Kicks from 'Cats - The Final Phase

By Morgan Clark

As I sit looking at all my mini bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and toothpaste (because we’re only allowed a carry-on!!), it finally hits me that I really am going to Nigeria.

I can recall meeting with Chris Dunn back in November, when he brought to my attention Andrew’s good deeds involving his trips back home to Nigeria. At the time, Chris (a Davidson alum), wanted to highlight Andrew’s good deeds and organize a shoe drive to collect more shoes for him.

I remember thinking, this is an awesome cause, and Andrew sounds like a wonderful basketball player – a role model for all athletes and students alike. I had no idea what to expect with organizing a shoe drive/promotion for the BracketBusters game, and I definitely had NO idea HOW we would get any shoes we raised TO Nigeria.

Luckily, after some research, some alumni effort, and a little bit of fate, Samaritan’s Feet came into our lives and thus began our trip to Nigeria.

A- I was amazed by the sense of community that surrounds Davidson – a community that raised over $14,000 for shipping & socks, and 500 pairs of new basketball shoes. I can’t stop repeating it.

B- Samaritan’s Feet donated 10,000 pairs of shoes & worked with Andrew to plan our 10 day trip – I can’t WAIT to see what life is like through Andrew & his family’s eyes, and to see all of the locations for distribution that Andrew has picked out.

C- I got to know Andrew, Frank, and many others that rallied behind the cause. I am amazed by the forward thinking of these students, and I challenge others to be more like them. If everyday, we thought about others just a little bit more, the world could be a much better place.

I have no expectations for this trip – other than to be amazed. I am so excited to help put a small dent in a world that needs so much help, by helping others achieve a better life – all just by having a pair of shoes.

We take so much for granted here in the States where our lives are really so simple and our problems are so small, if you take a step back and think about them. Andrew really said it all – “engaging giving in ways that foster accountability long after the physical act is performed, is what should be the major goal.”

I’m going to Nigeria to help achieve that goal. And it’s all thanks to you – the Davidson community – for making Kicks from ‘Cats a reality.

Kicks from 'Cats - the Final Phase

By Morgan Clark, Assistant Director of Marketing

As I sit looking at all my mini bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and toothpaste (because we’re only allowed a carry-on!!), it finally hits me that I really am going to Nigeria.

I can recall meeting with Chris Dunn back in November, when he brought to my attention Andrew’s good deeds involving his trips back home to Nigeria. At the time, Chris (a Davidson alum), wanted to highlight Andrew’s good deeds and organize a shoe drive to collect more shoes for him.

I remember thinking, this is an awesome cause, and Andrew sounds like a wonderful basketball player – a role model for all athletes and students alike. I had no idea what to expect with organizing a shoe drive/promotion for the BracketBusters game, and I definitely had NO idea HOW we would get any shoes we raised TO Nigeria.

Luckily, after some research, some alumni effort, and a little bit of fate, Samaritan’s Feet came into our lives and thus began our trip to Nigeria.

A- I was amazed by the sense of community that surrounds Davidson – a community that raised over $14,000 for shipping & socks, and 500 pairs of new basketball shoes. I can’t stop repeating it.

B- Samaritan’s Feet donated 10,000 pairs of shoes & worked with Andrew to plan our 10 day trip – I can’t WAIT to see what life is like through Andrew & his family’s eyes, and to see all of the locations for distribution that Andrew has picked out.

C- I got to know Andrew, Frank, and many others that rallied behind the cause. I am amazed by the forward thinking of these students, and I challenge others to be more like them. If everyday, we thought about others just a little bit more, the world could be a much better place.

I have no expectations for this trip – other than to be amazed. I am so excited to help put a small dent in a world that needs so much help, by helping others achieve a better life – all just by having a pair of shoes.

We take so much for granted here in the States where our lives are really so simple and our problems are so small, if you take a step back and think about them. Andrew really said it all – “engaging giving in ways that foster accountability long after the physical act is performed, is what should be the major goal.”

I’m going to Nigeria to help achieve that goal. And it’s all thanks to you – the Davidson community – for making Kicks from ‘Cats a reality.

