Pioneer Award

1968-69 “Dispensers” Men’s Basketball Team

 St. Louis College of Pharmacy introduced intramural sports in 1958, including basketball, bowling, and softball. Over the years, the strength of intramural teams improved, and newly hired Athletic Director William “Bill” Weidenbacher enrolled the STLCOP “Dispensers” team in the St. Louis Basketball Conference in 1963 for its first foray into intercollegiate basketball competition.

The program found success early on, playing St. Louis area post-secondary institutions including Sanford Brown Business College, Eden Seminary, Logan College, St. Mary’s Junior College, and St. Louis Christian College. But, it wasn’t until the 1968-69 season, with nine men on the roster, that the Dispensers went undefeated in the St. Louis Basketball Conference, finishing at 10-0 to win the league, and becoming the first team in STLCOP history to earn a Conference Champions title.

In the days before the 3-point field goal arc, the 1968-69 Dispensers put up two wins with 100-plus points, including a 153-95 win over St. Mary’s. It was also the days before athletic scholarships or even a gymnasium on campus. The Dispensers would find gyms in the area to practice for as many hours as academics would allow, finding success against their opponents with their run-and-gun style and intelligence on the court.

The program continued successfully in subsequent years, winning the league title again in 1969-70 with five returners from the previous year. The 1968-69 Dispensers were among those (pioneers) inspiring the vision resulting in the University’s thriving programs of today.

1968-69 STLCOP Dispensers Men’s Basketball Roster (pictured L-R): 
Front Row: Vic Heisserer (’72), Chris Johns (‘71), Joe Miles (’72).
Back Row: Bob Barbatti (’70), Bill Cruthis (’69), Roger Fogle (’70), Don Ponquinette (’73), Gary Himstedt (’72), Gerry Semanek (’74).
Not pictured: Coach Bill Weidenbacher