'Sleighbell Classic' a memorable occasion

Those with fond memories of history were blessed to relive it Saturday night.

For the first time in nearly a quarter-century, Mid-Suburban League boys basketball had old Grace Gym rocking again in Arlington Heights.

And the Bob Frisk Sleighbell Classic was a huge hit right down a 3-point shot at the buzzer that barely missed as Buffalo Grove survived and improved to 6-0 with a 51-48 MSL crossover victory over Palatine.

But there was a definite buzz around an event at the old Arlington High, now the home of Christian Liberty Academy, that was more than just a game that had no bearing on the MSL standings.

One that even the kids who weren't born when Grace Gym was the showplace of high school basketball in the northwest suburbs could appreciate.

"That was a really cool experience," said BG 6-foot-7 senior Matt Newman, who had 9 points and 10 rebounds.

"I was expecting a big atmosphere and I haven't been in one of those in basketball for awhile," said Palatine senior Matt Rossi, who had a team-high 12 points with two 3-pointers. "It reminded everyone of 'Hoosiers.'

"It was a good atmosphere to play in and made the game that much more fun."

That was what 1977 Arlington grad Matt Shaughnessy had in mind when he came up with the game as a way to honor Bob Frisk, a 1954 alum whose final column of his 50-year career of covering high school sports for the Daily Herald was published Friday.

Shaughnessy pitched it to Arlington grad Kip North, who is now the boys athletic director at Buffalo Grove. Christian Liberty athletic director Steve Rowland graciously cooperated to get things rolling.

The old "Sleighbell" games were big annual events between Palatine and Arlington - two of the northwest suburbs' oldest rivals until the latter closed in 1984.

That fire was rekindled Saturday night as a big crowd came out to honor not only Bob Frisk but to enjoy a long-awaited winter homecoming.

"It was special, it really was, and an honor to be a part of it," said Palatine first-year coach Eric Millstone, whose team nearly erased a 9-point deficit in the final 21/2 minutes before falling to 1-4. "To see a bunch of (Arlington) alums sitting up on the (balcony), that's what high school basketball is all about - they were here for a good cause."

Which was to give Bob Frisk the type of retirement gift money can't buy. Another game in the "Bird Cage," a place so close to his heart.

Retired Wheeling cross country and track coach and 1966 Arlington grad Mark Saylor came in from Arizona to handle public address duties. Recently retired Palatine coach Ed Molitor came in from Indiana.

Bob received a standing ovation as he came down to toss the ceremonial jump ball with Newman and Palatine's Kyle Held. No one seemed to mind the much-longer than normal halftime to honor Bob.

Millstone's dad Doug, the retired boys coach from BG, provided some comedy with a roast of sorts to Bob. A top 10 list of things people don't know about Bob given by his daughter Susan and grandson Mark provided a few more laughs.

And Daily Herald vice chairman Bob Paddock Jr., announced the Paddock Cup and Trophy awarded yearly to the MSL's top boys and girls athletic programs will now include Bob's name.

"To see this with people in the stands," Bob said after introducing retired Palatine athletic director Chic Anderson, "I'm overwhelmed to have this game in my honor."

And BG's Kevin Mulligan (11 points) and Mike Cornely (9 points) and Palatine's Nat Pearson (9 points) and Mykyta Cheshko (8 points, 3 blocks) helped give him a game that went right to the wire.

"It was phenomenal being in this building," said BG coach Ryan O'Connor.

"I can remember being 6-7-8 years old and leaning up against the glass in the stands at the top of the gym.

"It was odd and a great feeling to be back in the gym. I think Bob Frisk was touched and that's what this night was really about."

mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com

<div id="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=19&type=video&item=79">Bob Frisk at 'Sleighbell Classic' </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>