Vigo County Historical Society

As March Madness overtakes basketball fans in Indiana, this week’s Historical Treasure looks at a memento of 25 years of a basketball program, noteworthy for his traditions, diversity and winning records.

After coaching basketball for 25 years at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and serving as athletic director, John Mutchner commissioned D. Omer "Salty" Seamon to do a montage because "I wanted to do something for my players to tie the 25 years together which could serve as a memento for all those who participated in the program during the years 1963-88."

Titled "25 Years of Tradition," Salty’s drawing captures the spirit of the program Mutchner created.

Pictured within the frame are some of the traditions created by Mutchner to establish a sense of spirit and excitement: A big booming band, a cannon being shot off as the team came on the floor, two police sirens screaming, two big bells mounted on a ribbon tire wagon and two submarine crash dive Klaxons that he obtained from the submarine base in New Groten, Conn. Even the traditional senior cigar and champagne ceremony after the last home game is depicted.

Also captured are the unique travel experiences that were part of Mutchner’s program. Along with special trips to Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas and Canada, Rose was one of the first small college teams to play in Europe. Every player who stayed with the program for four years had an opportunity to play in European countries. In 1988, the Rose-Hulman team was the very first American college team to ever play in the Soviet Union.

On either side of the coach are illustrations of the exterior and interior of Shook Field House, complete with 10 banners which depict championship or NCAA appearances, as well as the 35-foot "Give ‘Em Hell, Rose" sign which was dropped from the ceiling when the cannon went off.

The names of every player, manager, and assistant coach who participated in the program over the 25-year span are listed.

John Mutchner presented the original montage to Rose-Hulman in September 1993 at the first induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame, where it now hangs. He then sent copies to each former player. The tremendous response from the recipients indicated that each has it proudly displayed in his home, or office. Framed prints also hang in the National Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle as well as the Vigo County Historical Museum.

At the bottom of the drawing, under the names of all the played in large red block letters, reads, "WE DID IT OUR WAY!" To quote Coach Mutchner, "That says it all!"