The Class of '79

Frank Wachlarowicz ... John Patterson ... Dan Smith ... Ted Nowak ... Pat McKenzie ... Paul Wotta ... and John Harvey ... never before or since has a single class contributed to more on-court success than that of the class of '79. It’s the stuff of legends. Running the table in the conference all the way to 27-straight wins. Frank breaking the all-time scoring record during what has been hailed by those in attendance as one of the greatest college basketball games ever played ... an overtime win over Mankato State to send the victorious Johnnies to the national tournament in Kansas City back-to-back years. And we’ll get there. Just not today, because what makes the story so compelling about the seven players from the class of '79 who touched greatness goes well beyond what they achieved their final season together. So first, we get at a little of the origin story of one the most dominant teams in Minnesota basketball history as Dan Smith, Paul Wotta, Ted Nowak and Frank Wachlarowicz join Coach Smith alongside hosts Tom Connell and John Russett.
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This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.
Thank you to Frank Wachlarowicz, Dan Smith, Ted Nowak and Paul Wotta for hanging out and telling some stories. Special thank you to alum Joe Hoesly '77 for making the Wayzata Country Club boardroom available to help make this roundtable discussion possible. And, of course, thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.
Thank you to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.
Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.