What a great year for AU Athletics and the AU community as a whole. Last week, over 100 students crammed themselves into two buses to make the 13-hour trek to Birmingham, Ala. When we reached our destination, we were rewarded with a view of history in the making. For 36 minutes, the AU men's basketball team held their own against one of the best teams in the country, a team that was ranked No. 1; a team that up until last week had the best RPI in the nation. AU, our university, played on the national stage, and they played their hearts out. They were living the American dream.
Students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni and trustees packed the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center with AU pride and spirit. An estimated 500 supporters made their presence known. As the three-pointers rained in on the Volunteers of Tennessee, the arena was rocking.
Some will say it was a miracle of a season. I don't. When you work as hard as Jeff Jones' 12 male all-stars, you deserve the championship amd the spotlight. There were pundits who had us predicted to finish dead last in the Patriot League.
They were all wrong. Travis, Romone, Cornelio, Garrison, Bryce, Dereck, Brian, Frane, Nick, Steve, Frank and Jordan should hold their heads high. They have nothing to be sad about. They did not disappoint. In fact, they have made history on our campus. They are heroes. They represented us well and have made many people proud.
As they return to a grateful campus, let's all give them the respect they deserve. If you see them on the quad, in class or in TDR, let them know that you appreciate what they have done for our university. I don't know about you, but next season I will make sure I am in Bender Arena when they lower the banner for our 2008 Patriot League Champion men's basketball team. In my opinion, it cannot come soon enough. Go Eagles!
Joe Vidulich SG President
