Well, hello, old rival, Wittenberg University.
It's me, Marietta College.
It had been awhile.
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The Wittenberg team walks off the court following Saturday's game.
How long had it been, 1988-89?
It almost seems, though, like when we last squared off on the hardwood, Moses was wearing short pants.
If I recall, you beat me, 77-51, in the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament, and then afterwards split for the North Coast Athletic Conference.
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Hey, that was your right. It's a free country.
Can't really say that I missed you that much, though - until of course Saturday night. I mean, in the all-time men's basketball series, you own a commanding advantage, 67-23, over me.
Heck, before Saturday night, I hadn't whipped you (76-72) since 1985-86 when Phil Roach was still wearing those madras plaid slacks, I think.
But, there we were Saturday night on my turf, Fenton Court, at Ban Johnson Arena, duking it out in a second round NCAA Division III Tournament game. You got there by knocking off La Roche (Pa.) 74-68 Friday, and I did the same by taking care of business against Centre (Ky.), 67-62.
Maybe, it was only fitting that two institutions of higher learning from the Buckeye State - as familiar as we are with each other - would be matched up in a showdown game like this.
Almost like old times, right?
Of course, it was do or die, and to be honest with you, I'm not shedding any tears, seeing you with your Tiger tail between your legs returning to Springfield after I rallied in the second half to beat you 63-62. Thirty-six years ago, you beat me 85-70 in the second round of the 1975 NCAA Tournament.
I know you've been to the NCAA dance many times before, but it's a new day here in Marietta. I'm pretty good, now, as you discovered, so I hope you wish me the best of luck for the rest of the journey.
Hope you fare well in your future endeavors on the court, too, and, hey, let's stay in touch - and no hand checking, either.
Twenty-plus years is way too long, old rival.
Why don't we think about hooking up again at the same time, same place next year?
I know, I know. Things have to fall in place.
But you've got to be positive about the situation, right?
By the way, wasn't that a game for the ages Saturday night? Even if I'd lost, I would've held my head high.
Just as you should.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
