It’s been an out of the ordinary last 10 days or so for me. I watched the Gaels beat Rider on January 10 knowing that I was going to be driving to Richmond the following day to see my Mom for the last time. She turned 93 on December 19. 2019. We had a party for her on the 21st. She recognized all of her kids as well as her grandkids, and great grandkids that were there. She went downhill hard on January 8.
When I saw her on January 11 she was heavily medicated and did not speak to me. I held her hand and she squeezed back. I told er that Iona’s motto is “Certa Bonum Certamen” (“Fight the Good Fight”). I told her that she had fought the good fight; that she need not fight any longer; that her family would be alright; and that I’d see her again. She passed away the next day, January 12, around 10:20 am. While I was saddened by her death, I was very happy that she was at peace. I was at peace with her passing; she had a very good and long life. That peace was broken by watching the Niagara game. What a terrible loss.
Mom’s wake was last Friday. I missed watching the Fairfield game, but did sneak glimpses of the score on the ESPN site when not talking to people. It was a good win. I came home Saturday after a beautiful requiem mass and luncheon with about 50 family members and friends.
I was looking forward to watching the Gaels play up in Po Town on Sunday. On paper it appeared that Iona should put up back-to-back wins. We were favored (kiss of death) by as many as 6.5. It was disheartening to be down as many as 17 in the first half. I almost shut off the game when we were down 31 with a little over 6 minutes left to play. I was impressed by the fact that the Gaels didn’t give up and made a frenetic 20-1 run with Thiam, Perez, Washington, Cashaw, and Ross on the court.
Fans complain – it’s what they do. I do not believe in criticizing student athletes and will not. The coaches know how they are performing and will give them playing time accordingly. I do not get a vote, but I would like to see Thiam, Perez, Washington, Cashaw, and Ross start our next game. I think they deserve it. I am not going to bad mouth any of the coaching. Tra Arnold has been put in a difficult position and I’m thinking he’s doing his best. I certainly could not perform his job so I have no room to talk.
These guys need to buck up and play like they are the defending MAAC Champion – and 4 year straight MAAC Champions at that. I want to see Crawford become the second MAAC player (and 2nd Gael) to win 4 straight MAAC Championships. Face it, the MAAC sucks this year. We are 2 games out of first place right now. There is a lot of ball to be played.
I know that many years ago I posted the “Over” speech from “Animal House” when it looked like we were down and out. I believe I also did last season also when things looked bleak. I think it’s time to do it again. Last year, before we went on that incredible win streak, I posted something along the lines that while it was not probable, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Gaels dancing again. It looks less probable this season, but for some reason I still think these guys can do it.
So, as Bluto says, "LET’S DO ITTTTTTTTTTT!”
Go Gaels!!!