This Day in Buffalo Sports History: Before the Aud
February 4, 1936 -- If you've spent much time following Buffalo basketball, you'll hear local fans get nostalgic about the double-headers that were played in "the old days" involving members of the Little Three -- Canisius, Niagara and St. Bonaventure. Few know where that tradition actually started. It's not where you think.
Before the Aud opened in 1940, three local teams met for the first twin-bill in Buffalo history. It was at the Broadway Auditorium, known more for six-day bike races than basketball.
On this night, St. Bonaventure defeated Niagara, 37-23. Then Canisius topped Georgetown, 43-39.
Canisius has been playing basketball for more than 100 years, but good records weren't really kept until the Forties. The Golden Griffins went 10-7 that season under coach Allie Seelback.
Charles Fadale was the captain, while Dan Carnavale was on the roster. That last name might sound familiar ... to baseball fans. He went on to play for the Bisons shortly after finishing college, and then managed the Bisons in 1955.
We do know who named the athletic teams -- Dr. Charles Brady came up with "Golden Griffins."
--- Budd Bailey
