Passing of Saunders has La Crosse reminiscing about good-old days

La Crosse Center always looking for the next
team, one as popular as Catbirds in early 90s

People associated with the La Crosse Center are recalling the glory days of the Catbirds, after the passing of former Catbirds coach, the Minnestoa Timberwolves’ Flip Saunders.

But the arena’s experience with pro sports since the old CBA folded has been spotty. Center manager Art Fahey says it’s unlikely that the building will try indoor football again, because three football teams failed to draw much of a following.  There have been no attempts to bring another basketball team in several years.

Attempts to bring a hockey team to the Center have always stalled over the lack of permanent ice-making equipment in the building.

However, Fahey says he’s always interested in talking with teams that might want to come to La Crosse, because a successful team would help the Center.

Saunders, who died of Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 60, was coach of the Catbirds 25 years ago.  During his stint from 1989-94, he won championships in ’92 and 94.

Many people consider Saunders’ time with the Catbirds the golden era for local sports and downtown entertainment in La Crosse. Saunders was with the Catbirds for the last five years they played at the La Crosse Center.

Local tourism director Dave Clements headed the center a few years while Saunders and the Catbirds were there.

Clements recalls that regular-season Catbirds games would bring thousands of people downtown, filling restaurants and bars. He especially remembers Christmas night games at the Center as “huge,” selling out the arena on the holiday for several years.