Following an away game at Washington State, the Oregon basketball team bused from Pullman to overnight lodgings in Spokane before the return trip to Eugene the next day. After getting his team settled in, Dick took a few of us to the bar for a nightcap. The place was empty but for a lone man at the end of the bar. It was longtime Pac-12 official Frank Buckowitz who had worked our game. Dick sent him a drink and he raised his glass to us.
The bar was closing when Buckowitz passed our stools. Dick said "Hey, Bucky, nice game (we won). Come by the room for a nightcap." As the assistant athletic director I knew this was dangerous territory bringing an official to the coach's room, but confronting Harter had no appeal for me either.
Bucky said, "Lead the way."
Revelry ensued. Drinks all around and war stories of past games flavored with Bucky's tales of officiating filled the room with a constant roar of laughter. Finally the Whistle-Blower got up and said, "I've got to get some sleep but, Dick, I want to tell you what I like about your team. When they play that Star Spangled Banner, your guys are standing straight and showing respect." He continued, "And I'll tell you something else, Dick. I'm working your game against the Beavers in Corvallis next Friday and if I see your guys SINGING the Star Spangled Banner, I don't see how you can lose."
The room exploded in laughter and whooping.
True story. After every practice the next week Dick Harter held choir practice and on the following Friday night, in Gill Coliseum, Oregon's hardwood warriors could be mistaken for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
They didn't lose the game.
