The years in the mid 70’s leading up to the commencement of the NBL in 1979 and the hard work by so many volunteers to ensure that the Hawks were part of the ten team NBL was the commencement of my Hawks highlights. What a great thrill it was to see the Illawarra Hawks compete in the NBL throughout 1979 playing out of the “old two court” Snakepit.
The fact that the team only won five games of the eighteen in that first year was irrelevant to the 700/800 spectators that would crowd around the court for each and every match! 1979 saw the start of something very special for the Hawks and the Illawarra region.
1979 also saw the start of some great careers, with the likes of Gordie McLeod, Jim Slacke, Ted Halcombe and Jim Williams being the first “stars” of the Hawks.
In 1998 there were 2 seasons as the National Basketball League decided to play “Summer” basketball. The early season was to finish in May and the Hawks last game of the season was against Townsville Suns at home.
To celebrate the end of the season and the end of the Snakepit as the Hawks beloved home, an event was created as a farewell to the Snakepit. It was full to capacity, if the truth be known, it was very much over the legal capacity.
One of my favourite moments in Hawks history took place in 1989 at The Snakepit. It was the clash between the Hawks and Hobart's Tassie Devils.
As was my custom those days as court announcer, I would stand centre court to introduce both teams, with the visiting team called first in ascending number order. This was to be one of the best sporting moments of my life.
After many years of dedicated service to the Hawks and being one of the club's greatest and most popular players, current coach, Gordie McLeod, played a farewell season with Hobart, a decision which brought him back to play his last game at the beloved Snakepit.
