The Rio Olympics are coming to a close in a couple of days, but for some people, memories remain strong of the games 40 years ago. In 1976, the summer Olympics were held in Montreal, Quebec, about an hour’s drive from Plattsburgh, New York. The northern New York city was the final training site for many U.S. athletes before they crossed the border to compete. WAMC’s North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley talks with Tom Lacey, who participated in a training game against the women’s basketball team.
“On behalf of the U.S. Olympic Committee I wish to express a deep appreciation to the city of Plattsburgh, the mayor, the president of the university and the many people who have helped us with organizing the facilities to make this the assembly center for the United States athletes, coaches, managers and other personnel who are going to Montreal to represent our great country in the 21st Olympiad. Never before have we been shown such gracious hospitality.” That from Philip Krumm, President of the U.S Olympic Committee, who brought the 1976 summer athletes to the city of Plattsburgh and the SUNY college for their final training before crossing the border to compete in the Montreal Olympics.
It was a time when residents intermingled easily. "We were just floating around the campus trying to get autographs, doing anything we could do. That entire summer was so much fun when they were here training."
Tom Lacey currently referees college and high school basketball and soccer games. He was a high school junior at the time he was called to be a part of a local all-star team that was scrimmaging the women’s Olympic basketball team, which went on to win silver. “None of us had played, except for maybe Hal Cohen, in front of a crowd like that. The crowd was gigantic. So when we see them in their USA uniforms it was a real game. Game on! We had a little huddle and we said we’re not losing. We’re definitely not losing this game.”
Presidential fanfare plays.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.”
President Gerald Ford: “We believe in you. We believe in our country. And we want you to win and you’re going to win!”
Audio of President Ford is courtesy of the Plattsburgh State archives.
