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2012: Nothin’ But Tech WINTER 2012
WVU TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL
REVIEW
21-8 overall, 14-2 at home, 7-6 away, and the BEST in the Mid-South Conference: 14-4 ...Character defining moments happen when your back is against the wall... It would be an understatement to say the WVU Tech athletic program knows adversity. What can’t be understated is how the department and its teams have approached the NAIA’s decision to ban the Golden Bears from all post-season play due to their application to return to NCAA Division II membership.
they were invisible in the eyes of the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference.
The Golden Bears defeated four teams ranked in the Top 25 this season.
This fall, seven seniors on the men’s basketball team received the same news every other program at Tech was receiving: They would be playing with no chance of competing for a national championship, individual awards or a conference championship. In effect, Coach Bob Williams speaks with a reporter after victory over Shawnee State Univ. that clinched the best regular season MSC record.
The seven seniors, their team, and the athletic department had many choices to make, none were simple. Should they fold and take the easy way out? Should they transfer and have an opportunity to play for a Championship?
The athletic department made their move, announcing Tech had applied for, and was accepted as provisional members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. As provisional members of the USCAA, Tech’s student-athletes would have the opportunity to be recognized for awards individually. Director of Athletics Frank Pergolizzi also made it clear to all teams that the University would not hesitate to recognize their own. The men’s basketball team responded. Coach Bob Williams, his staff and team made the decision to be seen this season. And they did it by accomplishing something the program hadn’t been able to do since joining the MSC six years ago. They compiled the best regular season record against MSC teams -- and they did it with a game to spare.
Did you know: Senior guard Donald Robinson led Tech in scoring with 15.8 ppg AND ranked 12th in the NAIA in 3-point shooting percentage (44%) as well as 19th in Field Goal percentage (55%).
The Beginning
Some Refining Required...
Every story has a starting point... It’s September in Montgomery. Students and student-athletes are just beginning to settle into their new routines on the Tech campus. For many, that means rolling out of bed just in time for their 8:00am class. For the men’s basketball team, that means waking up around 5:30am for an early morning preseason session with assistant coach, Adam Williams. 7:30am: The Baisi Center awakens...
On the third floor, the windows are open. The freshly waxed hallway floors grab the rubber soles of passers by, slowing each one down just long enough to hear the booming voices of the men’s basketball coaching staff. It’s another group of individual workouts, where one by one, student-athlete by student-athlete, correction after correction, blister by blister and stone by stone, the foundation of the season is created. The mortar of the story... It’s spot check time. Despite getting up early and working hard, Golden Bears have to go to class. The men’s coaching staff is out prowling the academic buildings, peaking in to make sure their guys are present, paying attention and sitting in one of the front three rows. No hats? Check. No cell phones? Check. Awake? Check. Success in the classroom is just as important for the men’s basketball team as hard work and talent. Without it, the latter doesn’t matter.
Being the “Best” means you have to beat the best... The men’s basketball team had their sights set on being the best since the conclusion of last season. Coach Bob Williams made sure to have a challenging mix in the first ten games of the season, scheduling three games against WVIAC opponents, two against NCAA DI opponents and two against ranked MidSouth Conference opponents.
WVU
TECH
Much is often said about first impressions 11 20 and their effect on shaping the future. The Golden Bears did everything they could with their first game of the season, pulling out a 96-83 victory in the Neal D. Baisi Athletic Center. Three days later, Tech traveled south and had the University of Central Florida on the ropes before falling 81-66. UCF went on to 1-
All day long....
Tech went 7-3 in their first 10 games, 2-1 against MSC opponents and 3-0 against teams that were previous rivals of the Golden Bears in the WVIAC.
191
The administrative suite next to the weight room begins to welcome its inhabitants. As they enter the long blue and white tiled hall, weights hitting the floor and words of encouragement echo through it. Clapping and cheers chase the administrators into their offices. The men’s basketball team is wrapping up their first practice of the day in the weight room.
finish their regular season with a 20-9 record. Tech bounced back three days later with a 112-98 overtime win against Salem International at home and a 103-96 overtime victory at Concord. Yes, the same Concord team that nearly made it to the WVIAC Tournament finals. A quick 96-56 defeat of OSU-Newark and Tech was on their way to a pair of split road decisions against MSC contenders, #17 St. Catharine (83-79) and Campbellsville (65-76). The team would eclipse the century mark for the third time in November with a 117-73 win over Kentucky Christian then take care of Rio Grande with a 92-56 v i c t o r y b e f o re b e i n g tripped up by Coppin State, 68-77. The Golden Bears had sent a message in their first ten games of the season. They had found a reason to play, and it had a lot to do with character, passion and tradition.
