“Forgotten Champions” film on ’82 AIAW Rutgers women’s basketball national champs playing in Big Apple festival

Members of the 1982 Rutgers women’s basketball 1982 AIAW National Championship team huddle on stage at the debut of the “Forgotten Champions” documentary about the team in October, 2022. (Source: @ForgottenChamp1 on Twitter)

The documentary “Forgotten Champions” – the story of the 1982 Rutgers women’s basketball team that won the AIAW National Championship – is playing as part of the 2024 New York Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival.

Produced by three WRSU alums – Jim Berman, Jon Newman and Geoff Sadow, all of whom covered the Lady Knights that season – the film came about after WRSU uncovered the original audio from the title game against Texas in 2017 and produced an audio documentary with the trio, as well as head coach Theresa Grentz and several players, including Mary and Patty Coyle, Chris Dailey and others.

“Forgotten Champions” was narrated by Rutgers soccer alum and World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, and made its debut in October 2022 at a premiere hosted at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. It also has aired on the Big Ten Network.

Now, it’s being shown online as part of the virtual New York film festival under the “Features” category. Fans must buy a ticket, which is $12, after which they can go online and watch the film, as well as others. Films with the most votes will go on to be voted on by the judges.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. The Festival runs now through July 28th.