Coming out of high school, I never would have expected my four years of college basketball to go to the way that they did. Two of my seasons were ended by injury, with an assortment of other injuries and sicknesses that held me out of games and practices. Until college, I had never experienced a situation that would keep me from being able to be on the court every day with my teammates. The great thing about it though, is that I have had the greatest support from my family, friends, teammates, and coaches through all of my hardships as well as my successes. The one thing I am most proud of is that through all of the things I have gone through the last four years, I was able to push through it all and finish what I started. The other four seniors too, should be proud of this, as they have gone through many things that could have easily led them to quit as well. Coach Todd asked the seniors before the season what legacy we were going to leave when we were done. Our legacy is not anything that we can leave in the stat books or see in the banners hanging in the gyms. Our legacy is one that can be an example for any incoming player, or even any student on campus. The legacy that we leave as a group of five people that have gone through injury, sickness, loss, struggles with school, family, friends and basketball is that we NEVER gave up and never quit. We stuck together and pushed through anything and everything which has made us better people. Basketball is not always about wins and losses, although most people only recognize it that way. In my book, there were no losses. Why? Because the amazing friendships I have made, as well as the experiences I have had to use in the “real world” outweigh any win or loss in a basketball game. I am walking away with a perfect record and I hope the other four seniors see it that way as well.
I want to thank a few people that have been such great support for me. First of all, my family has been my biggest supporters and biggest fans. My dad has always been my biggest motivator. No matter how good or bad I do, he always has more that I can do to continue to be better. This is not limited to basketball. I continue to be a better person off the court because he has always stressed that you can always do something more. I am sure he thinks I am sick of it (and I probably act that way) but I would not be the person I am today had I not been pushed to be a better person and a better basketball player. My mom is by far my biggest fan. Any game she could make it to, she made sure she was there all the way back since travelling ball. If she couldn’t, she made sure my dad bought her a nice big TV to plug her computer into so she could watch the games online ;). My mom gets to have the most pride in the family though, because my basketball talents definitely came from her. (my dad was on the bad side—hockey). She also has the firey attitude that has pushed me to compete in anything I do. Not only have I had to compete in athletics, but I now get to use that attitude to compete in the real world as well. My brother has been great support for me as well. I am lucky to have a sibling that I get along with and enjoy being around. I am hopeful that the “dumb jock” in the family was able to set a good example and be a good role model for his future. Thank you guys for everything you have done, I love you more than you know!
Second, thank you to Brittany and her family. Who would have thought, a hockey player and a basketball player?? You have been great supporters and have been like a second family to me. I really appreciate how helpful and caring you have always been to me.
Next, I want to thank my teammates and coaches. I have made some great friendships through basketball that I will be able to carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you to my current teammates:
Tombo- Always remember that coach told you that you can park anywhere, it will save you some parking fees later on in life. Also, if we already have a guy in center field, there is no need to run out there. Does your finger hurt?
The Murricane- The greatest story teller I know. The one thing I have on you is that my beard is superior to yours. I just hope that your bedroom doors are “Tom-proofed” after this year. The movies rated 10 on your IMBD account are awful, but I still think you would be a great manager at Family Video
Big Mike- I am taking credit for some of your 1,000 points. Also, some of your turnovers as well. I think I had as many passes off of your feet as I did to your hands. I would take you over the Zeller brothers any day though.
BT- I am glad you came back to join us this year. Go Bulls, right? Good luck on the second edition of your book, Mr. Author
E-bug- I’ve been working on my “Evan crossover” somebody has to do it, right? ZOMBS!!!
Ben- What up Free! T.I. next weekend? Put the hatch on the bus, who needs knuckles?
T-Flem- Bro, thanks for suiting up this time, I’ll make sure the ice bath is still running.
Brandon- ACL buddies! I only wish in my rehab they taught me how to make half court shots.
Preston- Here we go, I said I would do this! Preston, Prescott, Dale, Chip, Golden Eye, Niper, Austin, Gabe, Wilbur, Cal, Ernie, Bert. Sickest left-hand in-out dribble I’ve ever seen. Joe V Prescott, movies on TV. Joe-3 Prescott-2
Will- If I was you, I would have thrown Evan through a wall 5 or 6 times by now.
Mark- My favorite priest. Tom and I will always be thankful for the hand in cards you blessed for us, 12 out of 13 tricks. Your fun run skills are lacking, maybe your character has size 17 feet too?
Sean- Board shorts are out of style. Make sure to bleach your hair next time. Teach me how to surf someday, not in the ocean though, sharks will get ya.
Johnnie- Don’t forget, the bus always leaves a couple minutes early.
Trent- I’m glad the ceilings in the gym are high enough for you. Emphasize those chest passes, they are key! Who is Lucas, anyway?
John- Speak up! One day, I hope to find out why everything is so funny.
Jake- DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA bears da cubs da hawks da sox da bulls
Kevin and Sam- Miss you both, the team get together awaits both of your arrivals
And thank you to my past teammates, who have been great friends and great people to look up to on and/or off the court: Pat Freeman, Tim Kunkel, Gary Seifert, Pat Connolly, Lukas Holland, Will Wright, Ryan Wockenfus, Matt Murphy, Rod Goolsby and Matt Rebernick.
Coach Todd- Thank you for all of the knowledge you have given me in basketball, class, and off the court/classroom. You have been a huge help to me and I would like to believe my professional career may not have gotten started where it did without your help. I really appreciate all the time and effort you put in to my development as a person, as well as all the support you have given to me throughout my time here on and off the court.
Coach Kevin- Before I got here, I thought my basketball IQ was pretty high. I definitely changed my mind within the first couple weeks of hearing you talk basketball. Your understanding of the game and how players and plays work is unreal. I can only hope to understand the game that well through my coaching career.
Coach Adam- Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to getting me to come to SMU. I think you were at more of my high school games than a lot of my friends! Go Select!!!
Coach Biebel- Thank you for your knowledge and intensity you brought to every practice. Practices and games were always high energy because you would not let them be anything other than that. I would definitely take you over Joe in a fight any day.
Bill- Thanks for putting up with me for four years with all of this nonsense. I know you loved hanging out with me every day. I hope that one day I will come back to SMU and see that you have finally had that TV installed. And no, I do not have any anxiety problems.
Lastly, thank you to all the fans we have had. I love to admit that the crazy fans in the front row at every game are all guys that I have been roommates with or have been close friends with. Yes, including the “DRIBBLE, DRIBBLE, DRIBBLE, THINKING ABOUT IT…” and “SHORT!!! SHORT!!! SHORT!!!” guy (Andrew Rangitsch, for those that didn’t know who it was). Basketball games are so much more fun and exciting to play in when you have great fans in the building with you. The biggest thank you goes to Ann Merchlewitz, who adopted our team. Our biggest supporter at the school, who even cheered for Saint Mary’s when we played against her alma mater!
Thank you again to everyone who has been a part of my college basketball journey. I am glad I got to have such a great experience with so many great people. Basketball might be over, but I have memories for a lifetime, and that’s all that really matters.
FAMILY! |
