From University of Rochester Athletics

Simply put, playing in the Division 3 All-Star game was quite a blessing.  The venue, the people and the pregame warm-up – everything about it was unique.  It was an experience that turned out to be much greater than I originally expected.
 
On Thursday afternoon, I arrived in Salem and hopped in a van outside of the airport with a handful of other All-Stars.  Instantly, the overall camaraderie and vibe between the players was spectacular.  It was as if we had all already known each other prior to All-Star weekend.
 
We headed towards our hotel for quick stop before dinner with the schools still playing in the tournament – Williams, Babson, Whitman and Augustana.  One of my good friends from high school actually plays for Williams, so it was nice seeing a familiar face at dinner.
           
Friday came quickly.  At 9am, both of the All-Star teams made the trip to a nearby elementary school in Roanoke to do some community service.  We all got the chance to interact with the school kids, mostly through games and answering questions they had for us.  Some of the questions were hilarious, my favorite being "are you lactose intolerant?"
           
After our visit, we headed for lunch before our practice at Roanoke College.  Luckily for us, Roanoke built a brand new arena this past year.  Rumor had it that the gymnasium actually had $40 million put into it.  Without a doubt, it was one of the better Division 3 gyms I've seen. He finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
           
Later that evening, we headed to the Salem Civic Center to watch the national semifinal games – Williams vs. Augustana and Babson vs. Whitman.  Being there was honestly bittersweet.  I was very thankful to be able to watch the games in person, but having lost in the Elite 8, it was tough being a spectator.  I strongly believe our team was just as good as the remaining four. 
 
It was strange not having my teammates there with me, but it was stranger not playing in those games with them.
 
But just like that it was Saturday.  Game day!  Tip-off was scheduled for 3:30pm, just before the start of the national championship.  I was very excited to play, but more than anything, I was happy to be wearing my jersey one last time.
 
Let me backtrack – remember that vibe I mentioned earlier about being in the van with the other All-Stars?  I noticed that same feeling walking into the arena and during our pregame warm-up.  Maybe it was the arena, or the fact that Special Olympians accompanied us during the game.  It was indeed going to be a special day.
           
Tip-off commenced and the fun began.  It was amazing to see how much talent was present for one game.  People were scoring left and right, throwing lobs to one another and laughing through it all.  During the game, each player was interviewed courtside for the Hoopsville broadcast.  That was a first for me. 
 
There was lots of good-humored trash talk between the players prior to the game about who would win.  The end result?  East All-Stars 139, West All-Stars 116.
 
Being part of the All-Star game was something special.  I met many great players who ended up being even greater guys.  Since committing to Rochester, playing at the Salem Civic Center was something I always wanted to do.  How I got there was definitely in an unorthodox fashion, but more than anything I am grateful I was able to represent the University of Rochester.  I only wish my teammates could have been there with me.
 

Each of the all-stars were interviewed on HOOPSVILLE