The Cowboys entered the College Basketball Invitational Finals, playing in a best two out of three series against Coastal Carolina University. Monday March 27th, the Cowboys played in Conway, SC in Game 1. The Cowboys had a tough loss of 81-91.
They returned home on Wednesday to play in game two. If the Cowboys lost, their season would be over and the Chanticleers would win the title. If they won the two team would move on to game three to decide who would win it all. But the Chanticleers had a huge hurdle in front of them. While both teams had to travel from South Carolina to Laramie, only one had to adjust to the altitude. With a home campus of just 33 feet in elevation, the Chanticleers would increase in elevation in 7187 feet. In addition, the Wyoming fan would show up in full force, students would be given free tickets, and the energy would be over the top. As the game started Wednesday night, the Cowboys came out full force. Taking advantage of the altitude, the Cowboys played a fast paced game and took an early lead. The Chanticleers had a hard time keeping up as players regularly had to leave the game to catch their breath and use the oxygen tank. After the half, the Cowboys took off, leaving CCU in the dust. They would take the win in game two, 81-57.
With the conclusion of game two, Coach Edwards took the mic. After thanking everyone for showing up, he challenged everyone to return Friday and to bring a friend with them. He then addressed the students, announcing that the first 250 student tickets were on him. Over the course of the next two days, an additional 400 student tickets were donated.
On to game three.
Friday would be a crazy day. While I may not have class on Friday, this was easily the busiest day of my week. I arrived at my coaches office around 9:30 for my internship and meet my coach at the stadium around 10:30. For the next four hours, I would be making trips back and forth between the field house and the Wildcatter Suites and the stadium in preparations for that night cheer banquet. At 2:30 I returned home to get ready. I got fully game day ready, packed a bag and got dressed. I met my parents and the craziness began. From 4-5:30 I had a Mortar Board Seniors Honor Society Initiation I had to attend. But the basketball game started at 5. Right after the initiation was over, we left and drove from campus to athletics. I quickly changed and meet my team on the court just before halftime.
As I entered the Arena Auditorium, I could hear the announcers over the speakers and the fans cheering. As I walked on to the court, with one minute left in the first half, I saw just how many fans had showed up. 6,321 fan had packed into the Dome of Doom. The students had use the donated tickets an the fans had returned with a friend. As the second half played out, the energy in the Arena grew. With every turn over, layup, three point, free throw and dunk, the fans got louder and louder and the Cowboys lead got bigger and bigger.
When the buzzer went off, the band played Cowboy Joe, the fans cheered, the students ran on the court and the celebration began. The Cowboys had won 83-59 and had won the CBI Tournament.
The trophies were presented, banner awarded, speeches made, and net cut down. The Cowboys would finish their season 23-15 overall, 19-3 at home, and one of only four teams to end their season with a win.
CBI Celebration
But my day was still not over yet. With the game ending at 7, I changed back into my dress and my parents and I headed over to the Wildcatter Suited and the stadium for our cheer banquet. We celebrated our great season and received awards. I could not have asked for a better way to end the month of March
Cheer Banquet Awards: 2016-2017 plaque, female game day award, Mountain West Conference Travel team, Poinsettia Bowl patch, three bars (for the past three years), Steamboat pin and flowers (for interning) and a beautiful bouquet from my grandparents.
Until next time,
Ashley
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