Nigeria, Here We Come

By Andrew Lovedale '09

I am really delighted and feel blessed about a rare opportunity to venture in Nigerian Terrain on a mission that is beyond me.

As a person used to going home alone on vacation, I am excited that God is using many others and I on this trip not just to perform a physical act, but to bless them from within with our time and passion for service.

I have always been sure of what I wanted to do in life, but the outcome of the shoe drive, further projected me into the realm of service. Davidson is a truly special place, and I have the community, faculty, staff, athletics department and especially, my lovely, lovely teammates for lending me their ears in the first place.

A lot needs to be done in developing nations and more than just giving and expecting results, engaging giving in ways that foster accountability long after the physical act is performed, is what should be the major goal.

Sports have taught me that the good of the whole is better than the good of the individual, education has taught me that the well of knowledge is endless and could always be tapped into, and Faith has taught me that with God, alll things are possible and who more can we lean on than He, whose wisdom begins where that of Man ends.

Teaching children to embrace sports, get their education and put God first will help foster accountability and that is what I am really excited for.

The trip will involve giving shoes, basketball and health clinics but more so, those going to affect lives, I pray will also have their lives changed forever.

Time at home is always fun but time at home spent serving, is priceless.

Nigeria, here we come....

Nigeria Here We Come

By Andrew Lovedale

I am really delighted and feel blessed about a rare opportunity to venture in Nigerian Terrain on a mission that is beyond me.

As a person used to going home alone on vacation, I am excited that God is using many others and I on this trip not just to perform a physical act, but to bless them from within with our time and passion for service.

I have always been sure of what I wanted to do in life, but the outcome of the shoe drive, further projected me into the realm of service. Davidson is a truly special place, and I have the community, faculty, staff, athletics department and especially, my lovely, lovely teammates for lending me their ears in the first place.

A lot needs to be done in developing nations and more than just giving and expecting results, engaging giving in ways that foster accountability long after the physical act is performed, is what should be the major goal.

Sports have taught me that the good of the whole is better than the good of the individual, education has taught me that the well of knowledge is endless and could always be tapped into, and Faith has taught me that with God, alll things are possible and who more can we lean on than He, whose wisdom begins where that of Man ends.

Teaching children to embrace sports, get their education and put God first will help foster accountability and that is what I am really excited for.

The trip will involve giving shoes, basketball and health clinics but more so, those going to affect lives, I pray will also have their lives changed forever.

Time at home is always fun but time at home spent serving, is priceless.

Nigeria, here we come....

We're Going to Africa

By Lauren Biggers

On Friday morning, 13 others and myself will travel, (via Atlanta, ob-viously) to Nigeria, to spend 10 days working with Samaritan’s Feet, distributing shoes and a message of hope to those less fortunate than most of us.

The trip is the final leg of a long journey, one unique to each member of the team.

If you have read this blog over the years (and I am humbled that you would), you are familiar with my voice and excessive use of exclamations and parentheses (sorry!). By now, you have probably read Andrew’s story as well — the story that started it all — but we’ll both be sharing our stories once again. (Andrew, tomorrow!)

In the week leading up to our departure, I’ll ask other team members to share their experiences with you. Hopefully, we will continue to share our story, as internet access allows, once we arrive and as the week rolls on.

As I write, I’m trying to remember exactly how I came to this point. I remember being asked to help design the “Big Cat,” and then the “Drive” T-shirt, and I remember interviewing Andrew for the feature story on the “Kicks from ‘Cats” shoe drive.

I remember sitting in the room with Morgan Clark (assistant director of marketing, also going on the trip) and delivering the news of 10,000 pairs of shoes being donated by Samaritan’s Feet to Andrew, who was, naturally, overwhelmed.

I remember watching as Davidson fans dropped off shoes by the hundreds at the Butler game and meeting Samaritan’s Feet founder Manny and jokingly telling him of my wish to travel to Nigeria to deliver the shoes. I told my parents that night, too, and my boss, but I still think I was joking.

And yet, somewhere along the way, I became personally invested, and a few weeks, later Morgan and I were having lunch with Bruce Bodman of Samaritan’s Feet to turn in our applications and application fee.

