Conference rings are almost here!!

About two months ago we were requested to place our order for the HCAC (Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference) championship rings. This is the permanent reminder and prize for winning the women’s soccer team division in 2008. I was one of six other seniors that had already had the same achievement in 2005 when we were the freshman collegiate athletes. We of course received the 2005 ring for free, but there is a conference rule that any further championship rings would have to be purchased by the students themselves. All seven seniors this year had to buy their Conference rings if they wanted to have one. I know it’s a division III conference but I believe that if you work hard and succeed at after many, many days of practice, sweat and trips to the athletic trainer’s office, our team’s performances should be rewarded by the school that we represented with pride, and not have to reward ourselves.
Not all seniors on the team bought a conference ring mainly because they couldn’t afford it. The great thing is that we have our memories of the successful year, lifelong friendships and many interesting pictures that tell the story of our four years together. The sad thing is that the entire collegiate athletic experience has come to an end. The incoming freshman and returning players for 2009 will now have a new coach and opportunities for the few returning players to step up and take over as the leaders of the team. The 2009 team has great potential and the graduating seniors will be there to cheer them on to another great season. Victory is so sweet!