80’s Throwback Night was a big success

Image: Coach Holley delivers the introduction — A former member of Italy’s Regional Qualifying squads and current Head Basketball Coach Kyle Holley, gives one more assist to past alumni players and coaches as he introduces the 1982-1986 Regional Qualifying alumni players, managers and coaches.

Coach Holley delivers the introduction — A former member of Italy’s Regional Qualifying squads and current Head Basketball Coach Kyle Holley, gives one more assist to past alumni players and coaches as he introduces the 1982-1986 Regional Qualifying alumni players, managers and coaches. (Anne Sutherland)

Image: The Big Three — Standing during their introductions are former Italy educators and coaches (left to right) Gene Burton, Chris Storer and Willie Roten. These three men are credited with establishing a winning tradition in Italy that has carried over still today.

The Big Three — Standing during their introductions are former Italy educators and coaches (left to right) Gene Burton, Chris Storer and Willie Roten. These three men are credited with establishing a winning tradition in Italy that has carried over still today. (Anne Sutherland)

Image: Honored Legends — Pictured above are legendary members of Italy’s 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 Regional Qualifying Basketball Teams that represented the Gladiators back in the day.

Honored Legends — Pictured above are legendary members of Italy’s 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 Regional Qualifying Basketball Teams that represented the Gladiators back in the day. (Anne Sutherland)

Image: Unvailing the banner — The banner recognizing the 1982-1986 Regional Qualifying Basketball Teams is now displayed high inside the Italy Coliseum along with the 1997 State Champions and 1968 State Semi-Finalist banners. Former Head Italy Cheerleader Andi Windham did the honors.

Unvailing the banner — The banner recognizing the 1982-1986 Regional Qualifying Basketball Teams is now displayed high inside the Italy Coliseum along with the 1997 State Champions and 1968 State Semi-Finalist banners. Former Head Italy Cheerleader Andi Windham did the honors. (Anne Sutherland)

Image: Trophies and memories — On display are the trophies earned by former Italy Gladiator Basketball Teams including a team photo of the 1985-1986 Area Champion squad.

Trophies and memories — On display are the trophies earned by former Italy Gladiator Basketball Teams including a team photo of the 1985-1986 Area Champion squad. (Anne Sutherland)

Image: The band plays on — Gladiator Alumni were entertained by the musical talents of the Italy Gladiator Band.

The band plays on — Gladiator Alumni were entertained by the musical talents of the Italy Gladiator Band. (Anne Sutherland)

Image: Accomplishments — The 1982 thru 1986 Italy Gladiator Regional Qualifiers compiled a long list of accomplishments including going undefeated in District three seasons in a row in the years 1982, ’83 and ’84.

Accomplishments — The 1982 thru 1986 Italy Gladiator Regional Qualifiers compiled a long list of accomplishments including going undefeated in District three seasons in a row in the years 1982, ’83 and ’84. (Anne Sutherland)

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