Wichita State basketball coach Gregg Marshall's historic team win was highlighted in The Sunflower on Thursday, Feb. 4.

In 1955, the university opened WSU Field House, now Charles Koch Arena, to the few dedicated supporters of an infant basketball program.

Head coach Ralph Miller, seated on a footstool, watched his young-guns power around the basket in a less than sellout 10,235-seat arena. The program had nine season-ticket holders.

“There were many people who thought we had no business in an arena that big, that we wouldn’t be able to fill the place,” Miller wrote in his book “Spanning the Game.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, Gregg Marshall captured a milestone victory with win No. 221, making him the program’s winningest coach. The Shockers defeated Southern Illinois 76-55.

“To equal a legend in Coach Miller is a great moment,” Marshall said. “With great defense, tenacity and sound basketball, Ralph Miller built this team. [Miller] captivated this city and made basketball important.” 

Read full story.