Contact:
Terry Spicer

tspicer@shawu.edu

Reigning 4-Peat CIAA Champions Face A Little Rain

Charlotte, NC - (February 28, 2007) A place of unfamiliarity and hurt; this is where the current defending 4-Peat CIAA Champions from Shaw University find themselves. Losing the first game at the 62 Annual CIAA Tournament against Johnson C. Smith was perhaps unfathomable. When the players from both schools took to the court, it appeared like a rematch of the championship game from 2006. The intensity was in the arena as the ball went up and the teams took to their respective modes of defense and offense. Fans from both institutions were ready to cheer their respective team on to victory. Fans from other institutions were ready to cheer on Johnson C. Smith with the hope that the impossible could be made real.

Johnson C. Smith led for most of the game and as the clock was winding down, Shaw players, coaches, alumni and friends realized for the first time that there would be a new champion. Members of the audience from other institutions said things like, "It's about time we get a new champion." Or they said, "I'm glad that we will see a different set of teams in the finals." Truth be told, those comments fell on aching ears but immediately the last four years of grandeur came rushing right back to the forefront of the genuine hearts and minds of the Shaw Family. The true spirit of these CHAMPIONS could not be defined by this loss; even though it was a significant loss to the Lady Bears.

Yes, there were multiple turnovers and opportunities to convert points but the mistakes made on the court cannot replace the example that these young ladies have been to countless institutions, even their opponents. Yes, they could have done several things differently on the court to better position themselves, but the community service that the Lady Bears have performed by reading to elementary school children have aided in the process of better positioning our youth with understanding the call to community, duty and education. They are scholars and have been recognized by the CIAA for their commitment to excellence off the court. Yes, they could have gotten more rebounds but the joy that they have given to the sporting world is more bountiful than anyone in the CIAA, NCAA and any other conference for the last four years running. Shaw Family, they are still our CHAMPIONS! The greatest in the history of the CIAA!!!!!

The locker room was a sad place filled with tears and immeasurable disappointment. Head Coach Jacques Curtis, flanked by his coaching staff, Assistant Coaches LaTasha Shipman, Charisse Perry and Ebony Tanner said to the players, "We will be back next year. You have to work hard on and off season to take care of your bodies because basketball is a full-time commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that we are the Champions next year!" Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of Shaw University said, "I know this hurts and it should. Use this loss as a stepping stone to position yourselves back in the winning circle next year. The Shaw Family is proud of you and I am too!" Coach Al Carter, Director of Athletics and current President of the CIAA stated, "Much has been said but I am still proud of all that you have done to represent Shaw University. Work hard and get into your books and come back next year. I love you. I love you." Dr. Joseph Bell, Board of Trustee member said, "I think just as much of you as I have the last four years running; that has not changed. You are still Champions!" Coach Dianthia Ford-Kee, Senior Woman Administrator and Assistant Director of Athletics rounded out the commentary with this profound statement, "We have seen the sun for the last four years and your tears represent the rain that we are experiencing tonight. Some of the time there has to be a little rain in your life but the sun will shine again on the Lady Bears of Shaw University!"

The teams and coaches listened and then in unison with joined hearts and hands reaching towards the sky, we all stated the Lord's Prayer. We all left the locker room to allow the Lady Bears time for reflection and quiet.

Our hearts are a little sad, but even this morning the sun is shining brightly and intently here in Charlotte, NC. It is a wonderful reminder that the sun will shine on the Lady Bears again and there is no doubt that they will be back at that place of familiarity and respect; in the winning circle of honor. We salute every hour of practice, commitment, fortitude, injury and everything else that has collectively made the Lady Bears the 4-Peat Champions of the CIAA. We will wipe your tears and comfort you but don't cry for long. Hold your heads high because we are proud of you and yes, we will see you there next year!

"Strides to Excellence: Only the Best!"