The day the journey of varsity athletes comes to its end brings back memories of all the good and tough times athletes went through each season as they competed to be the best.
To appreciate all the hard work and effort put into their athletic career as a Lancer, California Baptist University recognizes senior athletes at a traditional event called Senior Night.
The older players are usually well-respected and looked up to by younger players and have a key role on the team. The obligation of seniors is to lead their team, be an example for their teammates and meet expectations to perform at the highest level.
“Being a senior is hard because the team looks to you a lot but I have always had fun with the opportunity, “ said Kristopher Johnson, masters of management graduate student, former player of the men’s volleyball team.
Senior Night is the time and place for athletic teams to thank their graduating teammates for all the hard work they have done for the team and the athletic program.
“Senior Night is great,” said Trevor Rowland, recent graduate and former member of the men’s water polo team. “It shows that after four years as a college athlete, your coaches and your fans truly appreciate the hard work you have put in.”
During their last home game after the introductions, seniors are pulled aside from the team as their records, outstanding accomplishments and best memories are announced followed with surprise gifts.
Traditionally, the starter lineup includes all the seniors who compete at a home game for the last time of their CBU athletic career.
“When I played my final game during the conference tournament, I got emotional because that truly was my last time playing college water polo,” Rowland said. “I will never forget my memories with the team.”
Senior Night allows athletic teams to say goodbye and send out their treasured athletes to a new path in their lives with memories of the hard work and dedication they put in while competing as a CBU Lancer.
