D.C.'s best, Gonzaga boys basketball, honored as 20th ranked team nationwide
In the afternoon on May 14th, we traveled down to D.C. to honor this high profile school's boys basketball team in front of students, faculty, alumni and select parents. Upon arrival we met the Headmaster, Athletic Director Joe Reyda and Head Coach Steve Turner in the school. They were very gracious hosts.
The ceremony was to take place in the School's Church across the street from the turf football field at 1pm. My first impression of this city-based school - prestigious....very prestigious. The students were well-mannered, neatly dressed, smart and articulate, and they loved their hoops team. The ceremony opened up with the Star Spangled Banner with all 1,700 students (all boys by the way) singing in chorus. The Gonzaga symphony was on hand and played to perfection - good job gentlemen!
The Headmaster introduced Charlie Thompson from MaxPreps. Charlie talked about how special a season it was for the boys basketball team and how special it was for him to be presenting an award at this fine institution. Charlie then introduced SFC Robert Hull of the D.C. Army National Guard. SFC Hull congratulated the team and then presented the nationally ranked trophy to Coach Turner to a loud applause. Pictures were taken afetrwards.
The ceremony concluded with the Gonzaga Student president taking the mic and handing the "torch" over to the Junior VP. With classes scheduled to finish soon, this was a Gonzaga tradition. The Seniors were being replaced by the current junior class not just in class number but by position. Each junior was asked to go to the Senior's place in the Church with the Seniors at the front of the Church. Next, it was time - Sthe current junior VP announced "Seniors, you are dismissed" and away they went but not without the honor of being the 20th ranked team in the USA.
It's all on you Juniors now for a return trip to DC.
