The 2011 NCAA Division III men’s basketball national championship team reminisced and reunited over brunch on Saturday in McNeely Hall.

Alex Healy, a 2011 graduate who was a starter on the title-winning team, was happy to be able to see all of his teammates again.

“We had a really close group, but after college everyone goes their separate ways to different states and different career paths,” Healy said. “So it’s real fun to get together with guys that you haven’t seen in awhile. This team meant a lot to everyone here and it’s fun to come back and celebrate a championship.”

Steve Fritz, the head coach of the championship team and current athletic director, was excited to have the 2010-2011 team in back at St. Thomas.

“I have 31 years of great memories of great teams, but obviously this team succeeded the most in winning the national championship, and there is always going to be something special to that,” Fritz said. “I am glad we can take the opportunity to reminisce and honor them today.”

The 2010-2011 Tommies finished the season 30-3, winning their final 12 games. St. Thomas won both the MIAC regular-season and postseason championships that year before ultimately defeating Wooster College (Ohio) in the national championship game in Salem, Virginia.

Fritz retired from coaching following the victory.

Anders Halvorsen, a senior captain post player on the championship squad, was proud to be able to help Fritz end his career with a victory.

“Coach Fritz is definitely a Minnesota coaching legend, and to be able to send him off with a win, especially as seniors, was pretty cool,” Halvorsen said.

Many of the players headed over to Schoenecker Arena after the reunion to watch the current St. Thomas men’s basketball team take on St. Mary’s. The Tommies won the game 77-48.

Taylor Smith can be reached at smit9660@stthomas.edu.