 "Photo: Mitchell Webson/Echo staff photographer")
The McDougald-McLendon gymnasium was full of students, faculty and family members Monday night to watch the N.C. Central University men’s basketball team take on Coastal Carolina University in its last home game of the season.
The home crowd eagerly anticipated the ceremonies celebrating seniors involved with the basketball program as well as the game to follow.
In addition to bidding farewell to senior basketball players, cheerleaders and members of the athletic training program this occasion is formally known as senior night.
“I will miss the camaraderie of the team the most,” said senior basketball player Joshua Worthy.
Before the game, all seniors were presented with an Eagle trophy and personal momentums from teammates and family members.
“If Joshua Worthy’s picture was in the dictionary it would be beside student athlete,” said Coach LeVelle Moton.
Once the ceremony commenced, the crowd, the largest of the season, was full of school spirit anticipating a possible win over Coastal Carolina.
Sororities such as Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Inc. had their own seating section along with fraternities Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.
The fraternities and sororities kept the crowd entertained during 30-second time-outs with chants and party hops.
The NCCU band also kept the atmosphere thick with energy.
The varsity cheerleading squad was in full effect, having to say goodbye to three of their own.
The three senior cheerleaders cheered in the front row the entire night and dressed differently from the other cheerleaders.
“I was feeling happy because I made it through and I’m a little reminiscent,” said varsity cheerleader and psychology senior Joi Robinson.
Half time was strictly for entertainment; the junior varsity cheerleaders put on a performance showcasing their talents.
The varsity squad lined up in front of the basketball court to offer their support to the JV squad.
“I was so proud of JV,” said varsity cheerleader and athletic trainer Nicole Warren.
hey did really well and their hard work in practice paid off,” said Warren.
At the end of the game seniors Worthy, Clee Sherrod, Joi Robinson, Camille Strachan and Taraza Tyler were elated to know that they will be missed by their peers, and appreciative of the recognitions they were given by the NCCU athletics program.
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