2003 Miracle Yearbook

The Jackets circle up before games to pray, refocus, and pump each other up. The Cedarville Yellow Jackets Men's Basketball team finished first in the American Mideast Conference(AMC)South division and ended the season ranked tenth in the NAIA Division II. The team finished with a record of27-8 overall and 14-2 in the conference, making them eligible for the NAIA tournament. Coach Ray Slagle earned AMC South Division Coach ofthe Year, while the league named Mugabe Thomas Freshman ofthe Year. Josh Gast and Jason Weakley received All-AMC South First Team awards,and the AMC named Barry Chamberlin to the Second Team,while freshman Drew Borton earned Honorable Mention. In the AMC championship game,the Yellow Jackets beat the second ranked team in NAIA Division H and northern division leader St. Vincent. After trailing by 10 early, Gast put up 20 points,and the team made 7of8 free throws in the final minutes to hold on to the victory,earning the first AMC Men's Basketball title for the Jackets since the 1991-92 season. Playing in the NAIA tournament for the first time in 21 years,the men's team defeated Saint Ambrose 94-84 in the first round with the help ofGast's and Weakley's combined 45 points. After being down6 points at halftime,the Yellow Jackets stormed back,outscoring their opponents 60-44 in the second half. In the second round ofthe tournament,the Jackets faced the Huntington Foresters, but came up short, losing 80-70. Coaches and players appreciated the fan support during the season. The month ofFebruary saw record sellouts as students,faculty and community members packed the stands to watch the team dominate in the Callan Gymnasium."I loved playing here at home. I think our fans and the atmosphere in the gym on game night was the best in the nation compared to any other NAIA Division II school," Borton commented. SHOOTING FORTHREE \