March 31, 2009

There we sat, no, STOOD, with 0.6 seconds left on the clock against Indiana University in the second round of the WNIT (Women's National Invitation Tournament). Kendel (Ross) had just hit a three to tie the game. Never in a million years would I have guessed that this, the longest 0.6 seconds of my life, would be my last as a member of the Dayton Flyers Women's Basketball team. But, sure enough, after a crazy turn of events, Indiana hit an alley-oop as time expired. As I stood listening to the horn sound I realized that it not only signified the end of our run in the WNIT, it also signified the end of my run with the team.

It's rather ironic, because it was four years ago, almost to the day, that I walked into Coach Jim Jabir's office to ask for a job. I knew virtually nothing about women's basketball, let alone OUR women's basketball team. What have I learned? More than I could ever imagine!

I've traveled to Texas, where I ate BBQ ribs for the first time. I played on the beach in Newport, Rhode Island. I've listened to cheerleaders chant my name to the crowd in St. Louis. I ran the art museum steps in Philly, ala Rocky. I visited the Holocaust Museum in our Nation's Capitol. I shot baskets in the famous Hinkle Fieldhouse, site of the state championship game in the movie Hoosiers. I've been able to spend hundreds of hours in one of the greatest college sports venues in the country: UD Arena.

I feel very fortunate to have gained so many unique experiences. By far the greatest part of being a member of this team, however, has been the family that I have grown into. Because that is what we are: a family. Miss Linda, our wonderful secretary, has been my mother away from home. The girls on the team have been the coolest bunch of sisters a guy could ask for! The assistant coaches are like those crazy aunts you love to hang out with. And then there's Coach Jabir. He's the often reflective father figure who's in charge of keeping it all moving forward. I can honestly say that Coach Jabir has been one of the most caring, thoughtful, and gracious men I have ever met. I feel very fortunate that he has let me into not only the Dayton Flyer family, but also into the Jabir family.

It seems only appropriate that as receive my diploma this May, I will be walking across the very basketball court that has given me so much in my time here in Dayton. Before I leave, I would like everyone in the University of Dayton Athletic Department to know that I sincerely appreciate everything you've done for me over the past four years. Not even I could have imagined that a little old island boy, such as myself, would get the opportunity to do and see as many things as I have. Thank you. Thank you.Thank you.

Those are the words I would like to leave you with. There are two others, though, who have earned the right to have the last word, my fellow classmates Ashley Brown and Marie Rosche.

Ashley Brown:
My college basketball career has taught me numerous lessons. From my teammates I have developed life-long friendships that I will carry with me the rest of my life. I THANK the whole UD family (coaches, teammates, teachers, fans, etc) for everything they have ever done for me. I wish next year's team nothing but success and continue to carry on the winning tradition. UUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDD!!!

Marie Rosche:
It is hard to believe that my time as a UD Flyer is finally coming to an end. In the four years that I was here I have learned a lot of life lessons and made some valuable friendships. I want to thank everyone who has helped make my stay here a pleasant experience.