Oberst, member of Dayton’s first NIT team, dies at 87

Owensboro, Ky., native was one of UD’s biggest fans

Clete Oberst, a member of the first Dayton Flyers team to play in the NIT, died at 87 Sunday in Centerville.

A native of Owensboro, Ky., Oberst attended St. Joseph's High School and upon graduation, according to his obituary, "he took his 'A' game, with his visionary jump shot, and hitchhiked to Dayton. He enrolled at the University of Dayton to fulfill his desire for a college degree and to continue his love for basketball."

HISTORY LESSON: What you should know about the Flyers

Oberst played for Tom Blackburn’s 1949-50 team that finished 24-8. He played for Dayton’s NIT runner-up team in 1951.

Long after his playing career ended, Oberst returned to the University of Dayton as the director of development and planned giving from 1975-92. His obituary described him as one of the biggest fans of the university and the basketball program.

Oberst is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dee. A visitation and viewing will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Tobias Funeral Home at 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429. The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Monday at UD’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.

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