Monday, March 27, 2000
NKU's comeback kids bring home title
300 greet school's basketball champions
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — There were noise makers, signs and cheers from parents and fans Sunday as Northern Kentucky University's women's basketball team stepped out of a van.
The team that brought home NKU's first national title of any kind was greeted by 300 screaming fans in Regents Hall.
Although the women appeared tired from their trip from Pine Bluff, Ark., they were all smiles when people in the packed bleachers started shouting, “NKU, NKU!”
A few near the top held a giant sign that read: NKU No. 1. You Make Us Proud. ESPN, you never looked so good.
The Norse came from behind for a 71-62 overtime victory over North Dakota State on Saturday night for the NCAA Division II championship.
“We worked so hard,” said team member Michelle Cottrell. “I think we deserve it.”
She was surprised at the big showing for the women's homecom ing.
“I didn't expect for the bleachers to be that full,” she said. “Just to know that they know my name and they follow me and my team, that's great.”
Several players thanked their parents and coaches for the support. Some recapped the tournament games for fans that couldn't make it to Arkansas and had to listen on the radio back home.
Team members told how they were behind in the second half of all five games but managed somehow to come out on top.
“We just had courageous plays from our players,” said Nancy Win stel, who played on NKU's first women's basketball team 25 years ago and coached this team to victory. “We had players step up all week.”
Team members and parents passed around the trophy as some players signed autographs.
NKU Athletic Director Jane Meier said she hopes fans will continue to support NKU teams in their quest for championships.
“This was only one of many in my mind,” she said of the win.
So what's next on the agenda for these national champs? “I told them even champions have to go to class,” Coach Winstel said.
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