I have been a very familiar party when it comes to North Arkansas College athletics.
My family has grown up watching the red-and-grey. My daughters can tell stories of athletes that have visited our home and helped with homework and school projects.
One athlete overstepped a little and almost completely did one project, but of course it was due the next day and we didn’t have time to do it.
Never fear, Mrs. Brasel made the daughter redo it for our own grade.
Being involved with the athletes is a blessing. I really enjoy getting to know them.
This season has been nice to have the opportunity to talk to several of the athletes and really get to know them on a personal level.
They have asked questions of athletes of old and I have had the opportunity to talk about them.
It is funny how the current athletes think that their generation is the best.
Having experience with three decade of athletes at Northark, the new ones have nothing on the old ones.
I have seen 50+ point performances in Pioneer Pavilion. This was also done without shooting 40 times.
I have seen basketballs that have been spiked as hard as a volleyball constantly by a Lady Pioneer.
There have been some amazing stories over the years.
Northark has had a national player of the year. It was well deserved. He was one of the best to have walked onto our court.
Both of our teams ended the season a little short of the desired goal.
But it was a fun ride. The Pioneers were a point short of beating SAU Tech in the regional tournament. If they could have got past that game, I think that they had a real chance of making the national tournament.
Their next opponent was ASU Mid-South which they split with this season. It would have been a great chance.
However, 36 percent shooting from the field can hurt.
The Lady Pioneers had their season cut short as well. A key free throw in the game would have sealed the victory in regulation.
But it didn’t happen.
I have truly enjoyed getting to watch these teams.
This season doesn’t count in eligibility. Experienced players coming back will be a great benefit.
Northark could have a very bright future.
Jeff Brasel is the sports editor of the Newton County Times. E-mail him at sports@newtoncountytimes.com or follow him at twitter.com/jeffbrasel.