Still, there was the matter of raising $3,500, and I honestly don’t think I thought it would happen. But I was overwhelmed by the generosity of so many, especially within the Davidson community, friends, family, co-workers and even complete strangers. And without any stress or sweat, I raised the funds, and in just four short days, it’s really happening. (WE’RE GOING TO AFRICA!)

I’m bringing very few expectations to the trip. I am excited to visit a place I have always wanted to see, though not naïve enough to believe that 10 days in two cities will give me a complete picture of a people or a continent.

I expect to be stretched in lots of ways — mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Already, we’ve been asked to pack for the week in our carry-ons, in order to maximize the amount of supplies we can take in our checked luggage. I know it’s not about me, but if we’ve met, you know that to me, 10 days without a hair dryer is a PRE-TTY big deal. (Sorry in advance).

I expect to fall in love with the children and the culture. Adventurous by nature, I’ll probably eat some things that others will shun, and I’ll definitely do some shopping, hopefully making some quirky finds. We’ve been invited to a wedding the day we arrive, so I expect I’ll do some dancing.

I expect to understand Andrew and Frank more completely after experiencing their hometown and meeting their families.

I expect to learn a little bit more about myself and about my place in the world. I’ve been on missions trips in the past, and I’ve done it all… singing, dancing, children’s shows. But it’s been a long time, and I feel I may be sorely out of practice.

So to this week of no expectations, I bring a willing attitude. And as I leave my hair dryer behind, I don’t really know what to expect (though of my hair in the humidity, I have a pretty good idea).

But I hope that you will come along for the ride. And as always, thanks for reading.

We're Going to Africa!

By Lauren Biggers

On Friday morning, 13 others and myself will travel, (via Atlanta, ob-viously) to Nigeria, to spend 10 days working with Samaritan’s Feet, distributing shoes and a message of hope to those less fortunate than most of us.

The trip is the final leg of a long journey, one unique to each member of the team.

If you have read this blog over the years (and I am humbled that you would), you are familiar with my voice and excessive use of exclamations and parentheses (sorry!). By now, you have probably read Andrew’s story as well — the story that started it all — but we’ll both be sharing our stories once again. (Andrew, tomorrow!)

In the week leading up to our departure, I’ll ask other team members to share their experiences with you. Hopefully, we will continue to share our story, as internet access allows, once we arrive and as the week rolls on.

As I write, I’m trying to remember exactly how I came to this point. I remember being asked to help design the “Big Cat,” and then the “Drive” T-shirt, and I remember interviewing Andrew for the feature story on the “Kicks from ‘Cats” shoe drive.

I remember sitting in the room with Morgan Clark (assistant director of marketing, also going on the trip) and delivering the news of 10,000 pairs of shoes being donated by Samaritan’s Feet to Andrew, who was, naturally, overwhelmed.

I remember watching as Davidson fans dropped off shoes by the hundreds at the Butler game and meeting Samaritan’s Feet founder Manny and jokingly telling him of my wish to travel to Nigeria to deliver the shoes. I told my parents that night, too, and my boss, but I still think I was joking.

And yet, somewhere along the way, I became personally invested, and a few weeks, later Morgan and I were having lunch with Bruce Bodman of Samaritan’s Feet to turn in our applications and application fee.

Still, there was the matter of raising $3,500, and I honestly don’t think I thought it would happen. But I was overwhelmed by the generosity of so many, especially within the Davidson community, friends, family, co-workers and even complete strangers. And without any stress or sweat, I raised the funds, and in just four short days, it’s really happening. (WE’RE GOING TO AFRICA!)

I’m bringing very few expectations to the trip. I am excited to visit a place I have always wanted to see, though not naïve enough to believe that 10 days in two cities will give me a complete picture of a people or a continent.

I expect to be stretched in lots of ways — mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Already, we’ve been asked to pack for the week in our carry-ons, in order to maximize the amount of supplies we can take in our checked luggage. I know it’s not about me, but if we’ve met, you know that to me, 10 days without a hair dryer is a PRE-TTY big deal. (Sorry in advance).

