Students in the Brickyard reflect on a stellar run in the NCAA Tournament
Matt Jones-sophomore in accounting-
“To start the NCAA tournament, I thought that we should have definitely gotten in. The ACC is a much stronger conference than other conferences. If you broke down our schedule, we played stronger competition so we were more tournament ready. I was really excited we made the tournament. It was especially exciting that we were the last team picked in the last bracket. I thought we stood a great chance once we made it there.”
Chris Griffin- junior in agriculture business management-
“After the first round on NCAA Tournament, the fact that we won really turned the attitude of the team around. I think it made the whole school proud of the team again. It’s been a long time since we could be proud of them in the tournament. What they did after beating San Diego State was just icing on the cake. When you look at the people now as to who were here a year ago, it’s the same team. The success can be credited to a new coach as well. The players are more motivated to play and perform well under him.”
Mary Gantt-junior in psychology
“After we won against SDSU , I was really excited. I was excited we got to play in the tournament. After the win, I think it gave us a boost to do well in the tournament. I was a little wary when we played Georgetown, because Georgetown is such a well-known team. It was a great way to establish ourselves in the tournament and I was so excited that we did win.”
Currey Nobles- freshman in chemistry
“It was a really great feeling after we beat Georgetown. Everyone ran outside yelling and screaming and even got the Wolfpack cheer started. It was really cool to have that spontaneous gathering of people. I felt pretty good about playing Kansas. I knew it would be a tough game. We definitely over-achieved during the season and we have a great class coming in next year. Coach Gottfried comes in expecting to win which is kind of counter to what Sidney Lowe was doing. By bringing in three McDonald’s All-Americans in next year, Gottfried brings in new attitude.”
Rose Stroup – sophomore in zoology
“After we beat Georgetown, we had all this hype. I just knew we were going to win and this would be the year we might go all the way. I was just excited we made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Last year, we did not even make it to the tournament. Coming in and going that far was such a great feeling. We definitely got cheated against Kansas. It was disappointing to lose but we did so well; it was that much harder that we lost. We did a great job and I am so proud to be a part of the Wolfpack and I am ready for next year.”
Alexandra Johnston-freshman in human biology
“I was hoping we would beat Kansas, although I was not expecting it. I just love how we made it this far especially considering last year and how much progress we made. Next season, I look forward to getting farther than we did this year. I would just like to say congratulations to the basketball team. I know they worked hard for it and I love being a part of the Wolfpack.”
