The roar of the crowd is now a distant echo. The custodial staff has slicked up the Arena and only the hum of the exit signs drifts over the hardwood.
Meanwhile, national TV crews have long since flown to distant sites. In Southern Illinois hoops fans have turned to watching high school baseball or piloting bass boats around chilly lakes. Most fans, however, are back knocking out a 9 to 5 job, or hitting the books. Yes, here the season is over, but a question lingers.....
Was it a failure?
No, the 2008 Salukis 18-15 season was not a failure. In fact, it should not even be mentioned in the same sentence with the word. This year's Dawgs made us proud.
Certainly, we hoped for more. A berth in the NCAA and another sweet 16. Perhaps a conference title and three wins at ScottTrade.
The Salukis have accomplished so much in recent seasons as to create an unquenchable thirst for more distinctions among their legions of fans.
This time banners with colors other than maroon and white flew in victory.
Western Kentucky, Illinois State, and Drake and many more earned their success this season. That the Dawgs were fairly beaten down 15 times, by various opponents is the gift our foes have given us.
Defeat engenders the grim resolve to shoot another half hour after practice....to lift one more set in the steamy weight room, or to run more sprints when you think you're too tired.
This year's Salukis certainly lacked in certain ways, but their effort was never in doubt. Surely, they were discouraged at times, but they drew themselves up and ripped Oklahoma State when some teams would have given a half-hearted effort. They went down battling at Arizona State with two of their best men sidelined by injury. From seniors on down, they learned, and college is about learning.
Sometimes you learn you don't always win.
But these Salukis are winners. Coach Lowrey is a winner and a fine man, at that. He's also an exceptionally good teacher. With talented recruits on the way SIU's basketball future is bright.
