Rochester Skeeters
The Rochester Skeeters was a professional basketball club based in Rochester, Minnesota that competed in the International Basketball Association beginning in the 1998-99 season. The team's head coach and general manager was basketball veteran Bill Klucas. The team's assistant general manager was Chris Lindauer.
Anthony K Russell a Western Florida University (Pensacola, FL.) hoops star joined the Skeeters in 19989 after graduation. Russell still owns numerous records at the university. HE was the Skeeters high scorer and went on to play in Europe. HE is now an assistant principal at an Orlando, Fl. High School. He is also the author of of a book title Still Believing: GOD IS REAL. Anthony joined the team of Jesus Christ.
History
During the first season—the team’s best, average and record-wise—they played to nearly 1,500 fans per night, finishing second in the league in average attendance. After a .500 record of 17-17, the Skeeters just missed the IBA Division playoffs.[1]
The second season in 1999-2000 did not play out as well. Klucas and Lindauer both left the organization. New coach Greg Lockridge used 30 different players in the season. The Skeeters posted a league-worst 8-28 record (after a 4-21 start) and were the only team to not make the IBA playoffs. Attendance dropped to just over 800 a game.
The Skeeters were sold in 2000, relocated and renamed the Salina Rattlers. The Rattlers compiled a 9-31 record, averaged 577 fans a game and folded after just one season.[2]
Season results
| Season | Wins | Losses | Finish | Playoff Wins | Playoff Losses | Playoff Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | 17 | 17 | 3rd | 0 | 0 | DNQ |
| 1999-00 | 8 | 28 | 4th | 0 | 0 | DNQ |
| 2000-01 | 9 | 31 | 5th | 0 | 0 | DNQ |
| All-time | 34 | 76 | -- | 0 | 0 | -- |
References
- ↑ "International Basketball Association (1995-99)". APBR.org. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ↑ "Rochester's revolving turnstile". Rochester Magazine. Retrieved 25 December 2014.