It is the final word from me. I just finished my last class, and I only have one final next week. To say a fond farewell for all of you sports fans, I decided to sum up the school year with the top stories (and pictures) in LSU sports.
First, I want to take a look back at the Cotton Bowl. Yes, it turned out worse than LSU fans expected, but after the roller coaster ride the team experienced with injuries and losses, it was not a bad end to the season. The Tigers had control of the first half for the most part but did not take advantage of the game fully, handing it over to Texas in the second half — a grueling defeat.
Speaking of Texas, the Cotton Bowl was not the only thing they spoiled. The Lady Tigers basketball team fell victim to the Longhorns as well, losing to a team they beat earlier in the season. All that did not matter when it came time for the Elite Eight to commence. Even their past heroic attempts could not help pull out the win. But this team was one of LSU’s best chance at a national championship run from the fall to the spring. Those ladies made an impression on the national scene, making a definite name for themselves. They beat every SEC team they lost to to take the SEC Tournament Title and then made great strides in the playoffs, even though they fell short of their ability and expectations.
National championships were not off the agenda in LSU athletics this semester however. The women of the track and field team continued their dominance, taking a 10th national indoor championship. While this sport is not one that many fans attend, it is the most successful one on campus and for good reason. LSU has some of the fastest and most talented athletes under Pat Henry’s leadership, including Muna Lee, who wins everything she runs in.
While we are speaking of greatness, I cannot forget to mention one of the most thrilling sporting events of the year. While the “event” was not at the culmination of an awesome season, it was an awesome win nonetheless. Who can forget the “Bluegrass Miracle?” One of the most talked about plays of the year and probably one that was talked about too much. But can you really talk about it too much? It was, afterall, the play of the year in many sports publications and sports shows and was on ESPN so many times that night. I watched it in person and at least 12 times on television because my friends could not get enough of the play and that guy in the suit and tie behind Marcus Randall.
That was one of the most exciting plays I have ever witnessed and will be hard to top. It will definitely take a while to delete that from my memories.
Big wins were no stranger to LSU this season though. The LSU-Arizona game during Christmas break gave the LSU basketball team the boost and gave the fans something else to talk about after the miracle play. It was a great win, put LSU in the national spotlight and was great to witness.
I think sometimes we take for granted what thrills sports can give us. LSU has had its share this year and that made it an interesting year to shoot and write about.
I decided to highlight mostly positive things because those are the ones you want to read about, and I’m too happy I’m graduating to harp on the bad times — they are definitely in the history books.
This is the feminist, man-bashing woman sports editor signing off. I’m sure many will cry and many will cheer, but I will just carry my memories with me.