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News Nuggets, 03.18.06
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

The Big Dance ... literally

Before the competition tips off at the RCA Dome between the NCAA Final Four teams, there promises to be almost as much action at nearby Monument Circle in Indianapolis, according to www.ncaa.com.

Just hours before the opening game of the Final Four on Saturday, April 1, NCAA basketball fans also will have the chance to participate in The Big Dance at Monument Circle. Featuring the musical acts of the BoDeans, Hoobastank, Indianapolis' own Virgin Millionaires and country music singer Steve Holy, the Monument Circle gates will open at 11 a.m. ET for The Big Dance, a free all-day concert and festive celebration hosted by special guest star Nick Lachey.

The performers will entertain the fans until approximately 3 p.m., when the World's Largest Pep Rally kicks off to great fanfare. Cheerleaders, pep bands, mascots and special guests will rally the crowd prior to game time. The first game of the 2006 NCAA Men's Final Four tips off at 6:07 p.m. ET at the RCA Dome, located only blocks away from Monument Circle.

DePaul legend Meyer succumbs at 92

Ray Meyer, the man whose name is synonymous with DePaul University and a fixture with the Blue Demon basketball program passed away at the age of 92 on Friday, according to the university's athletic web site.

In his 42 years as head coach of the Blue Demons from 1942-84, Meyer compiled a record of 724-354 (.671). He had 13 teams advance to the NCAA Tournament and seven of his squads played in the National Invitational Tournament.

His 1943 and 1979 teams both reached the NCAA Final Four while his 1945 team, featuring future Hall of Famer George Mikan, won the NIT title when it was considered the national championship.

One of 18 Division I coaches to win at least 700 games, Meyer posted 37 winning seasons and won 20 games 12 times. In his last seven years at DePaul (1977-84), he recorded an impressive record of 180-30 (.857). Six of those teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament and his 1983 team played in the NIT championship game.

Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979, his 724 career wins rank 16th on the NCAA Division I all-time list.

In 1978 and 1980, he was named Coach of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association. The Associated Press honored him as its national Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1984.

Morgan out at Iowa State

Iowa State University basketball coach Wayne Morgan has been relieved of his duties after three years with the Cyclones. Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard made the announcement Friday morning, according to the university's athletic web site.

"We have decided to make a change in the leadership of our men's basketball program. That change is effective immediately," said Pollard, who along with Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy met with Morgan Thursday evening. "During the past six months, I have had the opportunity to fully assess the overall direction of the men's basketball program, and I do not believe our current coaching staff can sustain the level of performance required for our athletic program to achieve its goals."

Pollard said the Cyclones have one of the best fan bases in the Big 12, a strong reputation in the sport, and that the ISU athletic department has made significant investments in the program. For those reasons, he contended that men's basketball needs to be a marquee sport at Iowa State.

Morgan compiled a 55-39 overall mark at Iowa State, including a 22-26 ledger in Big 12 play. His 2004 team made the NIT semifinals and the 2005 edition reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Iowa State failed to reach post-season play this year despite being ranked No. 25 nationally in the pre-season poll.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically based on material supplied by staff members; data published by ECU, Conference USA and its member schools; and reports from other sources. Copyright 2006 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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