Being Recognized
A Grueling
A new look, a new affiliation No matter how polite or humble the student-athletes at Tech are off the court, deep inside each one burns a competitive fire. That is a big reason why they are here, wearing blue and gold. Part of the fuel that stokes that fire is recognition beyond a pat on the back for tasks mastered, and jobs well done. The USCAA helped to provide that fuel for Tech this season.
Stretch...
The Tech athletic department also began recognizing student-athletes who represented Tech with outstanding performances with the Student-Athlete of the Week award. A male and a female winner has been highlighted every Tuesday on the Golden Bears’ athletic website beginning in the fall. USCAA Recognizes Two from Tech Seniors Donald Robinson and Eddie Hayden each were chosen by their USCAA peers as Players of the Week this season. Robinson scored 51 points over a three game stretch to help his team finish the week 2-1. Hayden was selected a month later when he scored 50 points and pulled in 33 rebounds in three games. His performance was also voted as the most impressive performance of the week in the USCAA. The outstanding list of WVU Tech’s Student-Athletes of the Week: David Rawlinson - 11/27/2011 Josh Proctor - 12/18/2011 Eddie Hayden - 1/3/2012 Eddie Hayden - 1/10/2012 Eddie Hayden - 1/17/2012 Donald Robinson - 1/24/2012 Josh Proctor - 2/1/2012 Rahshon Tabb - 2/14/2012
It takes a village.... “The team deserves kudos as its success was rallied around by the student body and the Montgomery community. The team was the center of much publicity in the Valley as well. Great job guys… thanks for the memories!” -- WVU Tech head coach, Bob Williams.
Over the next ten games, the Golden Bears would face Marshall and five NAIA teams that were either ranked, or received votes -- including #2, Mountain State.
...The climb is just beginning...
Georgetown would hand Tech their seventh loss of the season, 81-93, completing round one of Mid-South play.
Things would ...It’s down hill .....In our men’s basketball program, we begin to really heat up from here... emphasize academics first and foremost. in the second stretch
Our players are required to attend class, of ten games, and the
With 10 be on time, sit in the front 3 rows, take Golden Bears would games remaining in their hats off, put cell phones away, be start out with a 104-64 the season, the respectful of other students, and be an rout of Cincinnati Golden Bears were organized student. We also stress to our Christian in the Baisi heading into a stretch players that they are all competitive Classic. But the that would have Tech athletes, so transfer your competitive Golden Bears would face ranked nature into the classroom and compete hit a speed bump after opponents in three of for high grades. Don’t just get by, or don’t the holiday when they their next five home just do enough to be eligible to play lost to #2 Mountain games. sports. Stay on track to graduate in 4 State in the Capital
Winning on years..... City Showcase 87-71, the road in the MSC and then to Concord is difficult. Winning at home, 87-83. on the road in the MSC late in the season is
However, Tech would quickly even harder. Tech would take care of right their ship with a pair of victories business though, defeating #12 Lindsey against #16 Lindsey Wilson and #12 Wilson in overtime (96-93), Cumberlands Cumberlands in the Baisi Center. The (80-71) and #22 Pikeville (82-78). Golden Bears would take down Shawnee
The strong finish set the stage for State and defending National Champs, the Golden Bears to lock up a regular Pikeville, 78-68, and 76-67. season title at home against Shawnee State.
The seventh ranked Tigers from
Twenty-Two Years in the Making...
"It was really a special season for me personally and a special season for Tech. Our student body fell in love with the team and it was an exciting season." -- Eddie Hayden
...Lucky Number Seven... Shawnee State University traveled to Montgomery, W. Va. for their final game against the Golden Bears for the 2012 season. Tech had just strung together seven s t r a i g h t v i c t o r i e s ove r M i d - S o u t h Conference opponents to put the team in a position to secure the best regular season record in the MSC with a victory over Shawnee State. Even more impressive, the Golden Bears could lock in the regular season title (unofficially) without even playing their final Mid-South game against Georgetown College. Earlier in the season, SSU and Tech met in Portsmouth, Ohio, and were separated by just nine points. While this meeting was in Montgomery, Shawnee State gave it their best shot to upset the Golden Bears at home, staying within striking distance until the final ten minutes of the game. Thanks to a late game run sparked by senior guard, Donald Robinson, the Golden Bears would earn the title “Best in the MSC” with a 70-56 decision. Unofficial or not, the team, student body
and athletic department all joined in the celebration of the first men’s basketball championship in twenty-two years. ...A Bitter Sweet Ending... Every team has a rival. Every team has that one matchup every year that they circle on their calendars. Since joining the Mid-South Conference, the men’s basketball team had not beaten Georgetown College. With the regular season title all wrapped up, Tech had the opportunity to take care of some unfinished business and add an exclamation point to a unique season. After everything the Golden Bears had accomplished this season, there was simply some unfinished business with the Tigers. In what may be the final game ever between the two teams, in a game that would mean essentially nothing in the world of championships, Georgetown and Tech traded dunks, turnovers, fouls, sweat and hustle one final time -- neither team held anything back. When the dust settled, and the final horn sounded, it was Georgetown who would walk away with an 82-74 victory.
