On a fall day in 1990, fans learned they would soon be able to watch Sunshine State Conference basketball from the comfort of their own homes. Commissioner Bob Vanatta spearheaded the league's foray into televised events by partnering with the newly launched Sunshine Network.
Sunshine Network launched in 1988 as an affiliate of Prime Network. It quickly became the nation's third-largest regional network, providing sports and public affairs programming to nearly three million cable equipped households throughout Florida.
The initial deal between the SSC and Sunshine Network would broadcast five regular-season men's basketball games, and the conference tournament championship live across Florida.
"It is time [Sunshine State Conference] fans can see these teams play on television," stated Dave Almstead, Vice President and General Manager of the Sunshine Network at the time.
Saint Leo University traveled to Barry University on February 6th, 1991 to play in the SSC's first televised game. The Buccaneers defeated the then Monarchs in come-from-behind fashion, 85-77.
"The kids were very excited to be a part of playing on TV," commented Billy Mims current Florida Tech head coach, who skippered Barry from 1988-1994. "Players felt that being on television gave them credibility. The wider audience also gave our universities and the Sunshine State Conference a lot of great exposure.
The Monarchs held a 34-31 lead but were unable to account for Barry's Michael Anderson. Anderson scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half to give Barry its only conference victory in 1990-91. Barnabus Roundtree added 20 points off the bench for the Buccaneers, while Bradd Scott led the team with 10 rebounds. Eric Brooks paced Saint Leo in scoring with 19, while teammate Robert Gandy had 16 points.
"Live, statewide television exposure is extremely valuable to the conference, its member schools, and their fans," commented Vanatta in 1990. So valuable, the SCC continues to push forward live streaming initiatives each year as the demand for instant college athletics grows nationwide.
Recap from the Miami Herald on the first televised SSC game
[Published: 3/25/16 / Edited: 3/23/20]
Lynn's Undefeated March to the 2003 Men's Soccer Title
During the final regular-season game of 2003, Lynn men's soccer allowed Eckerd College a go-ahead goal seven minutes into the match. For the first time in 1,379 minutes, the 14-0-1 Fighting Knights were playing from behind. Lynn eventually toppled Eckerd to garner the 2003 Sunshine State Conference regular-season championship. The Fighting Knights went on to round out their undefeated season by winning the SSC postseason tournament, NCAA Regionals, and the National Championship.
Lynn hosted all three of its SSC conference tournament games, dispatching Eckerd (6-1), Saint Leo (4-0), and Barry (2-1) in that order to claim the championship. Andy Hirst was tabbed the tournament's most outstanding player, and his 18-0-1 Fighting Knights were headed to regional play.
Lynn hosted and received a bye in the three-team south region tournament. Following a Rollins win over Barry, the Fighting Knights defeated Rollins, 2-1, earning the right to host a national quarterfinal game. Up against Carson-Newman in the quarterfinals, David Benn, Garthfield Whyte, and Carl Wallace scored in the Fighting Knights' 3-0 victory.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, hosted the 2013 Division II Men's Soccer Final Four. The No. 1 overall Knights, winners of 20 games for the first time in a decade, drew No. 8 Dowling. Lynn came from behind to defeat Dowling, 3-2, thanks to a two-goal effort by Hirst.
In the national title game, Mark Melling from the Knights opened scoring against Chico State in the 4th minute. Chico State found the equalizer in the 37th minute as Jesse Grigg scored an unassisted goal. The teams retreated to their locker rooms at intermission deadlocked at 1-1.
Freshman Leon Jackson scored in the 80th minute, breaking the 1-1 deadlock with the first goal of his collegiate career. Jackson's goal propelled Lynn to a 2-1 victory and the 2003 Division II Men's Soccer National Title.
"We rehearsed (the winning play) many times in training," Jackson said following the game. "I was just
in the right place at the right time. This is a dream come true, scoring my first goal and winning a national title."
The Knights finished the season with an 11-match winning streak and a 27-match unbeaten string. Ross Lumsden, a 2004 SSC Hall of Fame inductee, was named NCAA D-II Player of the Year. Lynn head coach Shaun Pendleton was posthumously inducted into the SSC Hall of Fame as part of the 2016 class.
"We had a great mix of players, strong, and organized in defense, mobile and talented in midfield and quick and hungry in offense," Lumsden recalled. "Most of all, we all strived for the same goal of winning whatever it took. It was and still is one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment to hear that final whistle and know that we were National Champions."
The national title was LU's first in NCAA men's soccer and the school's 6th NCAA title of all time. The men's soccer program had previously claimed NAIA titles in 1987 and 1991. The victory also gave the Sunshine State Conference its 56th national title of all time and sixth in men's soccer.
[Published: 3/25/16 / Edited: 3/23/20]