The Bodacious Bears: Spring 2022 Update

The Bodacious Bears' storyline, narrative, and production are continuing to see progress being made.  We appreciate the patience of everyone involved.  It has been a tall task scheduling, organizing, and circling all the wagons in order to make this happen, but it will all be worth it once it comes together! 

Over the next few weeks, we have a few more interviews to get to... a few VERY IMPORTANT interviews, may I add. 

Yesterday, we interviewed Dr. Hal Cohen, son of the late Bears Hall of Fame coach Stan Cohen.  

On December 11, 1976, in his senior year at Canton High School, Hal made 598 consecutive free throws after varsity practice in the High School gym.  I grew up in Canton, and had basketball practice every day in that gym.  To this day, there is a banner that hangs with a photo of Cohen with legendary Head Coach Jerry Hourihan on that momentous occasion in 1976. The banner details the significance of such an incredible feat, and it has inspired countless student-athletes over the years.  It continues to motivate them towards the endless possibilities that can be achieved with hard work and dedication.  

Hal Cohen went on to play college basketball at Syracuse University... his freshman season was Jim Boeheim's first at the helm.  Cohen also stayed very involved with the SUNY Potsdam Bears program over the years while his dad was on the staff. 
Coach Jim Boeheim (middle) during a timeout. Hal Cohen (far right, #10) listening intently to the game plan. 

The 1976 Orangemen team photo, featuring Assistant Coach Rick Pitino (back left), Hal Cohen (#10), Coach Jim Boeheim (front, center),
Roosevelt Bouie (#50), and Dale Shackleford (#33), to name a few...

Following his basketball career at Syracuse, Cohen was accepted into medical school. He went on to have an illustrious career in the radiology field, which spanned about 40 years. The Cohen lineage continues at SUNY Potsdam, as Hal's daughter, Brittany, is now the Head Coach for the women's team.  

SUNY Potsdam women's basketball Head Coach Brittany Cohen, with her father, Dr. Hal Cohen (4/19/22)

To have his "598 Consecutive Free Throws" banner looking down on us over the years was nothing short of motivational. To meet with him and hear his stories was such a special experience. 

Thank you Dr. Cohen and Brittany for making this possible, and for being so gracious with your time. It will greatly add to the experience of this documentary! 
As I continue to edit content over the next several weeks, I will try to keep more updates coming as well. Again, the patience of everyone has been appreciated... We are getting there! The teaser trailer for the project can be seen here: YouTube - The Bodacious Bears Extended Trailer

Francesco

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 20, 2022 at 1:27 PM

    I remember getting a call from Coach Hourihan and doing a story for The Journal. Amazing feat to say the least. But I would expect nothing less from Dr. Hal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Francesco PalumboMay 5, 2022 at 6:24 AM

      Awesome, thank you for sharing! Another update is coming soon

      Delete

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