By Christopher Shaban
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
WINDSOR, Vt. — In 1983, Harry Ladue took over the Windsor basketball team while Don “Bird” Swinyer has been his assistant and junior varsity coach the entire time.
Windsor Athletic Director Jim Taft announced on Thursday that this duo has decided to step off the bench and let someone else the lead the Yellow Jackets.
“I’m tired,” said the always humble Ladue to a great crowd on hand before the start of a game on Thursday as he received a standing ovation from everyone in the house. “Windsor has been so supportive and committed to sports, this has been a great ride.”
Ladue and Swinyer have occupied the Windsor bench for 39 years and have amassed an incredible legacy, which includes five state championships (1990, 1994, 1995, 2008, 2018), four state championship runner-ups (1989, 1991, 1998, 2007), 14 Final Four appearances, 473 total wins, 2009 Vermont Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee, 2013 VPA Hall of Fame inductee, and 2016 New England Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
Former Windsor Athletic Director Bob Hingston introduced Ladue before the game with a list of accomplishments. In the 1990 playoffs, Ladue’s Windsor team averaged 88 points a game while winning the state title then went 24-0 in 1995 with an incredible 97 points per game average in the playoffs.
“A juggernaut of a team,” Hingston said. “Play hard and fast and never embarrass the name on the front of your jersey,” was what Hingston remembered about the teams and Ladue was never outfoxed.
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