Andrew Toney – Health and Physical Education, December 1979

Andrew Toney

1979 – Health and Physical Education

Dear Dr. Dugas:

                When I visited USL out of high school, I was sold right away on attending school there.  Although I visited five or six different universities, my USL visit was the best one. However, coming from Alabama, I knew I wanted to attend a college out of state.  USL wasn’t too far away from home and it had a different culture.

                My mother stressed to me that upon my arrival at USL, I must get my priorities in order–education first, basketball second, and I must find a good holy church to attend (which was Gethsemane).  During the first semester of school, I met my wife Priscillia in the cafeteria.  I met Barry Herbert (Scooby Doo is his nickname) while at USL, and we are still the best of friends.  My main objective was to graduate early and make sure I earned a degree before I left school.  I really enjoyed the competition once basketball practice started because I knew then I had to prove that I was a legitimate blue chip recruit.

                Highlights While at USL and a Little Humor

Winning SLC Championship at Arkansas State

Winning Conference Player of The Year

Playing in Hawaii

Flipping over a canoe in the Whiskey Chitto during a Recreation Class Outing – I had to survive until help came

Playing against Louisville University

Gaining and earning trust from Coach Hatfield

Leading the Conference in scoring and field goal percentage

Being drafted by Philadelphia 76’ers in the first round

I could go on with these highlights, but you have to stop somewhere!

After leaving USL, I went on to play for the Philadelphia 76’ers.  We won the N.B.A. championship during my 3rd season, 1982-83.

A foot injury forced my retirement from professional basketball in 1988, and I moved my family to Atlanta.  Looking for a challenge, I picked up the game of golf to occupy that urge to compete.  After seven years of golfing five to six days a week and seeing that my children were getting older, I decided to play less golf and put to use my USL degree.  I wanted my children to observe a father working at a regular job instead of a full-time, casual golfer.  Now, I’m a P.E. teacher (semi-regular) and I still have plenty of time (2 to 3 days a week) to enjoy the game of golf.

I visit USL at least two times a year, especially during the football homecoming game, and I’m looking forward to visiting with you on my next trip to Lafayette.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING,

ANDREW TONEY