Saturday, SIUC’s Rolling Salukis made SIU history by advancing to the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s regional tournament for the first time. In an 82-34 victory over the Tulsa Roustabouts, the Rolling Salukis showed what hard work and determination can do, and their spirit should be observed by all students especially the SIUC Athletics Department.

This rather under-appreciated team has gained something other SIUC teams seem to be lacking lately wins accompanied by national exposure. The Rolling Salukis are the No. 12 Division II team in the nation with an impressive 15-8 record. Saturday made them the sectional tournament champions.

All of this could not have been possible without several influential factors. The first and most important is the overall team work and sprit displayed by the team members. Without the hard work and determination these guys have put into the team, they could not have gotten as far as they have. Another factor is Rolling Saluki’s coach Jason Lipe, who helped develop this team into the powerhouse it now is. And a rather overlooked factor is that, for once, recruitment has paid off. The addition of rookie James Gouch and his scoring abilities has definitely helped out the success of the Rolling Salukis.

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Athletics go far past the traditional forms of baseball, basketball and football, and athletes represent more than what the over-exposed professional sports media shows us. Athletes are individuals who encompass the human spirit in a way that causes them to go past the point most would stop. So do not let the fact that these guys are in wheelchairs fool you, they are as serious and dedicated as any other athlete. Saturday they proved just what dedicated athletes can do, and the accomplishments of the Rolling Salukis as well as student support should continue as they go into the NWBA tournament.

On a side note the Daily Egyptian editorial board would also like to mention that this season will be the last that senior Shane Hawkins will play for SIUC’s basketball team. Hawkins is the Missouri Valley Conference’s career three-point champion and has been a vital part of the Salukis since his freshman season. Regardless of the tough seasons the Salukis have endured, Hawkins maintains a good attitude, which shows immense character on his part. We wish him and the Rolling Salukis luck in future endeavors.