Kirkwood Community College fans, athletes and their families came together at Johnson Hall on April 1 to celebrate the men’s basketball team’s fourth National Championship.
On display were the team trophies for the NJCAA North Central Championship, Region 11 Championship and the Division II National Championship. Also on display were Head Coach Tim Sandquist’s District and National Tournament Coach of the Year awards.
Athletic Director Todd Rima kicked off the celebration by saying it’s the fourth year in a row that Kirkwood has brought home a national championship. “No team has won more tournament games or has been to as many final fours than the Kirkwood Eagles,” Rima noted. “And KCC Athletics is currently tied for the most national championships in the nation.”
Before introducing the men’s basketball team, Rima took time to honor the women’s basketball team. The team finished 4th in the nation and had held a 54-game winning streak before suffering a defeat in the national tournament semi-finals.
After the men’s basketball team introduction, Rima recognized college administration, instructors and staff, along with player parents, cheerleaders, the Eagles Nest and Kirkwood’s athletic trainers for their support throughout the season.
He then noted the men’s team’s individual efforts during the tournament, recalling several pivotal plays during their march to the title. There were plenty of accolades to go around as the victory was a total team effort. Rima gave special recognition to Lucas Lueth’s tournament MVP award.
Kirkwood President Kristie Fisher spoke next. She expressed the school’s pride in the college’s athletic program, then congratulated the men’s team on their success while noting how much fun it was to watch them play.
Sandquist followed the president. He expressed thanks to his wife and family for their sacrifice and support and echoed Rima’s thanks for the Kirkwood organization’s support. With respect to his assistant coaching staff, Sandquist noted their dedication. “If it wasn’t for their love of the guys, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Sandquist then turned his focus to his team. “Our team welcomed diversity and fought through adversity,” he said.
Sandquist then quoted Cesare Pavese, the Italian novelist, who said “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Sandquist then told the crowd that his team had a moment that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Two players came to the podium to add their thoughts. Traijan Sain recalled two moments that were key to his development. During his first practice, he was asked to do a difficult lift in the weight room. He couldn’t do it but he refused to stop trying until the coach told him to stop. Afterward, he said he couldn’t let it go.
Over the coming days, he kept at it until he could finally do the lift. “That experience taught me to never quit,” said Sain.
He also learned the meaning of accountability after arriving late for a film session. “I didn’t complain when I earned extra work for being late,” he said.
Lucas Lueth followed Sain and expressed his affection for his team. “They made me a better person, both on and off the court,” said Lueth.
Rima wrapped up speaker comments by telling the team, “You’re forever Eagles and forever champions.”
Categories: Basketball, Campus News, News, Sports
