- Thinking Big: Valparaiso University is on the move, in men’s basketball and beyond
All in all, it’s been a great year for Homer Drew and the Crusader men’s basketball team. Just four years into Horizon League play, the Crusaders have flirted with the league title all year, giving fans just a taste of the potential that exists in Northwest Indiana’s home team. With all the excitement of a championship-caliber basketball team, Valparaiso University, with a new brand, new Crusader mascot, and a new long-range strategic plan in hand, is clearly a university on the move.
On the court, the Valpo men’s basketball team posted a 20-win season for the first time since 2007-2008, including a huge overtime victory over Butler, last year’s national runner-up.
Off the court, Valparaiso University launched a new brand at the start of this academic year, including new looks for athletics and a refreshed Crusader mascot. The Shield of Character carried by the Crusader visually defines the essence of the University’s commitment to character building.
The new Crusader mascot harkens back to the Valpo Uhlan (the University’s former identity) while introducing progressive new aspects.
“This new Crusader mascot is built to be a crusader of character and speaks to the generations of Valpo students and alumni who came to this place and left a more thoughtful leader,” said Scott Ochander, VP of Integrated Marketing and Communications.
Homer Drew, tied as the sixth-winningest active coach in Division I men’s basketball; spoke about the attributes that reflect the character of Valparaiso University’s community.
“Our players, both past and present, really have exemplified the values the shield represents,” he said. “Every year, our players are out in the community and taking part in a number of community service projects. They’re building those values of being service-minded and compassionate while they’re here, and then taking those values with them and using them as they move on after their time at Valpo.”
The court itself was part of the new brand launch as the 2010-2011 season began with the dedication of the new Homer Drew Court at the ARC.
“It (the court) really looks good in person, but also it really looks great on television,” said Mark LaBarbera, Valparaiso University Director of Athletics.
The Crusaders recently hosted Missouri State and legendary basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale live on ESPN2 during Bracketbuster Saturday, a game in which the Crusaders defeated the Bears 80-67.
This was also the first season in almost nine years that Valpo received votes in a national poll, and the team set school records for Horizon League wins and regular-season finish.
And as the athletics leadership set its sights high by moving to the more competitive Horizon League, the Valparaiso University administration, faculty and staff, guided by President Mark A. Heckler, are thinking big with the recently completed and board-approved strategic plan, which will be publicly unveiled later this year.
The development of the new strategic plan involved more than two years and input from thousands of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. The strategic plan ensures Valpo’s future success and has developed a clear vision that will guide the University toward its most desired future.
The plan will help chart Valpo’s course for the next two decades, ensuring that the University continues to prepare graduates to lead and serve, women and men committed to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Back on the court, the Crusaders will face a final test that must be passed on their way to the NCAA tournament. The Horizon League tournament begins Tuesday at the ARC when Valpo hosts Youngstown State at 7 p.m.
If Valpo wins, the Crusaders will play in the second round Friday at Milwaukee against the winner of Tuesday's Loyola-at-Detroit contest. The semifinals will be played Saturday at Milwaukee, with the championship to be played Tuesday, March 8, at Milwaukee.
Homer Drew summed it up best: “This has been an interesting year for fans and our team. It would be great to see a good crowd out for our final home tournament game. Our players love it when the fans turn the ARC into an intimidating place for a game."
For tickets, call (219) 464-5233 or (877) MY-VU-TIX. Tickets are also available online at http://www.valpoathletics.com/.
