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Potsdam College’s tradition of excellence is basketball can be traced to a renowned coach who joined the Potsdam Normal School faculty in 1906.
Professor Ernest A. Blood, who was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960, coached for 52 years, won 1,296 games and lost only 165. Although he led the Normal School teams for just a brief span of seasons, “Prof” Blood left an indelible mark on athletics at Potsdam. His normal teams won 72 times in 74 games, and excellence in basketball was established.
Blood continued his career as coach of the “Wonder Team” of Passaic (N.J.) High School. The “Wonder Team” enjoyed a winning streak of 159 games in 5 1/2 seasons of competition under “Prof” Blood.
Throughout his life, Blood excelled in sports. He participated in basketball, football, baseball, fencing and tumbling.
He returned to Potsdam with his “Wonder Team” in 1921. Though the team defeated Potsdam Normal, the college community demonstrated its affection for its former coach. Blood received a pet Potsdam Bear cub.
“Prof” Blood died in 1955 after a long and distinguished career. He is honored to this day by basketball enthusiasts throughout the nation.
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