The Eagles departed Kansas City at 9:37 a.m. CST this morning and arrived at Sea-Tac about 11:30 a.m. PST. The change in time zones in addition to daylight's savings time had taken its toll on the team. The guys looked ready to head home to sleep in their own beds tonight and welcomed the green of Seattle as opposed to the brown and gray of Missouri although they preferred the sunshine in MO to the clouds and rain they returned home to in Seattle.
So, after eight days on the road, the Eagles returned from their journey to the 2011 NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Championships. Overall, a feeling of satisfaction of completing a successful season with many accomplishments, both team and individual.
For Greg Peters and Jason Waltman, the end of one season means the beginning of another. Both will be joining the Eagle track & Field team this week to begin workouts. For all of them, it's back to school.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Back in K.C. and Heading Home Tomorrow
The team packed their bags, checked out of the Plaza Hotel and drove 4 1/2 hours to Kansas City. Left Branson about 10:45 a.m. Nice sunny and warm day and the consensus is the team is ready to get home to Washington state. Enjoyed the week and the experience, but after 8 days on the road, it's time to be able to sleep in their own beds.
The Eagles will spend the night in K.C. and rise early tomorrow for a Frontier Airlines flight to Sea-Tac. Along with adjusting to the change from CST to PST, throw in daylight's savings time and the biological clocks of the group will take some getting used to.
Fond final memories for the five seniors: Greg George, Greg Peters, Daley Landon, Tyson Christie and Stedman Richardson. Something they can remember for a lifetime along with their younger teammates who will return next season.
"It was a very worthwhile trip to Branson and the nationals," commented Coach John Van Dyke. "The seniors were able to experience a just reward for all hard work over the years, and the returning players now realize what it will take to return. I especially want to thank our Athletic Director, Gary McIntosh and head trainer, Larry Brown for all of their help on the trip. Gary took a great deal off the shoulders of the coaching staff and allowed us to focus on the game and Larry administered treatment and taped our guys each day for practices and the game. It was a team effort here."
Homeward bound!
The Eagles will spend the night in K.C. and rise early tomorrow for a Frontier Airlines flight to Sea-Tac. Along with adjusting to the change from CST to PST, throw in daylight's savings time and the biological clocks of the group will take some getting used to.
Fond final memories for the five seniors: Greg George, Greg Peters, Daley Landon, Tyson Christie and Stedman Richardson. Something they can remember for a lifetime along with their younger teammates who will return next season.
"It was a very worthwhile trip to Branson and the nationals," commented Coach John Van Dyke. "The seniors were able to experience a just reward for all hard work over the years, and the returning players now realize what it will take to return. I especially want to thank our Athletic Director, Gary McIntosh and head trainer, Larry Brown for all of their help on the trip. Gary took a great deal off the shoulders of the coaching staff and allowed us to focus on the game and Larry administered treatment and taped our guys each day for practices and the game. It was a team effort here."
Homeward bound!
Friday, March 11, 2011
NU Spends Final Day in Branson
The Eagles men's team spent their final day in Branson on a warm, sunny day. In the morning, the Eagles headed to the Ride the Duck gathering point near their hotel to board an amphibious duck for a tour of the Branson area. It was a great hour's tour in the hills above Branson and on the water at Rock Lake.
After lunch, the team headed to Keeter Gymnasium for their final two games as they took in the Warner Pacific game as they lost to McPherson (Kansas) and Oregon Tech, who also fell to Indiana Wesleyan. The Team then headed back into town for some free rides at Trax, a go kart track near the hotel. After the track, a few players went to play some miniature golf before heading in for the evening to pack and prepare to leave for Kansas City tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.
Great trip to the national tournament and life long memories made here for all!
After lunch, the team headed to Keeter Gymnasium for their final two games as they took in the Warner Pacific game as they lost to McPherson (Kansas) and Oregon Tech, who also fell to Indiana Wesleyan. The Team then headed back into town for some free rides at Trax, a go kart track near the hotel. After the track, a few players went to play some miniature golf before heading in for the evening to pack and prepare to leave for Kansas City tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.