“Even though we haven’t been playing for anything, we’ve tried to play with pride and heart. Really, you should play for the love of the game. That’s what it’s all about” -- Donald Robinson.
Not only did Tech secure the best record in the MSC and win the Neal D. Baisi Classic matchup as a team; one Golden Bear won on a more personal level. Senior Ben Shannon proposed to his longtime girlfriend at mid-court prior to the team’s 104-64 Baisi Classic victory -- she said yes!
...A Lesson in Sport...
Seniors Josh Proctor and Josh Striker celebrate after locking down Tech’s first regular season Championship in twenty-two years. The Golden Bears finished the year with a 21-8 overall record and 14-4 mark against Mid-South Conference teams.
Maybe it’s the nature of athletics to coax amazing accomplishments out of young men and women. Maybe it is simply that sports provide a platform and opportunity for greatness. This fall the men’s basketball team was forced to look a little deeper and redefine the purpose of their season. In doing so, the Golden Bears seemed to return to the essence of what collegiate sport and being a student-athlete is supposed to be about.
Somewhere along the way their journey united the student body and their efforts spoke to a community in a way that hasn’t happened in Montgomery in recent memory. In sport, circumstances can change in an instant. What was once thought impossible is often proven possible, and more often than not, when a group is told they can’t -- they do. The accomplishments of this team, this season, effectively made the word “unofficial” before their Regular Season Champions title that much more remarkable. Try telling any member of the Tech community that what the men’s basketball team accomplished didn’t matter.
Every year, for every team, at the beginning of every season there is a platform waiting for someone to step up to it. This year, the Golden Bear men’s basketball team took one collective step onto that platform. And a community followed.
WVU TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL
REVIEW
21-8 overall, 14-2 at home, 7-6 away, and the BEST in the Mid-South Conference: 14-4 ...Character defining moments happen when your back is against the wall... It would be an understatement to say the WVU Tech athletic program knows adversity. What can’t be understated is how the department and its teams have approached the NAIA’s decision to ban the Golden Bears from all post-season play due to their application to return to NCAA Division II membership.
they were invisible in the eyes of the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference.
The Golden Bears defeated four teams ranked in the Top 25 this season.
This fall, seven seniors on the men’s basketball team received the same news every other program at Tech was receiving: They would be playing with no chance of competing for a national championship, individual awards or a conference championship. In effect, Coach Bob Williams speaks with a reporter after victory over Shawnee State Univ. that clinched the best regular season MSC record.
The seven seniors, their team, and the athletic department had many choices to make, none were simple. Should they fold and take the easy way out? Should they transfer and have an opportunity to play for a Championship?
The athletic department made their move, announcing Tech had applied for, and was accepted as provisional members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. As provisional members of the USCAA, Tech’s student-athletes would have the opportunity to be recognized for awards individually. Director of Athletics Frank Pergolizzi also made it clear to all teams that the University would not hesitate to recognize their own. The men’s basketball team responded. Coach Bob Williams, his staff and team made the decision to be seen this season. And they did it by accomplishing something the program hadn’t been able to do since joining the MSC six years ago. They compiled the best regular season record against MSC teams -- and they did it with a game to spare.
Did you know: Senior guard Donald Robinson led Tech in scoring with 15.8 ppg AND ranked 12th in the NAIA in 3-point shooting percentage (44%) as well as 19th in Field Goal percentage (55%).
The Beginning
Some Refining Required...
Every story has a starting point... It’s September in Montgomery. Students and student-athletes are just beginning to settle into their new routines on the Tech campus. For many, that means rolling out of bed just in time for their 8:00am class. For the men’s basketball team, that means waking up around 5:30am for an early morning preseason session with assistant coach, Adam Williams. 7:30am: The Baisi Center awakens...
