Posted: Mar 14, 2013
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It was the Day O' Game. Although my alarm went off, I had been up already for an hour. How was I supposed to sleep? The day where we were set to compete in our program's first Division 1 Championship game had finally arrived. Who cared that it was against the defending national champion, that they were a #1 seed, or that no one was expecting us to win? This was an opportunity for our staff and players to measure up against the best in the nation and see where we stood. As an athletic competitor, what more could you ask for?
We arrived at the Frankfort Convention Center at 9:30 a.m. ET so that we could catch the Columbia College (Mo.) game and have plenty of time to prepare for our own matchup. At halftime of the prior game, our team trainer (Robert Thomas) got the girls physically ready while the coaches went over the game plan one last time. Several administrators, students, family, friends, the spirit squad, and even Eddie the Eagle took their seats in the arena to cheer on their fellow Eagles. It was an uplifiting moment to see such a committed support group. Although the game did not play out as well as we had hoped, no disappointment was felt after the final horn as each Eagle fan stood and applauded a group of girls that demonstrated a great deal of heart while in the face of the tournament's highest level of competition.�
Our three seniors, Raylyn Nuss, Towanda Sutton, and Brittney Hotsenpiller, will be greatly missed for the immense contributions on and off the basketball court. Nuss led the team in scoring this year at a clip of 10.5 ppg and was selected as a member of the All-Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) second team. Sutton blossomed into one of the most consistent players on the team averaging 9.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg. She was selected as a member of the All-HAAC third team. Hottsenpiller was a key contributer off the bench who seemed to always be ready to come in at moment's notice and knock down a key shot that her team needed and was the team's representative to the Champions of Character Council. I wish each of you the best of luck in all future endeavors and thank you for the success you brought on the court while also exemplifying the core values of CMU off the court.�
After the game, our team and staff were treated to a meal at Longhorn Steakhouse by our honorary coach, who owned a nearby franchise location (I know, how lucky are we!). After the meal, our waiter brought out a desert concoction comprised of ice cream, fudge, and brownies all covered in chocolate sauce to each of the tables. They say money can't buy you happiness, but it sure can get you a delicious meal!
Our final task of our trip was to participate in the Parade of Champions. During this processional, every team in the tournament lined up on the court in a formation that spelled out NAIA. While each of us are there to compete against one another it was nice to see everyone joined together to also celebrate our league. After watching the evening games, we returned back to our hotel where, after a long and exhaustive day, a well deserved night of sleep lay ahead of us.
We returned back to Fayette Thursday at 8 p.m. A special thank you goes out to all of the devoted Eagle fans that have stayed and supported this program for previous, the current, and future seasons to come.� The coaching staff and players will have a couple of weeks off but then will be back on the court to prepare for the 2013-2014 season!� Go Eagles!
