Let’s hop in our special ESPN Honolulu time machine and look back at some of the major sports headlines on February 21, 1985.The year 1985 itself was notable for several things: The debut of “New Coke”; Nintendo hits the U.S. markets; Live Aid concerts; the introduction of Calvin & Hobbes; “We are the World”; and an NBA rookie by the name of Michael Jordan. Here’s a look at the sports happenings 35 years ago on Feb. 21:
♦ The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team pulled out a 69-68 upset victory over WAC co-leader San Diego State in San Diego. Point guard William Colston’s two free throws at the end of the game sealed the win for the visitors. Hawaii was led by Andre Morgan (19 points, 8 rebounds) and Ray Arthur (18 points, 8 rebounds). Said outgoing UH head coach Larry Little after the game, “A win here means so much. It’s a very satisfying thing.”
♦ The Honolulu Star-Bulletin’s Bill Kwon reported that the list of candidates to replace Little included Chaminade head coach Merv Lopes; New Mexico head coach Gary Colson; former San Francisco head coach Bob Gaillard; U-Dub assistant Mike Frink; former UCLA head coach Larry Farmer; and former Kansas coach Ted Owens. (Note: UH Athletics Director Stan Sheriff would eventually hire Frank Arnold, who would go 11-45 in two seasons at Manoa.)
♦ The UH baseball team falls to Hosei, 6-5, in a home exhibition game. RBI singles by Markus Owens and Bobby Matta broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth, but Hawaii pitcher Thomas Awong could not keep the lead.
♦ Maryknoll defeats Kamehameha, 55-53, to claim their fourth ILH boys basketball championship in five seasons. “I’m just thrilled,” said Maryknoll head coach Tony Sellitto. “Four out of five times…that’s not too shabby.”
♦ After a two-year absence, heavyweight boxer Leon Spinks returned to the ring, scoring a fourth-round KO over Lupe Guerra.
♦ Maryland head basketball coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell became only the 17th coach in NCAA Division I basketball history to notch 500 victories. The Terrapins put a hurt on Towson State, 91-38. The Maryland roster was led by Len Bias, Adrian Branch and Keith Gatlin.
♦ Montreal Expos outfielder Tim Raines was awarded $1.2 million for the 1985 season – the largest contract ever awarded in a baseball arbitration case. The Expos originally offered Raines $1 million.
♦ The USFL gears up for its third season. The marquee game for the season-opening weekend is Steve Young and the Los Angeles Express hosting Jim Kelly and the Houston Gamblers. Also, the New Jersey Generals are set to debut their rookie QB: Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie. The Generals are owned by future U.S. President Donald Trump.
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