Great trip to the national tournament and life long memories made here for all!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Eagles Support CCC Teams
The Eagles continued to support the other Cascade Conference teams at the national tournament today as they attended the 1:45 p.m. Warner Pacific-Northwestern (Iowa) game and watched the Knights upset the 11th seed, 94-83, at Keeter Gymnasium. The game was delayed a good 15 minutes as one of the shot clocks needed repair.
After a dinner as guests of their hosts, Ride the Ducks, the team dined at Dave's Famous Ribs on the river walk before heading back to Keeter for a 7:45 p.m. game between Eastern Oregon and Cedarville (Iowa). The game actually started around 8:30 p.m. Eastern Oregon dispatched the lower seed Cedarville, 82-74, but not after the Yellowjackets made it a close game.
So, the team left the hotel at 11:30 a.m. this morning and didn't return until 10:30 p.m. tonight after a long day in the gym.
Tomorrow, the team will meet briefly in the morning and then head to the Ride the Ducks boarding area for a water tour of the Branson river front. Then, it's back to Keeter for more games.
After a dinner as guests of their hosts, Ride the Ducks, the team dined at Dave's Famous Ribs on the river walk before heading back to Keeter for a 7:45 p.m. game between Eastern Oregon and Cedarville (Iowa). The game actually started around 8:30 p.m. Eastern Oregon dispatched the lower seed Cedarville, 82-74, but not after the Yellowjackets made it a close game.
So, the team left the hotel at 11:30 a.m. this morning and didn't return until 10:30 p.m. tonight after a long day in the gym.
Tomorrow, the team will meet briefly in the morning and then head to the Ride the Ducks boarding area for a water tour of the Branson river front. Then, it's back to Keeter for more games.
Back to Keeter
The team was allowed to sleep in a little this morning after some early morning wake up calls earlier this week. Headed to a place called Luigi's for pasta and pizza for lunch and then off to College of the Ozarks to watch Warner Pacific play this afternoon at 1:45 p.m. Then, it's off to the river front later as our hosts, Ride the Ducks are taking the team to dinner. Following dinner, NU will head back to C of O and support Eastern Oregon when they play tonight at 7:30 p.m. against Cedarville of Iowa.
Sun finally broke through this morning which broke the doom and gloom of clouds and rain. Supposed to warm up gradually through the weekend.
Sun finally broke through this morning which broke the doom and gloom of clouds and rain. Supposed to warm up gradually through the weekend.
Eagles Take Part in Opening Ceremonies
It was difficult for the Eagles to return to Keeter Gymnasium so soon following their opening game loss to the University of Saint Francis, but the team headed back to Pt. Lookout last night to attend the opening ceremonies of the NAIA Division II Men's National Championships. In front of a capacity crowd, all 32 teams from around the country were introduced along with their hosts and marched onto the playing floor for the ceremony. Northwest stood next to the Cal Pac Conference representatives, Holy Names University.
Following the ceremonies, NU remained at Keeter to watch another Cascade Conference team, Oregon Tech, take on Cardina Stritch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the final game of the long day scheduled for 9:45 p.m. The game got a late start, but OIT easily dispatched Stritch after a brief challenge from Stritch and the Eagles headed back to the Grand Plaza hotel for the evening.
Thursday's plans are still to be announced, but if the weather improves, rumor has it there might be a roller coaster ride involved in the day and then the team plans to take in more games and support Warner Pacific and Eastern Oregon as they play their first round games later today and tonight.
Go Eagles!
Following the ceremonies, NU remained at Keeter to watch another Cascade Conference team, Oregon Tech, take on Cardina Stritch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the final game of the long day scheduled for 9:45 p.m. The game got a late start, but OIT easily dispatched Stritch after a brief challenge from Stritch and the Eagles headed back to the Grand Plaza hotel for the evening.
Thursday's plans are still to be announced, but if the weather improves, rumor has it there might be a roller coaster ride involved in the day and then the team plans to take in more games and support Warner Pacific and Eastern Oregon as they play their first round games later today and tonight.
