Guilford students, faculty, staff and alumni showed up at Founders Hall to celebrate the Quakers' memorable basketball run.
Tuesday was supposed to be one last toast, one last tip of the hat to a basketball team that stole a campus’ heart. Guilford College’s men’s basketball team came together Tuesday afternoon to be celebrated by classmates, faculty, staff and alumni. At least that’s how it was supposed to play out. For most of the afternoon at Founders Hall it seemed the roles were reversed.
Coach Tom Palombo and players spent most of the occasion thanking fans for their support during the Quakers’ improbable run to the NCAA’s Division III Final Four.
“You were there every step of the way, every game we played. It was great being in the locker room before a game knowing you were out there ready to support us.”
Fifth year Julius Burch got emotional talking to the fans who attended the celebration. “We really appreciate all the support you showed us throughout the season – my career as well,” said Julius. “You were there every step of the way, every game we played. It was great being in the locker room before a game knowing you were out there ready to support us.”
After Guilford lost its opening game in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament to Virginia Wesleyan University on Feb. 22, the question wasn’t how far Guilford would go in the NCAA Tournament, but whether the Quakers would even receive a bid. They did, of course, and then made the selection committee look smart.
On March 1, the Quakers began a two-week-long postseason march at home that included four wins with victories over fifth-ranked Keene State College (N.H.) and Christopher Newport University (Va.), the defending national champion, to win the Sectional title.
The Quakers lost to Hampden-Sydney College (Va.), 62-57, in the national semifinals last week in Indiana, but none of that mattered Tuesday to the fans who showed up for the celebration in Founders.
One of those fans was President Kyle Farmbry. “You have made the community so proud from the way you performed – not just on the court but off,” Kyle said. “So many fans and alumni have come together this season and it’s because of you.”
This is the third Guilford team Tom has taken to the Final Four, but this one seemed to grab hold of fans’ hearts and not let go. “People are getting excited about Guilford College and it’s not just about men’s basketball," Tom told the crowd. "It’s about the entire college, the community and alumni.”
Kyshon Tate transferred to Guilford last year from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh. He told his teammates and fans he didn’t understand what it means to be a Quaker until the team’s postseason success.
He said, “It was a struggle, it was frustrating for me because what’s this whole Quaker mentality? What is all this? Well, I found out. From my team and from our fans what it means. I truly believe in my heart of hearts I know. I’m a Quaker at heart because of (my team) and all of you who were there for us.”