March 12, 2004

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - The Warriors are right in the thick of March Madness! Wayne State redshirt sophomore Herb Goliday (Ferndale, Mich./CMU) will provide insight in to what it is like to be a part of this special journey. Check back each day as Herb will add excerpts throughout the team's trip to Romeoville.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2004
After we had lost the game to Gannon in the GLIAC Tournament, we were worried whether or not we would make the NCAA Tournament. When we discovered that we made the top eight in our regional rankings, we felt more confident about our chances, but we were still not sure yet.

We waited all last week and found out late Sunday night that we received an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Everyone came to practice the next day rejuvenated and ready to work. We had a good week of practice and feel very confident about our chances in the regional games.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Today we got up and had a good hour of working out in the gym for Saturday night's game against Lewis. After a few hours of time to relax, we attended a banquet which every team was invited to at Lewis University. We ate and heard every coach from his respected team say a word. It was good to see Coach Greer speaking on behalf of Wayne State and the basketball team.

After the banquet we returned to the hotel and had one last meeting before we all got ready for bed. Tomorrow's the big day.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Today we had our regular game-day preparation. We woke up for a 9:00 am shoot-around and had breakfast afterwards. Later we watched a little film before our pre-game meal and then we departed for the arena at 4:30.

The game was scheduled for 6:00 pm (CST). The atmosphere of the arena was electrifying. The crowd was harping on us the whole game, but that is what they're supposed to do.

The game was close all throughout and it went down to the last minute. We won on Darryl's game-winning shot. We were very excited and happy about winning. Never once did we think we couldn't win this game.

Now that we have won this game, our focus is concentrated on Michigan Tech.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Today we had another tough game against Michigan Tech. Even though we beat Tech earlier in the year, we knew we had our hands full. The game was close all the way through, but we were able to pull away with the victory in the closing minutes. Now that we have beaten Tech, we will play Southern Indiana in the Great Lakes Regional Championship. The winner of this game heads to California for the Elite Eight.

MARCH 15, 2004
We do not play again until Tuesday, so we used the day to practice, relax and treat any injuries. We also watched film. Later, after our team dinner, we all decided to go to the mall and watch a movie. Today was mainly used to get ourselves prepared for tomorrow's game.

MARCH 16, 2004
Our game against Southern Indiana was a nail biter. Through the majority of the game, USI had the lead. In the last four minutes we started making our push. The game came down to the final seconds and USI pulled away with a one-point victory.

It is sad to say that our season has come to an end, but it was one heck of a journey. Not many people believed in us, but we stayed hungry throughout the season. Making the NCAA Tournament was a wonderful feeling and our goal is nothing short of making it again next year.