I expect to fall in love with the children and the culture. Adventurous by nature, I’ll probably eat some things that others will shun, and I’ll definitely do some shopping, hopefully making some quirky finds. We’ve been invited to a wedding the day we arrive, so I expect I’ll do some dancing.

I expect to understand Andrew and Frank more completely after experiencing their hometown and meeting their families.

I expect to learn a little bit more about myself and about my place in the world. I’ve been on missions trips in the past, and I’ve done it all… singing, dancing, children’s shows. But it’s been a long time, and I feel I may be sorely out of practice.

So to this week of no expectations, I bring a willing attitude. And as I leave my hair dryer behind, I don’t really know what to expect (though of my hair in the humidity, I have a pretty good idea).

But I hope that you will come along for the ride. And as always, thanks for reading.

In the NIT

By Lauren Biggers
Men's Basketball at South Carolina

It is Monday morning at the office. Yes, THAT Monday morning. (OK, maybe more like mid-morning, but that’s beside the point.)

The office is eerily quiet. Like spring-break quiet magnified by 100, and it’s more than possible that I’m the only one downstairs.

But before long, associate head coach Matt Matheny wanders in. Grabs the paper. Sits down. We chat a little. He reads the paper. Glances at the TV.

“How do you feel about the NIT?”

“Honestly, I’ve never been to the NIT. So I don’t know. How do you feel about it?”

About the situation, I feel like everyone else around the program. Sad, disappointed, sad, and angry, but mostly, sad.

After last year’s run, the expectations on this team were great. We know now, and some of us probably always, too great.

I believed until the Selection Show was over. Mourned. Moved On.

If the ‘Cats can do the same, what I feel about them is pretty good.

A few hours later, we get the draw: at South Carolina.

A few days later, we are at South Carolina. In the NIT.

Which is different from the NCAA Tournament in a lot of ways. There are no charter flights. No scheduled practice sessions. There is no pre-game press conference. No need. No one carrying a microphone reporter to reporter, waiting to be acknowledged by a moderator insisting that you identify yourself before asking a question. No one making you pour your can of soda into a cup with the right sponsor on it. (Which, come to think of, is nice actually.)

But there are similarities, too. Fans, buses and ticketing questions. Mascots and cheerleaders. Credentials and name cards.

And it’s still win or go home.

And Tuesday night, it was pretty clear pretty early these Wildcats were going to win. The game was misleadingly close in the first half, and when the Gamecocks attacked, the ‘Cats answered every time.

They surrendered the lead just once, but from around the 10-minute mark in the second half, it felt like a win. And you know what, it felt good.

In the shadow of last season, it’s tough to say if it felt as good. I think we’d all rather be dancing.

And yet, there is MAX doing a little dance after forcing a T.O. late in the game. There is the WL doing a little dance on the bench (to be fair, who doesn’t love Sir-Mix-A-Lot’s Jump On It).

There stands The One the Tournament will Miss, icing another game at the free throw line to the too predictable chants. Standing there, he looks so little like the one who inspired the baby-faced, curfew thoughts of old and much more like the one who routinely drops 30 to the crowd's delight. And when it's over, he still looks like the one who enjoys it.

These Wildcats look like they want to survive and advance.

And afterwards, I can’t help but think about Gonzaga. The energy, the emotion that cannot be matched here. Those magical moments in the locker room. In the post-game. In the hotel.

But there is Matt Matheny, on the phone in the tunnel, with a simple fist pump and head nod.

And yes, coach, I think I could like the NIT.

Swagger

By Lauren Biggers
Men's Basketball vs. Greensboro

No one on the corner has swagger like us. Again.

Collective exhale.

This is how Wildcat nation is feeling after the Davidson men’s team’s 70-49 win over UNC Greensboro Wednesday night at Belk Arena.

Around here, things have been just a little off lately. After the loss to the College of Charleston Feb. 7, we weren’t even sure how to run the post-game. You see, the winning team goes first. And well, suddenly, that was not the Wildcats.

I put down my thoughts after that loss, and then suddenly, it’s been four games since. Some of that is due to the fact, sure, that’s it’s easier for me not to write when it isn’t all roses and kittens around Belk Arena, but mostly it’s due to the fact that it’s officially baseball season at Wilson Field. (Four games this weekend if you need to get your fix.)

