Last night, as the Azusa Pacific Cougars were busy celebrating their 11th league championship in the last 12 years, I was privy to sit courtside and watch another band of brothers...err...should I say pack of cougars staking their claim as the other 1st place team on campus. I'm speaking of the nine warriors led by senior swing man Andrew Gaines who make up the only undefeated 4-0 intramural basketball team. Now, with my success has come certain perks. I've camped out courtside at Cameron Indoor Arena and watched the likes of Hill, Laitner, and Battier. I've swapped sweat at Staples with Bryant and Shaq, but I must say that the raw intensity, sheer grit, and uncomprimising comraderie that I saw last night at the Cougar Dome has motivated me more than Spencer Micunek game winner at the buzzer.
Led by Gaines, last night they jumped out to an early 20-0 lead. Crisp passing, solid screens, hitting the boards like a pack of wild...cougars... these men were relentless. They may not have the look. What with all that long hair, short shorts, old-style Converse Allstars. But then again, I'm reminded of another Converse Allstar wearing team that may not have had the look, but surely had the will. Andrew played last night like Jimmy Chipwood and the rebirth Jason Williams. Behind the back passes. Cuts to the basket with reverse lay-ups. This senior knows his time is short and he's making the most of it. Towards the wanning seconds of the first half he showed sacrifice as he attempted to break up a sure fastbreak and caught a shoulder in the nose. Blood flowed freely, yet still he didn't want to come out of the game. After some coaxing from his teammates, the wounded warrior finally took a seat and applied a thick layer of gauze. Showing his senior leadership he fought back tears showing his men that this was not going to keep him down.
For my Midwest readers who no doubt are reading this 3 hours ahead of the rest, just listen. Listen for the distant roar coming from a small West Coast campus where Andrew's intramural team is sure making some noise. For those of you on the West Coast, do yourself a favor. Need some inspiration? Need a break from complaining professional millionares not too far down the road? Want to see a group of guys just playing for the love of the game? Want to see a group of guys diving into scorer's tables, and hitting the boards with bloody gauze in their nose? Then find a way to get to a game and get ready for a ride you'll not soon forget! You'll be better for it!
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4 comments:
jacob, you have a career ahead of you in sports writing. that was amazing. i felt it. the power, the awe of watching the six foot something senior take the hit to the nariz, the scrunched up look of the face as he realizes he's been hit, the blood squirting in a spray on the court, the other player on the bench getting up, "does he need me to sub in? he's hurt. he's out for good." then andrew, putting up a simple finger toward the bench. . . "wait, this game isn't over. shhhh...let ricky be ricky." even here, in the dark, cold midwestern evening, i could hear the crowd cheering. i could see their fists in the air, victorious. it was a night to be remembered.
I must say that what Jacob is writing is the truth. Bec and I had the privelege of bring invited to sit court-side at one of the recent games. AMAZING- Great playing, teamwork and attitude. They will go all the way!
andrew's effort inspires me, we got a glimpse into the heart of a cougar
Props for the article Jake. The season only gets tougher from here as we head into the post-season. A lot of teams are gunning for us and we're planning some more antics (i.e. shorter shorts, warm up music, full court press). And we're gaining a little too much popularity around campus. Our game thrives because we're humble and we play for the fun of it, now we've realized that we're really good and we have a chance at the Championship. I hope this dosen't take away from our game. I'll be taking next week off but I'll be back in action on March 17. I'll see the West Coast group there I hope. Regards.
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