If you asked me before I left on my trip to New Orleans what would be one thing I would love to experience while I was there, I would tell you, without a doubt, it would be the State Farm Slam Dunk & Three Pt. Championship!
It's the event I watch every year to kick off the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four. However, it's always through a television screen. This year, not so much.
I was near the front of the line at 7:00 pm, waiting for the doors to open with a media pass in hand. Yes, not only was I watching the Slam Dunk and 3 pt Championship LIVE, I was also taping and speaking with a former teammate, University of Toledo guard Courtney Ingersoll. She had earned herself a trip to compete in this prestigious contest just days before the Men's Final Four.
Now, most of Rocket Nation refers to Courtney as "Deuce." However, if you experienced what I did after that first round of the competition, you might think she earned herself a new nickname. Clutch. Score. Money Ball. TREY!
As it came down to the last two racks, she nailed just enough to earn herself a trip to the semis. One thing she could say about this type of competition, especially after that semi's is that shooting the three ball off racks, and under a time constraint, is very mental.
No other Mid-American Conference player (male or female) has ever made it to the semis in this particular competition. Courtney Ingersoll is now the first to do so and I think that speaks for itself.
If that doesn't tell you enough about the opportunity to just be a participant in this competition, I will be glad to share something else with you. As I sat in my seat that night, I had Rocket fans, family and friends texting my phone, sending me tweets, and even messages on Facebook telling me they were watching a Lady Rocket on ESPN. All I could do was smile.
As a former Lady Rocket myself, the pride and competitive attitude that is instilled in us as individuals on and off the floor is immeasurable, and Courtney Ingersoll is a prime example.
Even though the final result wasn't what she had hoped for, she represented Rocket Nation with the utmost pride and class; exactly what every university hopes to see from its student athletes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:10 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:10:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) has announced their All-Academic team and 31 Owens Community College student-athletes were featured on the list.
31 Owens student-athletes named to the All-Academic team.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:49:21 GMT
Aug. 29 – Thursday Liberty at Kent State, 6:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Illinois State at Ball State, 7:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Tulsa at Bowling Green, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU) Akron at Central Florida, TBA Aug. 30 –
MAC football kicks off Thursday August 29th, Bowling Green hosts Tulsa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:38:48 GMT
(Source: Michigan International Speedway) For the second year in a row, the NASCAR Foundation has recognized Michigan International Speedway's charitable and community efforts, naming the racetrack its
The NASCAR Foundation names MIS the "Track of the Year" for the second year in a row.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:35 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:35:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder at Ida, signs with the Express softball program
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder sign to play for Union College next season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:28 GMT
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension. In accordance
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:49:11 GMT
Rain began to fall at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night, causing a nearly 1 hour delay in the program. But a large crowd sat through the elements, and more fans came late as the Parts Galore School Bus
Rain began to fall at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night, causing a nearly 1 hour delay in the program. But a large crowd sat through the elements, and more fans came late as the Parts Galore School Bus Figure 8 races were not to be stopped!
Monday, June 17 2013 5:07 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:07:18 GMT
The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed TE Matt Veldman and released TE Dominique Curry. Contract terms were not disclosed. Veldman comes to Detroit after spending the 2012 season with
The Detroit Lions have signed TE Matt Veldman and released TE Dominique Curry. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:06:11 GMT
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274 with 17 runs, 34 hits, seven doubles,
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:05 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:05:12 GMT
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities Association (LCAA), All-District,
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities Association (LCAA), All-District, All-Region and All-Monroe County as a senior.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVG. All Rights Reserved.