I really meant to write and share my thoughts after the four games in between Charleston and last night, but life happened.

I made the trip to Furman, but ended up writing the game story. And then there was that thing with the ankle heard round the world. Though I will tell you that my Valentine’s Day dinner at Chick-fil-A with SID Marc Gignac, Davidson play-by-play extraordinaire John Kilgo, and color guy Kenny Loggins was pretty special. (Complete with a cappella singers in tuxedos, free cheesecake and carnations.)

And what can I say about The Citadel game? If you are looking to read negative reviews, sorry, you just won’t find them here. That’s just not what I do. The players and coaches are friends and colleagues, and for all, I have deep respect. Except when I lose in darts. And anyways, that’s what the Internet is for.

And as I was glancing over the stats and making the post-game books Saturday after the Butler game, I was thinking about six losses. And how many teams in the country would love to have six losses. And how I could easily name the six, but not more than a handful of the 23 wins.

And last night... Last night just felt right. Felt familiar. Didn’t it?

The Joker ended up with 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes.

There were highlight-reel worthy dunks from Frank Ben-EASY (the people love some Frank Ben-EASY, eh?) and the Big Cat, fan favorites Can Civi (happy birthday from the D-Block... A-maz-ing.) and Will Reigel making steals and layups.

And that NASTY four-point play.

But mostly, there was a win.

And there was Swagger. Again.

Fun

By Lauren Biggers

Men's Basketball vs. Georgia Southern, Elon

How fun is it for you to watch him play every game?, comes the question from my newest friend, court side (yes, court side) at the 90-78 win over Elon Monday night.

I think his question is rhetorical, but I answered anyways. It’s a lot of fun.

Later, I got a text message from a high school friend. Lauren, is that you on the end of the table at the Davidson-Elon game? ...Yeeees, what are you doing here?

I came with some friends. To watch Curry, came the response.

It’s weird, isn’t it, when worlds collide? Makes me think about how three years ago, I didn’t know Stephen Curry existed.

About how, being from Charlotte, I was familiar enough with Davidson’s basketball tradition to take the job. About how I heard, don’t expect much this year, we lost a ton of seniors and scoring... blah blah blah.

I didn’t really know Coach McKillop, but I heard him talking about this freshman, this Stephen Curry. And I heard about how unusual this was for him.

I remember first noticing Jason Richards, thinking this kid is pretty good. Not knowing that he was only just arriving, too.

And I will always remember when they arrived.

I can’t remember people not knowing about Stephen, but I remember that first season when the media requests started pouring in for “Steven Curry.” Sometimes, Steph-On. But never Steff-in.

I can’t remember Stephen Curry, before he became a fixture in the SID office. I remember Stephen, DOBO Jeremy Henney and Will Bryan making a mask of Jason for PTI. Explaining who Charlie Rose is, and why he should make good choices about clothing for national television.

I remember, after Detroit, probably after the summer, discussing this blog. Someone said, you should do it without saying his name all season.

Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t notice, but I took the challenge.

There’s no way you can come up with 30 nicknames, he says, mocking me.

And yet, every week... What are you gonna use this time? He will inevitably ask.

I have no idea. I’m going to need you to do something funny or inspiring before you leave today. And he will try.

They weren’t all great, and The Cheese probably doesn’t care for the one that seems to have stuck, but this is the story as we have written it. His story.

It’s going to take something great, something extraordinary, to get your name mentioned, is his challenge.

I wanted 50 points, but Saturday, 30 needed 30 to become the all-time leading scorer in Davidson history. I think we can all agree that’s extraordinary.

You can’t script this stuff.

And while I made notes on all 30 points, the moment is what we’ll remember. Nearly turned over, Stephen saves it, and with a jumper in the paint, becomes the greatest in Davidson history.

The ensuring ovation leads me to believe you think he’s fun to watch, too.

Monday at Elon?

It was fun to watch the whole lot of Wildcats, wasn’t it? Going into the do-or-die Southern Conference tournament, I very much like looking at the final box score. I very much liked another impressive outing from SteVe Rossiter. The WL. (Yes, I did the claws from my faux seat on press row). WILL. Andrew.

