It was a emotional evening on Senior Night for the DePaul Prep Rams mens’ basketball team on Friday. Well, at least for me it was. After the game, the team did not immediately retreat to the locker room. They stayed on the court. Visited with each other, fellow students and their families, taking photos.
I don’t remember seeing that in the past absent a trophy presentation and cutting down of nets.
Maybe it was just emotional for me. This is a special group of seniors. They have won a state championship every year of high school. This unique accomplishment doesn’t seem lost on them, or me. It’s a special thing.
It’s particularly special for me. I remember the days when Tom Kleinschmidt took over the basketball team. There were times when they had .500 records.
I remember one particular game late in one such season. It was one of the Coach’s first seasons. They were playing Francis Parker at Francis Parker late on a Saturday afternoon. The Rams were struggling against a team that they should beat.
At some point, the Coach just took over, calling times out, yelling instructions. Everyone in the gym quieted down, paying attention to the Coach’s instructions. Frankly, I don’t remember who won. I just remember the players being more afraid of disobeying the Coach than they were of the other team.
Three state championships in we are a long way from that now. A fourth championship is a distinct possibility. I would not want to be Benet having to face these Rams again.
The good thing is, at least it is for me, that the specialness of all this not lost on this special group. I think it motivates them.
Go Rams!
