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 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 got 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
