Today's post is written by Assistant Coach Marcus Moeller:
Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. Final exams...same story. The Christmas song says it best, "It's the most wonderful time of they year". However, for college basketball players and coaches, the reason for this claim maybe a little bit different than what the song was talking about.
At Missouri Southern, the Spring semester begins January 17th. Our players arrived back on campus on Monday (December 27th). Between the day they arrived and the first day of the Spring semester there are 23 days that they get to play ball and not worry about their homework, tests, or quizzes. Although the campus is desolate (the men's and women's basketball teams are the only students back in the dorms), there is a certain bonding and camaraderie that takes place over this time. Our team will play 6 games during the next 23 days. At the conclusion of those 23 days we will have completed the entire first round of conference play (the MIAA plays a double round robin, each team playing every other team both at home and on the road).
This journey starts on Sunday Jan. 2nd at 2:00pm with a home contest against Pittsburg State. Game 1 of the Sonic Trophy Series game will be a very special one. That day is "Alumni Night" for our basketball program. We are very excited to have some of our alumni returning with their family and friends! Another exciting event taking place that day is the official announcement and presentation of the establishment of the Brenda Pitts-Jennings Endowment Scholarship. In addition, Brenda's name will forever be the name of our lockerroom.
We are so very grateful to all of our loyal fans and can't wait to see you out at the game on Sunday. With all of the "extra" events surrounding the game, don't forget that we are in hot pursuit of the top spot in our conference and riding a 4 game winning streak!! We look forward to seeing you at the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center on Sunday!
See what I mean, now? It's the most wonderful time of the year!!
Until next time...It's a GREAT day to be a LION!!
Marcus Moeller
Assistant Coach