On the third floor, the windows are open. The freshly waxed hallway floors grab the rubber soles of passers by, slowing each one down just long enough to hear the booming voices of the men’s basketball coaching staff. It’s another group of individual workouts, where one by one, student-athlete by student-athlete, correction after correction, blister by blister and stone by stone, the foundation of the season is created. The mortar of the story... It’s spot check time. Despite getting up early and working hard, Golden Bears have to go to class. The men’s coaching staff is out prowling the academic buildings, peaking in to make sure their guys are present, paying attention and sitting in one of the front three rows. No hats? Check. No cell phones? Check. Awake? Check. Success in the classroom is just as important for the men’s basketball team as hard work and talent. Without it, the latter doesn’t matter.
Being the “Best” means you have to beat the best... The men’s basketball team had their sights set on being the best since the conclusion of last season. Coach Bob Williams made sure to have a challenging mix in the first ten games of the season, scheduling three games against WVIAC opponents, two against NCAA DI opponents and two against ranked MidSouth Conference opponents.
WVU
TECH
Much is often said about first impressions 11 20 and their effect on shaping the future. The Golden Bears did everything they could with their first game of the season, pulling out a 96-83 victory in the Neal D. Baisi Athletic Center. Three days later, Tech traveled south and had the University of Central Florida on the ropes before falling 81-66. UCF went on to 1-
All day long....
Tech went 7-3 in their first 10 games, 2-1 against MSC opponents and 3-0 against teams that were previous rivals of the Golden Bears in the WVIAC.
191
The administrative suite next to the weight room begins to welcome its inhabitants. As they enter the long blue and white tiled hall, weights hitting the floor and words of encouragement echo through it. Clapping and cheers chase the administrators into their offices. The men’s basketball team is wrapping up their first practice of the day in the weight room.
finish their regular season with a 20-9 record. Tech bounced back three days later with a 112-98 overtime win against Salem International at home and a 103-96 overtime victory at Concord. Yes, the same Concord team that nearly made it to the WVIAC Tournament finals. A quick 96-56 defeat of OSU-Newark and Tech was on their way to a pair of split road decisions against MSC contenders, #17 St. Catharine (83-79) and Campbellsville (65-76). The team would eclipse the century mark for the third time in November with a 117-73 win over Kentucky Christian then take care of Rio Grande with a 92-56 v i c t o r y b e f o re b e i n g tripped up by Coppin State, 68-77. The Golden Bears had sent a message in their first ten games of the season. They had found a reason to play, and it had a lot to do with character, passion and tradition.
Being Recognized
A Grueling
A new look, a new affiliation No matter how polite or humble the student-athletes at Tech are off the court, deep inside each one burns a competitive fire. That is a big reason why they are here, wearing blue and gold. Part of the fuel that stokes that fire is recognition beyond a pat on the back for tasks mastered, and jobs well done. The USCAA helped to provide that fuel for Tech this season.
Stretch...
The Tech athletic department also began recognizing student-athletes who represented Tech with outstanding performances with the Student-Athlete of the Week award. A male and a female winner has been highlighted every Tuesday on the Golden Bears’ athletic website beginning in the fall. USCAA Recognizes Two from Tech Seniors Donald Robinson and Eddie Hayden each were chosen by their USCAA peers as Players of the Week this season. Robinson scored 51 points over a three game stretch to help his team finish the week 2-1. Hayden was selected a month later when he scored 50 points and pulled in 33 rebounds in three games. His performance was also voted as the most impressive performance of the week in the USCAA. The outstanding list of WVU Tech’s Student-Athletes of the Week: David Rawlinson - 11/27/2011 Josh Proctor - 12/18/2011 Eddie Hayden - 1/3/2012 Eddie Hayden - 1/10/2012 Eddie Hayden - 1/17/2012 Donald Robinson - 1/24/2012 Josh Proctor - 2/1/2012 Rahshon Tabb - 2/14/2012
It takes a village.... “The team deserves kudos as its success was rallied around by the student body and the Montgomery community. The team was the center of much publicity in the Valley as well. Great job guys… thanks for the memories!” -- WVU Tech head coach, Bob Williams.
Over the next ten games, the Golden Bears would face Marshall and five NAIA teams that were either ranked, or received votes -- including #2, Mountain State.
...The climb is just beginning...
Georgetown would hand Tech their seventh loss of the season, 81-93, completing round one of Mid-South play.
