Basketball banquet celebrates seniors

By Anne McLaren
Assistant Sports Editor

Maybe childhood beatings helped to mold Camille Cooper into the person she is today, but that's fairly unlikely.

Cooper, a 6-foot-4 center, in front of the crowd of approximately 600 at the annual postseason women's basketball banquet Wednesday night in the Union, jokingly thanked her parents for "beating her" as a child

The banquet honored seniors Cooper, Candi Crawford, Katie Douglas, Mo-nique Langston and Shinika Parks — as well as the eight returning players — for their accomplishments in the 2000-01 season.

"These players have captured the hearts of all these fans that are represented here tonight," said Purdue president Martin Jischke. "They are special because of their enthusiasm, because of their unselfish team play, because of their work ethic, because of their determination, because of their poise, because of their sportsmanship."

The senior class finished 111-26, the winningest class in Big Ten history. They also won three Big Ten Tournaments, earned two regular season Big Ten titles, achieved two Final Four berths and won one national championship.

"Their legacy can be seen in those accomplishments," said Coach Kristy Curry. "And maybe someday years from now their legacy will be matched or surpassed. It is hard to imagine another group of kids who have been so persistent while facing so much adversity. How they've done what they've done will never be duplicated."

Athletic director Morgan Burke said, "Your legacy may well be that when people rattle on about the top basketball programs on the women's side, I don't have to hear about Connecticut and Tennessee any longer."

Purdue (31-7) finished the season at No. 2, losing to Notre Dame 68-66 in the NCAA championship game on April 1.

"In the end we came up just short of our final goal of winning the national championship," said Curry. "But I know and I take pride in the fact that these kids did everything they could."

The senior class played under two different coaches and was recruited by a third. But Cooper credited the administration and assistant coaches Pam Stackhouse and Kerry Cremeans for guiding the program and helping it through the adversity.

Douglas also thanked her family and friends for supporting her in her personal heartache.

"I never thought I would be surrounded by so many people who cared so much about me," said the two-time All-American.

Cooper said the seniors have a special bond.

"Coming in with you all I didn't know what to expect," said Cooper. "But these have truly been the best four years of my life. You're my best friends on and off the court. I can't imagine playing without you."

Not Done Yet

In a surprise announcement, Crawford said she will play next season for the volleyball team. Crawford was an all-conference selection as a volleyball player in high school.

Tiffany Young Memorial Game

The second annual Tiffany Young Celebrity Basketball Game will be held at 6 p.m. Friday in Mackey Arena. The game will benefit the Tiffany Young Youth Center in Hillsboro, Ala. Young was a member of the women's basketball team until her death on July 31, 1999, after being hit by a drunk driver.

Former and current Purdue athletes will be taking part, including Drew Brees, Rosevelt Colvin, Douglas, Parks, Jannon Roland and many others.

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SPORTS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 251

Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:
Anne McLaren

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