Hope Springs Eternal

On Saturday I saw the biggest, brightest rainbow I have ever seen in the High Country. It extended from Tynecastle to Grandfather Mountain with such vibrant colors traffic was stopping to take pictures to capture the moment.

About 30 minutes prior to that sighting, our women’s lacrosse team hosted Newberry College, and we came away with our first win of the year. It has been a tough year for the young women, but they have showed remarkable resilience and a great deal of class. Despite the torrential downfall of rain, they played with passion leading to a very nice St. Patrick’s Day win!

My next door neighbor is a senior women’s lacrosse player and the smiles of her and her teammates were priceless. Knowing they had persevered and stayed the course made them so pleased, ecstatic, overjoyed, proud along with every other positive emotion known to mankind.

Our field looked like it might have had the Loch Ness monster somewhere amongst the lakes formed from the rainfall, but it did not hinder the young women and their desire to capture a victory.

For me, it was a great time to see folks come together for a cause. The parents were there proud of their daughters, Coach Wagner was glad to get a win, Coach Binder was proud to see the progress of the team, our staff was hoping for dry clothes, and the fans who stuck it out were glad they were there to show support.

My point is this, Lees-McRae has a lot of rallying cries, and for this I am truly proud. We have overcome adversity and seen what can happen if we have faith.

Continued faith will bring about results, and for this I am thankful for your support.

It all makes me smile, just like that rainbow did.

Until next time,

Craig

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A Day in the Life of a Bobcat Student-Athlete

Junior Jeremiah Henry (left) earned his first career all-Conference Carolinas honors this season.

Dear Bobcat Nation -

On Tuesday of this week, I tried to put myself into the role of what it is like to be a Lees-McRae College student-athlete. I traveled with the men’s basketball team to their first round Conference Carolinas playoff game against Mount Olive College.

I have chronicled this journey to put it into perspective of what it is like to be a student-athlete. From the commitment to the dedication, trips like these build character.

7:00 a.m. – I woke up and went for a run, followed by breakfast.

8:00 a.m. – in the office, checking emails, returning phone calls and meeting with some key members of our athletic department.

9:00 a.m. – posted some info and pictures on Facebook

9:15 a.m. – went to check the game field for the afternoon’s women’s lacrosse game

9:45 a.m. – went to campus for a meeting, then checked mail for the department

10:30 a.m. – met with coaches to go over plans for spring break

11:30 a.m. – boarded the bus

2:00 p.m. – watched my 4th consecutive ESPN Sportscenter and began to contemplate food options.

3:30 p.m. – 7th ESPN Sportscenter was interrupted by Golden Corral in Smithfield, NC!!

5:00 p.m. – arrival in Mount Olive, NC

5:30 p.m. – met with Mount Olive College Athletic Director Jeff Eisen and he provided me with free popcorn and drink!

6:00 p.m. – tour of campus, followed by locker room speech from Coach Polsgrove

7:00 p.m. – tip off

7:30 p.m. – half-time and another free popcorn and drink!

9:00 p.m. – game over, we fell short in our attempt to advance.

9:15 p.m. – Gideon’s host parents brought cookies, 1st chocolate chip, then snickerdoodles!

9:45 p.m. – Gas station Subway for a February $5 foot-long.

11:00 p.m. – 3rd ESPN evening edition of Sportscenter

12:00 a.m. – Winston-Salem and Haynes Mall – delirium has set in as I have watched University of Indiana versus Michigan State highlights 5 times already.

1:30 a.m. – Two-story Wendy’s means one thing, Boone!

2:00 a.m. – Williams Center parking lot

2:30 a.m. – I climb into bed.

Now for most this would have been an opportunity to sleep in, but for the student-athletes at Lees-McRae this was mid-term week, so the alarms were set early as 8 a.m. exams were scheduled.

These young men made it to their mid-terms and did well on them from what I have heard from our faculty.

It takes something special to be special and I think we have it. Our young men and women are dedicated student-athletes looking to be the best in and out of the classroom.

Until next time,

Craig

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