Things would ...It’s down hill .....In our men’s basketball program, we begin to really heat up from here... emphasize academics first and foremost. in the second stretch
Our players are required to attend class, of ten games, and the
With 10 be on time, sit in the front 3 rows, take Golden Bears would games remaining in their hats off, put cell phones away, be start out with a 104-64 the season, the respectful of other students, and be an rout of Cincinnati Golden Bears were organized student. We also stress to our Christian in the Baisi heading into a stretch players that they are all competitive Classic. But the that would have Tech athletes, so transfer your competitive Golden Bears would face ranked nature into the classroom and compete hit a speed bump after opponents in three of for high grades. Don’t just get by, or don’t the holiday when they their next five home just do enough to be eligible to play lost to #2 Mountain games. sports. Stay on track to graduate in 4 State in the Capital
Winning on years..... City Showcase 87-71, the road in the MSC and then to Concord is difficult. Winning at home, 87-83. on the road in the MSC late in the season is
However, Tech would quickly even harder. Tech would take care of right their ship with a pair of victories business though, defeating #12 Lindsey against #16 Lindsey Wilson and #12 Wilson in overtime (96-93), Cumberlands Cumberlands in the Baisi Center. The (80-71) and #22 Pikeville (82-78). Golden Bears would take down Shawnee
The strong finish set the stage for State and defending National Champs, the Golden Bears to lock up a regular Pikeville, 78-68, and 76-67. season title at home against Shawnee State.
The seventh ranked Tigers from
Twenty-Two Years in the Making...
"It was really a special season for me personally and a special season for Tech. Our student body fell in love with the team and it was an exciting season." -- Eddie Hayden
...Lucky Number Seven... Shawnee State University traveled to Montgomery, W. Va. for their final game against the Golden Bears for the 2012 season. Tech had just strung together seven s t r a i g h t v i c t o r i e s ove r M i d - S o u t h Conference opponents to put the team in a position to secure the best regular season record in the MSC with a victory over Shawnee State. Even more impressive, the Golden Bears could lock in the regular season title (unofficially) without even playing their final Mid-South game against Georgetown College. Earlier in the season, SSU and Tech met in Portsmouth, Ohio, and were separated by just nine points. While this meeting was in Montgomery, Shawnee State gave it their best shot to upset the Golden Bears at home, staying within striking distance until the final ten minutes of the game. Thanks to a late game run sparked by senior guard, Donald Robinson, the Golden Bears would earn the title “Best in the MSC” with a 70-56 decision. Unofficial or not, the team, student body
and athletic department all joined in the celebration of the first men’s basketball championship in twenty-two years. ...A Bitter Sweet Ending... Every team has a rival. Every team has that one matchup every year that they circle on their calendars. Since joining the Mid-South Conference, the men’s basketball team had not beaten Georgetown College. With the regular season title all wrapped up, Tech had the opportunity to take care of some unfinished business and add an exclamation point to a unique season. After everything the Golden Bears had accomplished this season, there was simply some unfinished business with the Tigers. In what may be the final game ever between the two teams, in a game that would mean essentially nothing in the world of championships, Georgetown and Tech traded dunks, turnovers, fouls, sweat and hustle one final time -- neither team held anything back. When the dust settled, and the final horn sounded, it was Georgetown who would walk away with an 82-74 victory.
“Even though we haven’t been playing for anything, we’ve tried to play with pride and heart. Really, you should play for the love of the game. That’s what it’s all about” -- Donald Robinson.
Not only did Tech secure the best record in the MSC and win the Neal D. Baisi Classic matchup as a team; one Golden Bear won on a more personal level. Senior Ben Shannon proposed to his longtime girlfriend at mid-court prior to the team’s 104-64 Baisi Classic victory -- she said yes!
...A Lesson in Sport...
Seniors Josh Proctor and Josh Striker celebrate after locking down Tech’s first regular season Championship in twenty-two years. The Golden Bears finished the year with a 21-8 overall record and 14-4 mark against Mid-South Conference teams.
Maybe it’s the nature of athletics to coax amazing accomplishments out of young men and women. Maybe it is simply that sports provide a platform and opportunity for greatness. This fall the men’s basketball team was forced to look a little deeper and redefine the purpose of their season. In doing so, the Golden Bears seemed to return to the essence of what collegiate sport and being a student-athlete is supposed to be about.
Somewhere along the way their journey united the student body and their efforts spoke to a community in a way that hasn’t happened in Montgomery in recent memory. In sport, circumstances can change in an instant. What was once thought impossible is often proven possible, and more often than not, when a group is told they can’t -- they do. The accomplishments of this team, this season, effectively made the word “unofficial” before their Regular Season Champions title that much more remarkable. Try telling any member of the Tech community that what the men’s basketball team accomplished didn’t matter.
Every year, for every team, at the beginning of every season there is a platform waiting for someone to step up to it. This year, the Golden Bear men’s basketball team took one collective step onto that platform. And a community followed.
