Western Kentucky - Thanks

If you haven't heard the story of Western Kentucky, see the quotes and link below.

As an ex Division 1 player, I am thankful that they had the courage to break racial barriers.

Even though my college coach (fired my senior year) made my 4 years draining and joyless, I realize that it was easy compared to what the players and coaches went through in the 60's.

We need more courage like that in the world!

Gswede

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/sports/ncaabasketball/27western.html?pagewanted=1&ref=sports


BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — With 20 N.C.A.A. tournament appearances, a Final Four berth and a spot among the top 10 in victories by a Division I program, Western Kentucky has an unusually strong résumé for a team regarded as a tournament darling.

The No. 12 Hilltoppers play No. 1 U.C.L.A. in a West Region semifinal Thursday night, a matchup of two of the most storied programs in college basketball.

U.C.L.A.’s history with John Wooden, Lew Alcindor and 11 national titles is often romanticized, but memories of Western Kentucky’s run of dominance in the 1960s seem to have faded with the set shot and canvas sneakers. In part, the run came about because of Western Kentucky’s willingness to integrate its team at a time when such a policy was still taboo in the South. Those involved with Western Kentucky still take great pride in the university’s breaking of racial barriers.
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And another: “I can also tell you that Western will never advance to any high finish in the upcoming N.C.A.A. tournament simply because you can’t win the big games with five Negro players. They don’t possess the intelligence nor stability to meet such a challenge.”