It’s been a long and eventful month of December for us here at Slippery Rock. Between practices, games, final exams week and the holiday season approaching we have kept busy.
December 1st and 2nd we had our first long road trip to start league play. We traveled to Bloomsburg University and then Mansfield University with the men’s team. They were both hard fought games that resulted in losses but we took much more away from the trip than two L’s. We learned what our weaknesses were as a team as they were exposed during the trip and also what we need to change to keep the program going in a positive direction.
As the month went on the anticipation of going home for the holidays grew. However, we still knew we had business to take care of before we departed for the holidays. Cheney University was the only thing standing in our way from going home to be with our families for the holidays. We got the job done playing as a team and came away with the win. This time of year is personally my favorite time to play basketball. I love the atmosphere we have in the gym for our games along with all of the family members that make the trip to come and support us. The holiday season is a time that makes us realize how lucky and blessed we are to have made it to where we are today.
Not only did we have games and practices to look forward to during the month we also held our seasonal holiday hoops youth clinic for the children in the area. It was great to see all the young kids so enthusiastic about the sport we all love. It is always fun to watch younger kids be passionate about basketball and have all the potential in the world to be great in the future. I always like when I am given the opportunity to contribute to the development of future basketball stars.
One highlight of the month for me was the charity work we did as a team. Every player and coach donated money. Then myself and the two other seniors were able to take the total amount of money and go shopping for toys. I had a great time with my fellow seniors as we took a trip down memory lane into our childhood. I saw toys that I had as a child still being sold, such as the famous Ferby and then newer toys that I caught myself playing with. We then donated all the toys we bought to a Sandy Relief program that would make sure the kids in the affected area would receive toys for Christmas. I think it’s safe to speak for everyone when I say we all felt good that we were able to help out in any way we could.
Lastly, on the behalf of the Women’s Basketball team here at SRU our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and families of the tragedy that took place in Newtown Connecticut.
We hope everyone has a great holiday with family and friends. We can’t wait to get back onto the court and continue with the season following our brief Christmas break. We appreciate all the support!
#3 Erinne Cunningham
