Palatine, IL: The Harper College Athletic Department welcomed back members of the 2005–06 men's basketball team on December 13 for a special alumni celebration marking the 20-year anniversary of their remarkable season. The event, led by new Athletic Director Dr. Cedric M. Brown, reflected the department's renewed commitment to keeping former student-athletes connected to the program and to each other long after their playing days end.
Under Head Coach Ed Molitor and Assistant Coach Dave Brault, the 2005–06 Hawks delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history. The team finished third in the nation, earned an N4C Conference Championship, and set a school record with 28 wins. Their run to the NJCAA Division III Final Four remains one of the defining moments in Harper basketball history.
The celebration began the night before at Buffalo Wild Wings, where team members reunited for a welcome dinner filled with memories, laughter, and stories from their historic season. The following day, the group gathered on campus ahead of Harper's home game against Black Hawk. Before tipoff, the team met with members of the college and athletic department, including Associate Provost Dr. Baskin, Dr. Brown, and current coaches LaMario Richards and Ivan Patterson. Short speeches were given to recognize the 2005–06 team's accomplishments and to thank them for the legacy they built for future Hawks.
The reunion also welcomed back former Athletic Director Doug Spiwak, who served at Harper during that era and helped lay the groundwork for many of the department's successes. His attendance underscored the lasting relationships formed within Harper Athletics and the shared pride in the program's continued progress.
Reflecting on the 2005–06 team, Spiwak recalled the impact that group had on Harper Athletics during his early years as athletic director.
"It was my second year as an AD and the team elevated the Harper basketball program," Spiwak said. "They had talent, size, speed, and most of all the heart to bring home a Region Championship. They played hard for their coaches and represented us with excellence on the court and on campus."
Spiwak also emphasized the importance of alumni events like this one, which strengthen the bridge between generations of Hawks.
"First of all, it was wonderful to see them again, along with their families, knowing Harper played a role in their lives that led them to a path for success," he said. "Reunions establish the connection between the past, present, and future. Current athletes can see the possible results for their efforts and envision a future."
For Spiwak, maintaining those connections is key to Harper's continued success.
"The alumni can reconnect to help support Harper Athletics," he added. "Building relationships is the foundation to a successful program. As Harper Athletics continues to grow, it will need extensive support to ensure that there are opportunities for outstanding athletes to showcase their talents and represent the college as part of a team. Go Hawks!"
The team was honored at halftime, with players, coaches, and staff receiving recognition for their contributions to the program. Former players Dane Cruz, Matt Monaghan, Brandon Jung, and Jarvis Cobb were remembered for their impressive seasons. Cruz earned NJCAA Division III Third Team All-American honors and was named Region 4 First Team All-Region, Region 4 All-Tournament, and team MVP after averaging nearly 16 points per game. Monaghan led the team in scoring at 17 points per game, collecting both Region 4 First Team and Region 4 Tournament MVP honors. Jung added more than 12 points per game and was named to the Region 4 All-Tournament Team, while Cobb chipped in just over 11 points per game to give Harper a balanced and explosive offense.
Reflecting on that season, Cruz spoke about what made the team so memorable.
"What stands out the most is seeing our hard work truly pay off," Cruz said. "We had strong camaraderie and spent a lot of time together outside of practices and games, which really brought us closer as a team. We held each other accountable every day, pushed one another to improve, and that collective commitment is what made the season so special."
Cruz also shared how meaningful the reunion was after two decades.
"It was an incredible experience," he said. "Seeing my teammates and coaches after all these years brought back a lot of emotion and memories. We were a very tight-knit group and accomplished so much together, so being reunited really brought those moments back to life and reminded me of the bond we shared both on and off the court."
Two current Harper staff members, athletic trainer Paige Erland and equipment manager Daniel Garay, were also recognized for their continued service to the department. Both were part of the program during the 2005–06 season and remain valued members of the Hawks' athletic community today.
For Dr. Brown, who took over as athletic director earlier this year, the reunion was more than a celebration of past success. It was an opportunity to strengthen the bond between Harper Athletics and its alumni network, reinforcing that being a Hawk lasts long after graduation.
"Alumni outreach is vital to the future of Harper Athletics," Dr. Brown said. "Our goal is to make sure every student-athlete feels connected for life. Events like this remind us that our teams are more than rosters and records—they are families whose impact extends beyond the court."
The 2005–06 reunion marks the beginning of what Harper Athletics hopes will become an annual tradition of bringing alumni back to campus. Dr. Brown and his staff plan to continue highlighting milestone teams and individuals as part of a broader effort to celebrate Harper's athletic history and maintain lasting relationships with those who helped shape it.
The return of the 2005–06 Hawks served as both a tribute to one of Harper's greatest basketball teams and a reminder of the enduring spirit that connects generations of student-athletes. As Dr. Brown's vision takes shape, Harper Athletics continues to honor its past while building toward a strong, united future.
