The phrase “raising a banner” has significant meaning in respect to the Gustavus Men’s Basketball team. The goal of the team is to add a banner to Gus Young Court every single year. Unfortunately, the goal was not met this season. The Gusties compiled a 16-11 overall record, finishing 11-9 in the conference. Despite these high points in the season, with a big home win over rival St. Thomas towards the start of the season, the Gusties did not win the conference title or the MIAC Playoff Tournament. A bid into the NCAA Tournament was another elusive goal. These high expectations and goals for the season show the winning attitude of the Gusties have.With two graduating seniors, the young Gusties gained a lot of necessary experience for the future.
With six conference teams facing off in the MIAC Playoff Tournament, the Gusties snuck in as the sixth seed. Post-season play began with an away win over third seeded St. John’s University by a score of 64-54.
“It was great to start the playoffs with a win at St. John’s, after they had beaten us only a few nights before. Ending St. John’s season two years in a row will always be something to smile about,” Senior Martin Feddersen said.
The team next met top seeded St. Thomas. The game between the two rivals was full of excitement. After a hard fight that pushed the game to overtime, the Gusties lost to St. Thomas by 83-79, only five points from continuing their post-season run.
“We did a great job of battling back in the second half and putting ourselves in a position to win a big game in a tough environment. The game obviously didn’t turn out how we would have liked, but I think everyone on the team and in the stands knows we gave it all we had,” Feddersen said.
Fellow senior and captain Isaac Tapp was also impressed by the team’s effort and felt that the Gusties gave everything they had.
“We did almost everything we had to in order to come out with a win and we had them exactly where we wanted them with only a minute to go in regulation. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish enough plays to seal the deal,” Fellow Senior and Captain Isaac Tapp added.
The team was backed by a 23 point effort from Junior Guard Gary Cooper.
“I think I’ll miss being around the team the most. I always loved being around my coaches, teammates and fans. It was the people, not playing, that made basketball so great for me. I’ve been involved in team sports for as long as I can remember and not having that anymore will leave a void that will be hard to fill.”—Martin Feddersen
“We responded well in the second half of the St. Thomas game, but towards the end of the game, it was just about toughness, and we didn’t have that in the end. We didn’t rebound, we didn’t make free throws, and you are not going to beat the number 6 team in the nation without that mental and physical toughness,” Cooper said.
The two seniors know they will miss many things about the game of basketball. For both Feddersen and Tapp, the people associated with basketball at Gustavus is what they will miss most.
“I think that I’ll miss being around the team the most. I always loved being around my coaches, teammates, and fans. It was the people, not playing, that made basketball so great for me. I’ve been involved in team sports for as long as I can remember and not having that anymore will leave a void that will be hard to fill. It’s a special thing to be a part of a team, or a group, and work towards a common goal together. I’m hoping I’ll be able to find that same feeling, or at least a similar one, in my professional life after college,” Feddersen said.
As a junior, Cooper has his sights set on raising a banner with his friends season at Gustavus.
“I do not want to leave without raising a banner. So whether it’s a regular season title or playoff title or both, I am determined to raise another banner here at Gustavus,” Cooper said.
For the seasons to come, motivation to accomplish the goals that were not completed this season will drive the Gusties into next season.
-Jacob Woodrich