ECCC gets strong sendoff

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
March 12, 2004
DECATUR For many, Thursday night's pep rally to help send the East Central Community College Lady Warriors off to the NJCAA Division I Women's National Championship Tournament in Salina, Kan., was their first chance to see the team since it won both the MACJC state and Region 23 tournaments over the last two weeks.
And they were more than willing to let the Lady Warriors know how proud they are of their numerous accomplishments this season.
Not only were the Lady Warriors honored, but so was former ECCC women's basketball coach Lucille Wood, who will be inducted into the NJCAA Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Monday at Salina.
The 29-2 Lady Warriors have also set a school record for wins in a season. Their current 3.1 team grade point average gives them a shot of reaching their goal of National Academic Team of the Year as well.
ECCC third-year coach Brad Hodge was impressed with the turnout, especially with the pep rally coming one day before the school lets out for spring break.
One example is that the school needed to raise $15,000 for the trip. Every penny is accounted for before the team even leaves town.