Touch Down

By Lauren Biggers

The team has arrived safely in nigeria!

After a flight to atlanta, a 12-hour flight to lagos and another hour-long flight (with lots of traveling tales in between) to benin and a 20-minute ride to the hotel, we safely checked into our hotel around 3 p.m. local time (which is around five hours ahead of eastern standard time). it's been a long couple of days of traveling, but i can already tell it's going to be worth it.

you'll have to forgive my misspellings (spell check isn't active!!) and my going all e.e. cummings on you, but this international keyboard i'm typing on has the shift key located in a place my fingers do not readily recognize, while my hour of time is too-quickly slipping away on the ticker at the top of the screen.

our journey began when morgan's mom picked molly and i up at my apartment early friday morning and delivered us to the charlotte airport, where we connected with the rest of the charlotte-based crew, including manny and his wife, tracy. it took quite some time to get all 21 bags of shoes to meet the 70-lb. weight limit, but we finally got the green light. security was a breeze (we wore our flippy floppys...) and before you know it, morgan's hunting down a cinnabon. (totally worth it).

in atlanta, we connect with the rest of our team, which includes a videographer, al, and sue, head women's basketball coach at florida state, who has also been tasked with sharing a suite with morgan, molly and myself, and by default, andrew lovedale, frank ben-eze and their nigerian posse.

after a quick, er "quick," bite to eat (that's worth locating the shift key for) at tgif friday's - where morgan is kind enough to order me both a diet coke and a water in my absence... she's a keeper - we set about gathering necessities for our 12-hour flight. for morgan, newsweek, gq and mentos. for me, us weekly and chocolate, natch.

the 12-hour flight is as painless as one could hope, especially once we learn the third person in our row doesn't exist and make friends with the flight attendant manning the beverage cart. the movie selections are unfortunate, something with the rock in it (no, i can't smell what you are cooking) and something about a hotel for dogs, but everyone tries to buy some sleep. apparently, i am the most successful, but i cant help it if i was the most prepared.

in lagos, we get through customs with impressive ease, though not speed. the 21 bags of shoes seem to slow us from this point on, as the baggage attendants insist on matching tag numbers and bags. (yeah, yeah..) eventually we get enough cabs for the team and the bags, and we are on our way to our fourth airport of the journey for our third and final flight.

andrew's brother is traveling from england to benin, and we meet him on this flight, before finally connecting with andrew and frank on the ground in benin. (annnndreeeeeeew!!!!) all load the bus for the short trip to the hotel, which is a pleasant surprise, except for the frequent, but abbreviated power outages that elicit only laughs and cheers of "welcome home" from andrew and frank. the four girls on the team have been assigned to the "queens suite," rightly so, with morgan and i in one room and sue and molly in the other. (we have cnn!)

after a quick lesson from andrew on why there are buckets in the shower (fill one, pour from the other), we change and make a quick visit to the wedding reception in full swing and local color at our hotel. the bride, a volunteer with pro health international, the medical clinic we will be working with, insists that we jump on the stage and take a photo with her, so naturally, we oblige.

then it is time for the team to grab a quick bite at kada chicken, nigerian equivalent of kentucky fried chicken, which neither frank nor andrew have experienced. after a couple pieces of fried chicken and french fries, andrew decides we must try meat pies and fried doughnuts. too. (so much for my nigerian weight loss plan). they are worth the taste, even as frank continues to make fun for my giving approval prior to tasting.

four of andrew's friends, including his best friend moses (or burning bush) hold court in our living room for a while after dinner, and sue is gracious in allowing the davidson athletic contingent to keep her from sleep. frank discovers he played with one of florida state's nigerian players on their national team, along the way.

frank, andrew, molly, morgan and i piled (and i do mean PILED) into a truck for the ride to the internet cafe to make this report before heading back to the hotel and craaasshing. i'm also typing in the dark, here. fyi.

tomorrow's day kicks off with a 6:30 a.m. breakfast before a visit to andrew's church. i'm not really sure what the rest of the week will hold, but so far, we are having a blast. i love visiting new places and experiencing new cultures, and i am even more excited about seeing nigeria through frank and andrew's eyes. thanks for reading.

Why I'm Boarding the Plane Tomorrow

By Molly Duncan '11

For a few months, Morgan Clark, Davidson’s Assistant Sports Marketing Director, had a link posted at the bottom of all of her E-mail messages that led viewers to a web site set up to raise funds for this 10-day trip to Nigeria. Written right below this link was the quote: “Kick’s From ‘Cats-The Final Stage.” And for so many of us, this trip is.

For Morgan and Lauren, what began as a running joke and far-fetched dream will become reality when they step on the plane tomorrow.

For two renowned college basketball coaches, a vision of progress through basketball, academics, and the power of relationships will become a reality when they step on the plane tomorrow.

For Bruce Bodman, one of our trip leaders and our organizational mastermind from Samaritan’s Feet, the role of trip planner has recently transformed into that of active participant — tomorrow that will become reality.

So where does that leave me? I’m only 20 and am often (two days ago, most recently) mistaken for 16. I am the only Davidson student (besides Andrew and Frank who will meet us on the ground) on the trip, and my contributions to this trip — and to the world, for that matter — pale in comparison to the 13 others I’m traveling with.

But I’ve always had passion, so that’s where I’ll start.

I have three major passions that are relevant to this story: Davidson basketball, Dr. Kathie Turner and children.

My dad played basketball for Davidson, I grew up playing and watching basketball, and I do not miss Davidson home games. I was at the 2008 SoCon tournament when a few hundred of us knew that team was special.

I, of course, was in Detroit.

I relish the fact that my Chapel-Hill residing friends do not believe me when I say that here, everyone knows everyone, and yes- #30 is included. I love Davidson, and I love Davidson basketball.

This is where Dr. Turner comes in. Dr. Turner, for those who have not had the privilege, is self-proclaimed “queen of the Communications department,” owner of the largest Dum-Dum lollipop fleet on campus, and a second mother to me.

After receiving an E-mail one morning from the queen herself, I hurried in to her office. Knowing of passion #1, she asked if I would be interested in producing a two-minute segment for ESPN-U about Andrew Lovedale and the upcoming shoe drive.

Jumping at this opportunity, I agreed, barely hearing that it was set to air in one week. After a few interviews and 30 hours with my invaluable technical assistant/savior Ross Lackey, we had a two-minute clip. For those of you who have seen the clip, you have glimpsed the compassionate spirit that Andrew Lovedale possesses.

One thing, that unfortunately got cut, was this quote that has stuck with me since February: “When they receive that pair of shoes, I only wish you could see the smiles on their faces for yourself.”

So, here I go.

I love children, and that’s why I’m boarding the plane tomorrow.

I am infected with the passion that Andrew has spread on this campus, and that’s why I’m boarding the plane tomorrow.

I believe that we can, and that we will, make a difference. And that’s why I’m boarding the plane tomorrow.

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.