Paradise Lost is a poem of the fall of man. The loss of innocence. Battle of good and evil. It’s elements ring true now, with the beginning of the cancellation of normalcy. The cancellation of a time we love, of a tradition beginning in March of the rise of Cinderella’s and favorites. Of the joy of winning and the agony of defeat.
Many times our favorite athletes see their careers end in a final college game. Some unfortunately end due to injury. While others are fortunate to move to the professional level, but the purity of the game in college gives alumni and fans a feeling of being part of them. The 2019-20 season didn’t offer the opportunity for the athletes to decide it on the playing field. The former Bears will now have a what if hanging over their college careers. The fans are left with a loss of not seeing the games play out. Milton talked of innocence lost, but this is about National Championship opportunities lost. Baylor had a true opportunity lost for four national titles. Imagine the joy those bring to the players, the fans, the alumni, and even shops selling new gear.
Men’s Basketball
Baylor’s best chance to make the championship game in over 70 years never played a post-season tournament game. All the hours in the offseason, in the season, in the weight room, pre-game walk throughs, and post-game sessions lost. Looking back and guessing what if shouldn’t take away from all the weeks as the top team in basketball, the 23 game win streak, and post season accolades.
Women’s Basketball
The defending National Champions suffered two losses during the season and one was without All-American Lauren Cox. The other was just one of those games which doesn’t go your way and in the end an official decided the contest. Cox is headed to the WNBA, Te’a Cooper and Juicy Landrum will be playing professionally as well. Erin DeGrate came to Baylor to win a three titles and she only made it 1/3 of the way.
Acrobatics and Tumbling
Felicia Mulkey had won nine National Championships in a row. Her squad defeated their biggest challenger, Oregon, just over two weeks ago. Now, the seniors going for their fourth in a row are now home or headed to the workforce if an extension isn’t granted.
Men’s Tennis
Baylor was ready to return to prominence with the addition of Jenson Brooksby arrived with a minor injury in January and never played a competitive match for the Bears. Without the top player on the team, the Bears likely were headed deep into the NCAA tournament and with him were a favorite to bring home the title.
These seasons ended prematurely, but the joy should always remain for what was seen are memories, our memories of greatness.
