I n Webster’s dictionary, it says basketball is just a game played by two teams. That is only a part of what basketball actually is, well to me at least. Basketball has taught me discipline, hard work and patience. Basketball is a life not just a game and I would like to thank Saint Mary’s for giving me another life. Being able to battle it out with my teammates in practice and being able to play basketball for people I am close with is something I will miss and cherish dearly. Being a Saint Mary’s basketball player is something I wouldn’t trade back for the world.
First of all I would like to thank the man upstairs because he orchestrated it all, if it was not for him all of this would not have been possible.
Mom, you have been there through thick and thin. You have pushed me to do what is most important and that is to finish school. I remember the late nights you had to pick me up from AAU practice just because of my love for the game. When I was down, you told me the truth and that was thing that matter the most. I know you couldn’t make it to as many games as you wanted to because of the distance but I appreciate the moral support. Love you with all my heart
Cornelius Washington, you left me freshman year to deal with this thing call life by myself but I’m not mad at you. You left to be in a better place and you have instilled a lot of positive things in to me. I will never forget what you told me before I left for college and I quote “respect all and at the end you will be respected.” I miss you and love you dearly.
Granny, I don’t know where to start. You have been everything. You have been a mom, a loving and caring grandmother and most importantly a friend. I love you with all my heart.
Anthony & Elbert, thanks for introducing me to the game of basketball and the world of sports if it wasn’t for you two I would not be writing this right now.
Auntie, you have been my 2nd mom. I would like to say more but I know you how much you have to work so I knew you wouldn’t have enough time to read this so I kept yours short. Ha. Love you
Dominique, I have no idea where to start with you. We have grown to be friends, cousins and now I can honestly say that you are like a big brother. You have shown me that through hard work and hope, you can make it through anything. I appreciate every bit of advice you have given me even though in some cases I don’t take it especially with “c u next Tuesday.” Ha.
Terry & Trevor, thanks for being genuine friends. I know if I need someone to vent to, you two will always be there. I also know if I ever want to go play basketball you two will be down for a game no matter what.
Jeunesse, I don’t know where we stand but I appreciate everything you and your family have done for me. I appreciate you coming to all my games even though I didn’t play that much and waiting for me after all of them to keep a smile on my face. I see a future with us and I’m not letting go. Love you forever and always.
Jimmy, Nick & Koozy thanks for being awesome roommates and coming to most of my basketball games and giving me moral support even though I didn’t play that much.
Jimmy, thanks for being there through the rough times when I need someone to talk. I know we didn’t talk too much my first three years here but I know I gained a friend after working with you this summer and having you as a roommate.
Coach Todd, Coach Biebel, Coach Adam, Coach Kevin: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to play college basketball. You guys have taught me a lot valuable of lesson on and off the court. Coach Todd, I remember as a freshman you told me and I quote” be a wet sponge and soak up as much information and use it to become a better basketball player.” I appreciate your words of guidance. Coach Biebel, I don’t know if I would even be called ‘Hot Rod’ if it wasn’t for you. I missed having two times with you during warm-ups this year but you had to do what’s best for you and your family. Coach Adam, I appreciate the encouragement you have given me throughout practices and games . I know you couldn’t be at all of them but I appreciate the times you did. Coach Kevin, you have always made yourself available to the team to either shoot or talk with and I appreciate that
To all of my teammates, thanks for all of the wonderful memories. I know with some of the freshman we didn’t get to hangout as much, but I wouldn’t take back a second with you guys. Every second with you guys has been priceless.
LaMonte: You are like the little brother I never had.. Keep your head up and become better as a basketball player and a person. Know that you can always voxer, text or call me anytime you got a problem. I know it can get rough but just keep a positive attitude and everything will work out for the best.
Brandon: You will always be my favorite freshman out of this class. You have been my side kick for most of this year second to LaMonte. You have a good head on your shoulders kid. My advice to you is to stay in that gym and listen to coach because he is only trying to make you better. You have a lot potential just keep working and P.S. treat my friend right or there will be problems.
Tim: I thought I lost you for a minute in Dy land but I see you decided to come back to earth for our senior year. You and your family have been amazing to me and my mom especially your dad, from getting me a job over the summers to playing in his summer league. I appreciate everything he has done. Love you Bro
Mike: I think we have become closer as friends after playing basketball with each other over the summer. I know I will always be able to have a home cook meal at your place in Lewiston.
Joe: I’m still waiting on you to come visit my family for Christmas or Thanksgiving. It’s ok if you are scared. Get healthy so I can see you play next season.
Tom: You have been a great friend and roommate. I appreciate all the times your parents let me stay at their house and all of the well cooked meals. Your stories are legendary kid. I heard there was a good basketball player at your high-school but I don’t think you have anything to worry about since you are the all-time leading scorer at Lourdes.
Kevin: You are a mess. I have never met someone as sarcastic as you. I believe you can play college basketball, just keep working hard.
Josh: I felt like we grew over the years. At first I thought you didn’t like me but now I see we have something’s in common. I just know if I am in dire need of some candy or seeds I know you will have some. I am also waiting for my initiation to the 32 flavors club.
Pat: I have never met someone who ate, slept, and dreamed basketball as much as you. You have been a great captain and leader for this team on an off the court.
Ben: There are more people on my block then in Wabasha alone. I hope you can get the chance to visit Chicago so you will know how it feels to be in buzzed into a barbershop. Keep working hard on your game, you can only go up from here.
Evan: Little Fella. You have a brighter future ahead of you at Saint Mary’s. I’m going to miss going to see your boy Brons play. Big favor, hold me a ticket for one of those Badgers games.
Tyler: Pretty Boy. I will be back to cat daddy with you. Oh, and
remind me I have a whole bunch of AXE hair gel that I have to give you after the game. Ha.
Preston: I was in your shoes freshman year and I know they are rough but at the end the hard work and positive attitude pays off. Just keep your head up.
Rubberneck: You will always be a better than average manger in my book. ZOOONKS!!!!
Jake: I’m going to miss talking to you about Illinois basketball and football. I guess you will have to talk to Joe now.
Gary, Pat, Murph, Ryan, Eric, Sweeney, Knights Twins, Bruno, Will, DJ, Sims, Demarques, James, Sims, Zach, Chris, Boots, - Thanks for being a part of my Saint Mary’s basketball career
Lukas: I don’t know what happen to us. Freshman and sophomore year we rarely spoke but junior year we became best friends. We have so many memories that I don’t know where to start. You have been the big brother I needed at Saint Mary’s. I know I can go to you for anything. I am looking forward to visiting you soon in Hollywood.
My life at Saint Mary’s has been one experience that has made me into the man that you see today. Although basketball has been a large and an important part of my life in my four years at Saint Mary’s here and that is now coming to an end, I am sure the friendships I made through on this journey will never be forgotten. Thank you to all who were involved and kept me motivated in my journey. |
