TYLER, Texas — Just about nobody predicted the season that the Texas College men's basketball program just put together. In fact, they were picked to finish 12th out of 12 teams in their conference. Not only did they prove all the doubters wrong, but they made history in the process.
On Thursday evening, the Steers were selected to the NAIA national tournament for the first time in their program's history. They held a watch party on campus with the team, administration, and other students in attendance to support their players.
"It's an indescribable, inexpressible feeling," said head coach Matt Cross. "Just a feeling of pure joy to get Texas College to their first NAIA national tournament in men's basketball in school history."
It had been a long time coming for the program, who have struggled overall this century. However, under the leadership of their head coach and a group of dedicated players who bought in to the program, it worked out in their favor.
"It's an amazing feeling being able to play in the tournament. Not many teams in NAIA get this opportunity to play," said guard Jarvin Graham. "As we progressed through the season, people on the team got closer. We built a stronger bond and began to gel more, and it got us to the national tournament."
Those who have been on the team prior to this year understand the struggles and hardships that the Steers have grown accustomed to seeing. However, through a new level of grit, determination, and dedication, they created the new culture that has led them to success.
"Just by the laws of nature, we're supposed to be here. It's meant for us to be here because of the work we put in," said guard Tim Denton. "All of those hours, the long nights grinding, the fights. Everything that we needed to have happen, happened to lead us here."
The Steers enter the national tournament at 22-8 on the season, earning a nine seed. They'll take on the eight seed in their bracket, the Point Park Pioneers. Their opponent currently boasts a 29-2 record. The game will take place on Friday, March 15th at 6 PM EST in Henderson, Tennessee.