Comments on: Remembering the big center Jim Sutherland ’61 and the Bobcats’ NCAA tourney team of 1961

By: Jeff Ruskin

Jeff Ruskin — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 02:19:53 +0000

In June of 1966, I was thrown out of my Long Island high school, and was sent to Lakemont Academy, just south of Geneva, NY on Seneca Lake. Most of the students had somewhat suspect high school experiences prior to arriving at Lakemont. It was there that my dorm parent, history teacher, and coach was a giant of a man, Jim Sutherland. Combining wisdom, a strong hand, and a ton of love, he and his wonderful wife Laurie, a caring and compassionate woman, set me straight and taught me about life and success. I’m in my 52nd year as a high school math teacher now, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of Mr. Sutherland at some point. Since my first day as a teacher in September of 1972, I have hoped to be like him, although I know he is impossible to duplicate.

By: John R Holt, '64

John R Holt, '64 — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:27:23 +0000

I was on the freshman team in ’61 when Big Jim owned the boards that year. I remember being proud of how he represented our college–a very decent, humble, hardworking athlete respected by his opponents and loved by his teammates.

By: Larry Power '69

Larry Power '69 — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:24:40 +0000

Amazing to see the schools �ֲ��ý
competed against back then. The
Bobcats wouldn’t belong in the same
gym as Northeastern, etc., these days.
Great article; must have been a terrific
team.

By: Judi Gordon

Judi Gordon — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 20:13:21 +0000

Wonderful fond memories of Jim and Laurie!