November 30, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) will host the inaugural UAB Health System Gene Bartow Classic Friday, Dec. 4; a portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at UABSports.com or by calling 205-975-UAB1 (8221).
The tip-off will be at 7 p.m. at Bartow Arena, 617 13th St. South, as UAB Men's Basketball takes on East Tennessee State. The game is sponsored by the UAB Health System and recognizes Bartow, former UAB head basketball coach and athletic director, for his decades of commitment to intercollegiate sports, especially during his tenure at UAB.
The game also recognizes the importance of supporting cancer research and patient programs at UAB. Bartow, who retired from collegiate coaching in 1996, is undergoing treatment at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center for stomach cancer. He will attend the game.
The inaugural Classic will hold special meaning because Bartow's son, Murray Bartow, is the head coach of the East Tennessee State men's basketball team.
"Coach Bartow is considered the founding father of UAB athletics, and a beloved figure in college basketball and the lives of many players and fans," said UAB Athletics Director Brian Mackin. "This namesake game will be one of many ways we say thanks to a great man and dedicated leader."
Recently inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, Bartow coached teams at six universities during a 34-year span that included 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament appearances and two Final Four appearances.
Bartow led the UAB Men's Basketball program for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 366-203. He led the Blazers to the NIT in the program's second year of existence, and followed that up with seven straight NCAA tournament appearances, including trips to the Sweet 16 in 1981 and the Elite Eight in 1982. In all, he led UAB to 14 post-season appearances, 10 of which were NCAA tournaments.
Bartow helped grow UAB's intercollegiate athletic program to include 17 sports. In 1997, a year after he retired from coaching, UAB renamed its basketball arena in his honor. In 2000, he retired as director of UAB athletics. Bartow currently serves as the president of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.
About the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the 41 cancer centers in the nation to meet the stringent criteria for the National Cancer Institute's comprehensive designation. The center is a leader in groundbreaking research, reducing cancer disparities and leading-edge patient care. To find out how to donate to the Cancer Center, click here.
About the UAB Athletic Department
The Athletic Department provides high-level competition in NCAA Division I sports as part of an ongoing commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, equity and student-athlete well-being.