part of the program.

His remarks then expressed immense proudness in this year’s team and how it has truly been a team effort over the years.

“This incredible turnout is indicative of the deep pride and excitement that continues to energize this women’s basketball program,” he stated. “We are really proud that this team continues to attract some of the best and brightest student athletes in our country… We are here tonight through our fans commitment, enthusiasm, hard work and thanks to the extraordinary group of women’s basketball alums.”

Amy Alger Irvin (1986-89) recalled a 1986 contest against West Virginia when the Mountaineers were Atlantic 10 members and had Georgeann Wells, the first woman to slam dunk in the women’s college game.

At that time, Duquesne was playing its home games at the Civic Arena and through a smile explained how the Dukes emerged victorious that day.

“They came to the Civic Arena and lo and behold we beat them 54-50 and I thank the Civic Arena because it must’ve been extra cold that night,” said Irvin. “I don’t think they ever played at that temperature and I think that was a big factor in helping us out.”

Irvin, a 1,000-point scorer and 2017 Atlantic 10 Legends Class recipient also reflected on this being the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

Halfway through her season, Irvin heard rumblings that something was amiss, this turned into a potential Title IX violation because there were not as many women’s teams as men’s teams.

Until the violation was fixed, men’s teams would be ineligible for postseason play, so the athletic department called members of the women’s basketball team up to form the nucleus of a track team.

While the department looked across campus for individuals with high school track experience, the team had to sign papers and waivers for logistical reasons.

“The athletic department we were in compliance and the men’s teams never missed a beat thanks to the women’s basketball team,” said Irvin. “To this day no one’s going to convince me that the women’s basketball team didn’t a role in what we have today with the proliferation of women’s sports. We have 10 varsity sports with three more on the way, I’m going to give our team a little credit for that.”

Irvin ended her speech specifically speaking to this year’s team stating that many in attendance and celebrating 50 years are doing so from a perspective of looking back on fond past memories.

“We can’t go back… that’s done for us but it is right and proper to remember, especially on an occasion like tonight,” Irvin remarked. “I’m pleased and proud for you and the opportunities that you have ahead. We’ve had the gift of time and perspective to realize that everything we learned, experienced and worked for at Duquesne more than prepared us for success and accomplishment well beyond this campus and that is my wish for you too.”

Junior guard/forward Amaya Hamilton represented the current team and stated that everyone at the event represented that the bonds made at Duquesne have clearly never been broken and she looks forward to making those bonds as well.

“Basketball is what brings us all together, but this program represents so much more than just a sport,” stated Hamilton. “The majority of us players have been playing the game for as long as we can remember. It’s crazy to think that we’ve put so many years of practice into getting good at putting a ball through a hoop. That has brought me more opportunities than I ever could have imagined.”

A day later, Hamilton reflected on her speech, during which she was loudly supported by her teammates. Though she admits to not enjoy public speaking and her hands shook behind the podium, there was a clear sense of pride for expressing her thoughts.

“It was really special,” Hamilton exclaimed. “I think that our alumni mean so much to us and we all look up to all of the former players so much. we hope that they will always come back, and we’ll come back one day and just continue to support the Duquesne Women’s Basketball legacy.”

After Hamilton’s remarks, Burt recited a lengthy list of thanks yous before bringing up two student managers and introduced his current team.

His remarks were then concluded by a brief video put together by Assistant Director, Creative Media & Productions Maggie Fitzpatrick, which was well received.

Sunday’s event featured 24 alumni being recognized at halfcourt during halftime of the team’s game against Massachusetts.

Though Burt was extremely disappointed by the team’s 83-61 loss in which it was blitzed early by Massachusetts, his tone did change when asked to reflect on 50 years and being part of that.

In his time at Duquesne, Burt has taken the Dukes to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and four WNITs.

This program has had its share of injuries but at 14-8 believes, the standard of 20-win seasons and postseason play is back and all of this year’s team is projected to return next year as well.

“That’s the first 50 years,” Burt reflected. “Now this group we have here, that didn’t play their best today is the next 50 years. I hope to be here for 15-20 of that, maybe longer, but I hope to be here for a long part of that. A program that started 50 years ago where the women from that time talked about the lack of support that they had and where we are at now is incredible. There’s an upward curve and a lot of growth that we’ve had, and we hope that continues to happen, and I believe that it will.”