The annual Region X pre-tournament basketball banquet was held tonight on the campus of Brunswick Community College. The banquet started with a delicious meal that consisted of chicken fingers, BBQ, green beans, slaw and numerous other items.
After the meal, Brunswick Community College President Dr. Stephen G. Greiner spoke to the eight teams in attendance, which included USC Salkehatchie. After speaking for several moments he introduced the tournament coordinator, Mrs. Asland Burke.
She introduced the guest speaker, Mike Capaccio former NJCAA coach and one of the most successful assistant coaches in NJCAA history. He was an assistant at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa back in the 90's, for several stints.
Indian Hills would go on to win three national titles under his guidance as interim head coach and an assistant.
He served 1 year as an interim head coach and 5 years as an assistant. He was a valuable member of the staff and a great recruiter,
He explained to the coaches and players on hand that he was able to accomplish this because he believed in education and made sure he players moved on to four-year institutions and graduated.
If you think Indian Hills was playing in a weak-region think again, their region won seven of twelve national titles in as many years.
After letting the crowd understand his accomplishments, he went on to explain that it wasn't by chance but because of hard work and commitment. It explained that to win like that at a small junior college it takes the support of faculty, staff, students and most of all the community in which the school is located. He said with out your communities support, it is almost impossible to be successful,
In the end, he told the student-athletes to take every moment in, to enjoy every play, every game and every moment of the Region X tournament. He explained to them about reaching Hutchinson, Kansas and how they would be playing in front of 8,000 fans and untold numbers of scouts.
"Once you arrive at the NJCAA championship, you are treated like royalty. You will be amazed at the crowds and the great time you will have once you arrive, the games will be like none you have ever played before," said coach Mike Capaccio.
He ended with several sports quotes and wished every team the best of luck.
After speaking, Dean Myrick the Athletic Director for Region X announced the All-Region teams, Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.
I will list them in the next post above.
