The Ollie Gelston – Team Hill Basketball Tournament

When reminiscing about Montclair State’s illustrious men’s basketball history, one name immediately comes to mind – Ollie Gelston. Coach Gelston was the head men’s basketball coach from 1967 to 1991. His team captured the Eastern Regional NCAA Tournament in his second season and, in 1981, his squad brought home the NJAC championship title.  Coach Gelston ended his coaching career with more than 300 wins, 10 appearances in the NJAC tournament, and four NCAA playoff appearances. When once asked what he was most proud of, Coach Gelston said it was the fact that 88% of his basketball players had graduated.

Partnering with the Team Hill Foundation on this year’s event is a natural fit, as the Hill Family has its own long and great sports legacy at Montclair State. The family created the Team Hill Foundation in 2010 as a way to give back to at-risk youth.  In conjunction with this year’s tournament, Team Hill will be funding a program for over 300 elementary school students to visit our campus, watch some terrific basketball, meet with our Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program staff, and leave with an invigorated view of their futures at the end of the day.  We want them to know that “It’s All Here” at Montclair State and that they should aspire to one day be a part of our Red Hawk community.

“We are looking forward to honoring Coach Gelston and bringing all the basketball alumni back to campus to watch the current team” says Beth Gottung, Director of Development for Athletics and Student Development. “This event is a great opportunity for us to connect our strong successful past with our bright future.”

At 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 19, the Montclair State men’s basketball team, led by current Head Coach Marlon Sears, will be facing off against the City College of New York. Prior to tip-off. At the conclusion of the game, there also will be a basketball alumni reception in the Academic Center for Excellence in Panzer Athletic Center.  It is our goal to bring all of our basketball alumni back to campus on November 19 to honor Coach Gelston and to meet Coach Sears and the members of this year’s team.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016
Student Meeting & Greet: 11:00 a.m.
Game time: 1:00 p.m.
Reception: To follow game in Panzer Academic Center for Excellence

We hope you will consider making a gift to the men’s basketball program as the team prepares to embark on a winter training trip to Puerto Rico. Your support will help make this trip possible for our players and provide them with a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange.

For more information on the event or to register, contact Moira Sullivan Renke at 973-655-3029 or renkem@monrclair.edu. For more information about giving to Athletics, contact Beth Gottung at 973-655-3654 or gottungb@montclair.edu.