Ten Sacramento State alumni who went on to coach in the surrounding area were honored tonight at the university’s Alumni Center as part of the men’s basketball’s Tip Off Dinner.

For the first time in the basketball program’s history, Sac State alumni from 1950-1965 were inducted as the first group in the Men’s Basketball Coaches Circle, a group established earlier this year to recognize alumni who went on to coach basketball.

“This is just another opportunity to connect with our alumni,” said Sac State athletic director Terry Wanless. “It shows them that we appreciate them and honor their careers.”

Coaches who received the honor were Dick Galvin, George Goto, Jim Greene, John Karsten, Al Manfredi, Bob McCoy, Ron McKenna, Gordon Pistochini, John Rankin and Carl Youngstrom.

“This meant a lot because I was a Sac State graduate and to be able to come back and be honored by my school is just a tremendous honor,” Karsten said.

Although only McKenna still coaches, each has more than 10 years coaching experience in the surrounding area at schools including Sierra College, and Sacramento and Kennedy high schools.

Men’s basketball head coach Brian Katz also took the podium as he briefly introduced his players. The Hornets will start their season on Oct. 30 in an exhibition game against Simpson College and officially play their first non-conference game against UC Merced on Nov. 9. Tipoff is at 7:05 p.m. for both matches.

Ryan Kuhn can be reached at @rskuhn