The College Sports Losers
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009College is a competitive place; unless of course you go to the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The NJIT basketball team has been living in relative obscurity for roughly two years. Since making the jump from Division II to the top tier of college hoops, the Highlanders have looked much more like Lowlanders. The basketball squad has compiled an amazing 6-71 record; amazingly bad that is. Last night, however, the stars aligned or God passed out or something – because NJIT actually won.
“It was obviously frustrating, but we honestly didn’t think too much of the streak,” said Dan Stonkus, the only member of the program to endure all 51 losses. “We just kept trying to think about the next game and then the next one. It never came down to where we thought we’d never get one. This feels great.”
As awful as it may sound, this is truly an awesome moment for these players. I’m about as competitive as they come, so I can only imagine the spirit and passion these guys must have for the game. I give these kids all the credit in the world for the ability to keep their heads held high and compete each and every night, to the best of their ability, regardless of the final result.
The losers, from Bryant University, are also in the process of reclassifying into a Division I school, but their road hasn’t been nearly as difficult. Today they’re two games better than NJIT at 3-16. At this rate, the Highlanders can match that win total in a little less than four years.
Just think – nearly a millennium from now, both Bryant and NJIT could be competing in the Final Four.
And if big-time athletics and lots of championships are important during your college search — I recommend checking out a couple more schools than NJIT and Bryant — just a thought!