Go Eagles!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Eagles Battle But Fall to Saint Francis in Missouri
The Northwest University men battled the #13 seed and defending national champion, Saint Francis of Ft. Wayne, Ind., but fell short today, 87-79, in the first round of the NAIA Division II Men's National Championships.
Game three was an entertaining one for the crowd as it featured a close contest throughout the 40 minutes of play. Both teams exchanged the lead and the margin remained single digits for the entire game. Northwest trailed 74-73 with 3:09 remaining in regulation but would come no closer in the final minutes.
In the end, it was too much Qadr Owens and Ethan Hussey as the two combined for 44 points. The Eagles held 6-6 All-American DeJovan Sawyer-Davis scoreless in the first half as he finished with 15 second half points. Saint Francis shot 47% for the game and hit 28% of their treys (5-18).
Greg George, playing in his final game as an Eagle, led NU with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Senior Greg Peters registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in his final game. Junior Jordan Call contributed 16, making 5 of 8 shots. NU also shot an impressive 47%, but managed onlt 22% from the 3-point line (4-18).
"I'm extremely proud of this group, especially the seniors," commented Coach John Van Dyke, "they've contributed a great deal to the success of this program and a big reason why we were here. We'll really miss them. As we look back, we'll realize what a fantastic season we had playing in one of the toughest conferences in the country."
The Eagles will remain in Branson the remainder of the week before heading home to Kirkland on Sunday, March 13.
Game three was an entertaining one for the crowd as it featured a close contest throughout the 40 minutes of play. Both teams exchanged the lead and the margin remained single digits for the entire game. Northwest trailed 74-73 with 3:09 remaining in regulation but would come no closer in the final minutes.
In the end, it was too much Qadr Owens and Ethan Hussey as the two combined for 44 points. The Eagles held 6-6 All-American DeJovan Sawyer-Davis scoreless in the first half as he finished with 15 second half points. Saint Francis shot 47% for the game and hit 28% of their treys (5-18).
Greg George, playing in his final game as an Eagle, led NU with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Senior Greg Peters registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in his final game. Junior Jordan Call contributed 16, making 5 of 8 shots. NU also shot an impressive 47%, but managed onlt 22% from the 3-point line (4-18).
"I'm extremely proud of this group, especially the seniors," commented Coach John Van Dyke, "they've contributed a great deal to the success of this program and a big reason why we were here. We'll really miss them. As we look back, we'll realize what a fantastic season we had playing in one of the toughest conferences in the country."
The Eagles will remain in Branson the remainder of the week before heading home to Kirkland on Sunday, March 13.
Great Game
The Men's Basketball team played a great game but just loss by a few points. They did a great job representing the University. Congrats to the team for a outstanding year of basketball.
Gary McIntosh
Gary McIntosh
Team Talk
Team is meeting for their pre-game talk. They should take the floor for warm-ups in about 15 minutes.
Go Eagles!
Gary McIntosh
Go Eagles!
Gary McIntosh
Arrival to Gym
We are at the gym watching game before ours. We will head into locker room in about 5 minutes.
Gary McIntosh
Gary McIntosh
Game Day!
Game Day! This is why we have made this trip. Tip off is 3 hours away. Team just finished eating breakfast. They are now headed down to a team meeting and to watch game film. At 10am we will head over to the gym at the College of Ozarks. The team will have the opportunity to shoot on the baskets for the first time at the halftime of the game going on before we play. The team will be get a 10 minute warm-up before their game.
Go Eagles!
Go Eagles!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Kick Off Banquet Tonight
All 32 teams will be attending the kick off banquet tonight. Banquet will be held at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede 7pm. This is a dinner and show attraction. Each team will be introduced. I have been told that this is a great event.
Last Practice Before First Game
The guys are warming up with shots. Part of the Branson Junior High Student Body is sitting in the stands watching us practice. Makes for a fun atmosphere in the gym. The team has good energy at practice.
