Mount Marty University

The first Lancer team in any sport to qualify and play in the NAIA National Tournament, the 1976-1977 men’s basketball team put the Lancers on the athletic map. The feat was even more amazing considering their practice gym was on a tile floor, they had no home arena, no conference, and won three games the year before. The road for Coach Frank Evan’s team to the national tournament included winning the independent tournament, after being seeded last in the 5 team tournament, and then beating two other conference champions. The team finished the season with a 23-9 record, a NAIA District 12 title, and set 19 new Lancer records in the process.