Wake Hoops Still Unifies– 40 Years Later

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There’s still hope.

For us.

To make the March Madness tourney, which would jazz all of us, create parties, get-togethers, and upbeat fellowship.

Just when we were losing hope that this team could win another basketball game after succumbing to Carolina, Pitt, and NC State, we were brought back to life breathing easily again.

Because of what went down last night at the Joel Coliseum in wondrous Winston-Salem. Wake crushed Cuse by 30. Shot over 60 percent from the field — a swishfest. The artistic eye candy that is team basketball done right. Cam Hildreth is officially the leader of this team. Grinding through the game with a hurt arm, he pulled a double-double in points and rebounds.

This Brit is it. Full-on energy, intensity, and a ravenous rebounder despite only being 6 foot four. Every good basketball team needs a guy with this Brit’s grit.

So how are we supposed to feel emotionally now? Heartened this will start another winning streak. Or apprehensive we’ll get our hopes up again that these guys will make the Madness then just miss, again?

Our emotions need to be held in check in these mid-season ups and downs. They’re going to lose again, and win, but what will it all mean in the end? Will they make the field of 64? That is the question, the only question.

Plus this question: How come life seems to go so fast? That night at the game the Wake hoopers on the 1984 team that went to the Elite Eight were honored on the court during halftime. There he was, Chuck Kepley, a friend of mine while at Wake 40 years ago, a member of that team. He had black hair back then. It’s now gray. Chuck – a good guy. I always have liked him. Had a sweet jumper.

There were Danny Green and Anthony Teachey, two guys I took a communications class with 40 years ago, who starred on that team.

Now older, walking more slowly, all those aging men who used to be Division 1 basketball players, are back to rekindle the spirit they had upsetting DePaul.

Earlier that evening I was out at dinner with several Wake friends including a sweet woman I hadn’t seen in 40 years. It felt great to catch up with her.

Wake friends share lifetime bonds no matter how long we don’t see each other. We understand what we all went through on that campus for four years.

Forty years ago as an undergrad at Wake Forest life seemed so confusing and wild and fun. I realize now how little I knew about anything. Totally unaware of what life would become after that.

Forty years later I realize how little I still know yet am at peace with that because I’m wiser or so it seems, and more appreciative, and less worried about becoming successful in the eyes of others. As you age it’s easier to accept than regret.

All of us there last night had grown so much older yet surely better. What had we been doing these past 40 years? How did we cope? What were we most proud of? What went wrong?

We all had our trials. Through it all we kept going. And there we were last night.

Together again.

Unified by Wake Forest, where we had all met. Unified by a basketball team playing beautiful basketball.

Unified in our hopes that this team will lift us higher, and take us back to the Big Dance.

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Sammy Sportface

Sammy Sportface, a sports blogger, galvanizes, inspires, and amuses The Baby Boomer Brotherhood. And you can learn about his vision and join this group's Facebook page here: Sammy Sportface Has a Vision -- Check It Out Sammy Sportface -- The Baby Boomer Brotherhood Blog -- Facebook Page

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Sammy Sportface

Sammy Sportface, a sports blogger, galvanizes, inspires, and amuses The Baby Boomer Brotherhood. And you can learn about his vision and join this group's Facebook page here:

Sammy Sportface Has a Vision -- Check It Out

Sammy Sportface -- The Baby Boomer Brotherhood Blog -- Facebook Page