By Adam Przeslak, staff reporter.
It was all about the fun of the game on Saturday Oct. 19 in the Pioneer Gym. The Delta mens’ and womens’ basketball teams took on a team of Delta’s former players during the annual alumni game.
The Lady Pioneers played first with the men’s game following soon after. The current teams served as the home team in a game where both teams, at least at one time, called the Pioneer Gym home.
The atmosphere of the gym was relaxed with a sense of seriousness only once the two teams came face-to-face with each other. Off the court fans chatted with players and children dribbled basketballs, hoping to be on the court themselves one day.
The alumni game is much more than an exhibition for the current Pioneers and the Pioneers of the past. It allows the younger players a chance to look right at, and even play against, the history of the very team they represent.
For the players of previous years, it is an experience to rekindle their old days of gracing the court in the Pioneer Gym. Former players like Angelica Garza, a 23-year-old alumni that played for the Lady Pioneers in 2011 and 2012, enjoy the game and what it represents.
“It’s all about having fun, seeing old teammates, and meeting the new players,” said Garza. This was her fourth time playing in the alumni game.
She also had some words of advice for the current Pioneers.
“Be together, rely on each other,” she said. Remembering back on her times as a Pioneer she broke down what it was that made them a good team. “They had my back. We were so united. You need to build a band.”
