Basketball banquet honors seniors

By Anne McLaren
Staff Writer

The women's basketball team highlighted its 1999-2000 season and remembered its four seniors Tuesday night.

Seniors Danielle Bird, Mackenzie Curless, Michelle Duhart, and the late Tiffany Young were honored during the 14th annual Purdue basketball banquet.

Young, who was part of the senior class, was killed in a car accident July 31, 1999. Her boyfriend, Neil Sinclair, accepted her senior award in her memory.

Among the seniors' accomplishments are three Big Ten Tournament titles, two regular season Big Ten championships, and one national championship. The Boilers compiled a 97-31 record, including 49-15 in conference games. In Big Ten Tournament games Purdue was 10-1, and in the NCAA tourney it went 11-3.

"We're going to miss you all," said Kristy Curry, who compiled a 23-8 record in her first season as head coach. "We love you and you will always be a part of us. We're going to dream big. We're going to carry the torch for all of you. You're all incredibly special and your future is incredibly bright."

Bird, Curless, and Duhart thanked their families, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support.

"I want to thank the seniors — Michelle, Mackenzie and Tiffany," said Bird. "We survived 35 sprints at 5:30 in the morning, 6 a.m. conditioning, coaching changes, winning, losing, and unfortunately death. But through all these things we have developed a bond that no one can ever break. We have shared so much. I wish you all the best of luck in everything you do, and I will dearly miss you."

Purdue president Steven Beering told the crowd of approximately 500 that while he was stepping down from the presidency, he would still be an ardent supporter of Purdue athletics.

"I'm proud of you, I thank you, we admire and respect what you've done, and I look forward to yet another great season," said Beering.

With what Beering and many analysts have called the number one recruiting class in the country, the coaching staff and six returning players will now turn their thoughts to next season.

"We do have big dreams," Curry told the crowd. "And our hopes and goals and dreams are to be in St. Louis (for next year's Final Four.) From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love and support and let's pack Mackey Arena next year."