Valparaiso University sports fans had a thrilling weekend as the men’s basketball team defeated 24th-ranked Purdue in double overtime with a pair of buzzer-beaters. This was a historic win for the University, and for the Valpo career of Head Coach Roger Powell Jr., now in his fourth season with the University. As incredible of an experience as it has been for athletes, fans, and the greater community, it’s far from the only thing our team has done for our University, community, and beyond.
“Our players are extremely talented and hard working when it comes to the game, but we’re also a community, and we’re part of a bigger culture here on campus and in the Region,” said Roger Powell Jr., head coach.
Valpo students, even those with a commitment to intensive programs, are fully invested in growing as multifaceted individuals ready to make positive change in the world. Sophomore Rakim Chaney, who made the initial last-second three-pointer at the end of first overtime, represented the entire Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in Washington D.C. earlier this fall as part of the Protect College Sports Act press conference. Making the trip with MVC commissioner Jeff Jackson, Chaney took the opportunity to act as a leader, using his passion to make widespread, positive change.
Members of the team even took Valpo’s dedication to service internationally. During their recent trip to the Bahamas, players took the time to meet and play with local young people as part of the Rev Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating extraordinary moments that can be used to inspire others. Nearer to home, the team worked with the Valpo Boys and Girls Club of America as well as Valpo Parks this past summer, using their passion for the game to spread joy near to home.
When they’re not practicing, playing, on the road, or serving the community, the men’s basketball team is enjoying the same Valpo experience that every other student on campus takes part in. The players can often be found at football games and other events, cheering on their fellow athletes. As a team, they attended the inauguration of Rev. Brian Konkol as the University’s 20th president, and can be found at events, shows, and festivities across campus.
Like their classmates, the men’s basketball team is at Valpo for an exemplary education, which is evidenced by the group’s excellent academic record. This July, they earned a Team Excellence Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, with five members being named to the organization’s Honors Court, open only to those who maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
The win against Purdue is still just the start of a promising new season, and fans of Valpo and of college basketball still have plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. Members of the community can get in on the fun by participating in themed games like Decades Nights on Dec. 8, Tropical Night on Dec. 12, or the holiday-themed Elf Night on Dec. 22. For a complete schedule, and to purchase tickets, visit valpoathletics.com