Gary McIntosh
Gary McIntosh
What's Up in Branson
The guys seem to be adapting to the central time zone and the Plaza Hotel in Branson is a great place to stay and located just 15 minutes from the College of the Ozarks campus. The Cascade Conference controls the hotel with Oregon Tech and Eastern Oregon also staying here along with Dakota Wesleyan. Branson is quite the resort town of the midwest in the spring and summer. We're here in the off-season, so the 32 teams have the town pretty much to themselves. The townspeople are very friendly and accomodating and our guys have eaten well since we've arrived.
Everyone enjoyed the dinner at Lambert's 30 miles north in Ozark, MO. The restaurant is quite a tourist attraction as it's been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel. Lambert's is the home of the "Throwed rolls," as the servers toss hot rolls, fresh from the oven to you upon request. Have to be able to catch the flying dough as it flies through the air. Indiana Wesleyan and Indiana University East were also there last night enjoying the atmosphere and food.
Raining today (Tuesday), so it reminds us of home, but hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow.
The coaches and Larry Brown, the trainer is heading down to the College of the Ozarks this afternoon after our practice to attend the coaches, SID and trainers meeting. We're getting closer to game time tomorrow!
The Eagles team is a great group with a great sense of humor and keep each other and the coaches laughing as we drive to and from practices and stay with one another at the hotel. They are representing the NU community well here.
Tonight, we all head to the Dixie Stampede for the tournament banquet. It's basiclly an indoor rodeo rink combined with a dinner theater that seats over 1,000 people. Should be a great show.
Everyone enjoyed the dinner at Lambert's 30 miles north in Ozark, MO. The restaurant is quite a tourist attraction as it's been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel. Lambert's is the home of the "Throwed rolls," as the servers toss hot rolls, fresh from the oven to you upon request. Have to be able to catch the flying dough as it flies through the air. Indiana Wesleyan and Indiana University East were also there last night enjoying the atmosphere and food.
Raining today (Tuesday), so it reminds us of home, but hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow.
The coaches and Larry Brown, the trainer is heading down to the College of the Ozarks this afternoon after our practice to attend the coaches, SID and trainers meeting. We're getting closer to game time tomorrow!
The Eagles team is a great group with a great sense of humor and keep each other and the coaches laughing as we drive to and from practices and stay with one another at the hotel. They are representing the NU community well here.
Tonight, we all head to the Dixie Stampede for the tournament banquet. It's basiclly an indoor rodeo rink combined with a dinner theater that seats over 1,000 people. Should be a great show.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday in Branson
Monday's schedule. Meet for film/team meeting at 10:30. Practice from 1-2. Lunch at 2:30. Leave for check-in to the NAIA at the Gym 3pm. After checking in we are headed to Springfield, MO for dinner at Lambert's cafe.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
First Practice
The team is practicing for the first time in Branson. They get the gym for one hour from 5 - 6. Practice began with a run through of their pre-game warm up. During the national tournament they only get 10 minutes to warm up between game instead of the normal 20 minutes. Now they are running through offensive plays. Good start to their first Branson practice.
Gary McIntosh
Gary McIntosh
We are here!
We arrived in Branson just around 3pm. Checked into the hotel. Guys are getting taped for their practice at 5. They will watch game film until we leave.
Gary McIntosh
Gary McIntosh
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Kansas City
We arrived in Kansas City around 5:15pm central standard time. Flight was on Frontier airlines and was an easy flight. Checked-in to hotel around 6:30pm and then went to dinner around 7pm. Back to hotel now for a staff meeting.
Friday, March 4, 2011
NAIA DII Basketball Nationals
The NU men's basketball team leaves tomorrow for their trek to Branson, MO. I am the Athletic Director and will be making the trip with the team. I plan to use this blog to give everyone that cannot attend an opportunity to follow the team during their travels and preparation for their game on Wednesday. Feel free to forward the blog link onto anyone you like. It would be great to have comments posted and you may post questions. I will do my best to update frequently and to answer your questions.
Gary McIntosh
Athletic Director
Gary McIntosh
Athletic Director
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