It was fun.

What’s next?

Rebound

By Lauren Biggers
Men's Basketball at Wofford

After a stunning game (I would not, could not say the L word) against the College of Charleston in Belk Arena on Saturday afternoon, the WILDcats rebounded nicely with a 78-61 win at Wofford Thursday night.

The SID party bus left Baker Sports Complex around 4 p.m. and arrived in Spartanburg one (amazing) road-trip CD later, and just in time for Chick-fil-A in the press room.

We settled into our seats, which, because we were needing so many of the few spaces available for non-TV folks, ended up on the official scorer’s table. I don’t know how I feel about sitting next to you guys, SID Marc Gignac jokes. (I think.)

I go over the names with the P.A. guy (Me: It’s STEFF-in. Him: Yeah, I know.) and give him the probable starting lineups.

“I’m not usually that excited about coming to these games,” he tells me. “But today, I’ve been ready all day. I made plans to drop off my car and get to the game early. It’s like having a front-row seat for something the rest of the nation wishes it could see.”

Then he gives me a cookie. And I think we could be friends.

Wofford is having its second-ever sellout, and first of the season, thanks to this Wildcat traveling circus, so you could say they aren’t quite used to this.

Excuse me, ma’am. Do you know where my seat is? A Terrier fan asks me as I head down the stairs to the table.

No sir, I’m sorry. I don’t work here.

From my seat, I am asked more questions I cannot answer. When is the anthem? Where do I put this microphone? THAT THREE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A TWO!! Sub, sub, sub.

I like being close to the action, but really, I just wanna watch the Charlotte Bobcats’ Rhythm Cats and eat my cookie in peace.

On the court, the game doesn’t start out the way I prefer, either, with the Terriers taking a 2-11 lead.

But an 8-0 Davidson run, punctuated by the first three of the night from I can’t Believe it’s not Butter, (You know because he’s on a roll. Da dum dum, ching.) puts the ‘Cats within one. That momentum, though, is stifled by a circus three from Wofford’s Jason Dawson as the clock winds down, and the Terrier dance troupe hits the floor for a performance, appropriately, to Britney Spears’ Circus (YES!).

After the insanely long horn (ah, now I remember this guy), a full-court pass from D.O.B.O. TI (subsequently very pleased with himself) and the cheerleaders throwing McDonalds cheeseburgers (way better than T-shirts), WILL Archambault hits a floater to cut the lead to three, 16-19, at the 11-minute mark. To chants of “U-S-A. U-S-A,” no less, from the students. Did they check the roster? They are gonna tire of that chant quickly, I predict.

Andrew LOVEdale converts on an and-one play to knot the score at 19, and Land o’ Lakes sinks a pair of freebies later to keep it tied at 23, but that ‘Cats can’t seem to shake those Dogs.

Butter Buds decides — because that’s pretty much what it looks like — to score 11 straight points (inspiring assistant SID Matt Harris to protest “Stop hitting me!” MY bad...), and get Davidson in position at the half, trailing just 41-36.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but I’m always nervous when trailing. I feel a lot better when the WL, MAX and Country Crock hit three straight 3’s to open the frame, and even better when Parkay’s floater in the lane puts the ‘Cats up a pair, 47-45, grabbing the first lead of the night with 17 minutes to go.

Davidson grabs a 10-point lead almost effortlessly, and Wofford takes a quick T.O. The music gal cues Rocky, and you have to give her credit for trying, but no, this one belongs to the ‘Cats.

Run the clock, Steph! Run the clock, (naturally with the lead at 15 and just two to play) come the instructions from the bench.

And yet, there is a pass to Steve Rossiter and another to a wide-open Andrew LOVEdale for an easy two. And 25 seconds left on the clock. In the timeout, there is good-natured laughing and plenty of “Sorry, Coach, I tried” looks.

Afterwards, Wofford head coach Mike Young grabs the mike and thanks his fans for coming. And thanks Davidson for making it happen. Class act. And then he wants to know where to put the microphone.

“How many points did he end up with?” A woman asks over my shoulder. “And I don’t need to tell you who he is, right?”

No ma’am. 39.

Rebound!