GOING AWAY PARTY

By GARY STALLARD

AC Athletics

            The Angelina College Roadrunners on Thursday departed Lufkin en route to Hutchinson, Kansas for the upcoming NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament.

            The team didn't leave quietly. There was an entire mass of supporters on-hand to see the 'Runners off in style.

            The crowd included students, faculty, staff and administrative members, all there to show the same support they've been showing the team all season. Some members of the administration were out of town for a conference, yet still managed to send their best wishes to the team and coaches.

            AC Board of Trustee member Joey Garza, who was a regular inside Shands Gymnasium for most of the season, addressed the team and crowd.

            "On behalf of the Angelina College Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate this team on a fantastic season and a job well done – thus far," Garza said. "This team is a testament to hard work, dedication and sacrifice. The reward for the hard work, dedication and sacrifice is the opportunity to go dancing and representing this fine institution and its students, its alumni, its faculty and its administration at the D1 JUCO National Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.

            "Gentlemen, enjoy the ride. Take it all in. But remember, this is a business trip. Go take care of business."

            The Roadrunners, who finished the season with a 26-6 record, a No. 12 national ranking and the nation's No. 1 defense, will face South Georgia State College at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. The winner will face Jones College at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25.

            AC head coach J.J. Montgomery expressed his gratitude for the amount of support the team received throughout the year.

            "This season has been an incredible journey, and we wouldn't be here without the support of our fans, the families and everyone who stood by us throughout this whole season," Montgomery said. "Your dedication, energy and encouragement have been a constant source of strength for these players, and for that we are truly grateful.

            "Now it's time for us to take our talent and hard work to Hutchinson, Kansas. We are determined to bring back a championship trophy to Angelina College. Let's keep the spirit alive and continue cheering for these young men as they represent this college on a national stage. Once again, thanks for all your support. Together, we are unstoppable. Run 'em."

            Following the ceremony, the team bus received a police escort out of town, while fans lined the sidewalks along the campus.

            Before the team departed, Garza ended the gathering with comments from a personal source of inspiration.

            "I close with a quote from a very fictitious character from one of the greatest sports movies ever made: 'Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. But glory lasts forever,'" Garza said.

            "It's been my honor to be here, and I'll end by saying, 'Congratulations and Go 'Runners.'"

            All NJCAA Tournament games will be broadcast on ESPN+, while the championship game will air on ESPNU.

            The email address for AC's Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.