NWF State falls short in final after epic run
March 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Entering Saturday night’s NJCAA championship final, Northwest Florida State College coach Steve Forbes knew his team would have to fire on all cylinders in order to knock off No.1-ranked and unbeaten South Plains (Texas).
Instead, NWF State’s usually high-octane offense sputtered.
NWF State shot just 14 percent (4-of-28) from behind the 3-point line and 43 percent from the field. South Plains’ Marshall Henderson, meanwhile, seemingly couldn’t miss. Henderson went for a game-high 32 points to lead South Plains past NWF State, 81-68.
South Plains (36-0) became the first school since Indian Hills in 1999 to finish the season unbeaten.NWF State, playing in its first NJCAA title game since winning it all in the 1994-95 season, ends the year 31-2.
“We’ve got nothing to hang our heads about,” Forbes said. “We’ve had an unbelievable year. This was a team that didn’t even make it to the regional tournament last year to a team that competed for a national championship.
“We were one of the last two teams standing. We have nothing to be ashamed about.”
Rod Rucker led NWF State with 16 points while Nieko Hunter (15), Chris Jones (13) and Teraes Clemmons (11) also reached double figures.
Rucker and Jones were each named to the all-tournament team. Jones finished the tournament with 90 points in four games.
South Plains came out firing early, opening the game on a 15-5 run and seemed to be one step ahead of the Raiders for much of the night. Still, NWF State battled back to take a brief lead late in the half.
It was an offensive tip-in by Rucker that made it just a four-point game with 5:44 remaining, as NWF State continued to answer every Texans run with one of its own. But when Jones’ 3-point attempt clanged off the rim and into the arms of a South Plains player with less than three minutes remaining, the Raiders fate seemed sealed.
When Henderson threw up a last-second 3-pointer from well beyond 30 feet, only to see it draw nothing but net and extend the Texans lead to 79-68, it was certain.
“We had some guys that have played well for us all year that just didn’t’ make their shots tonight,” Forbes said. “They forced us to make some shots we didn’t make.
“We played an outstanding team that had an outstanding year,” Forbes added. “One team had to lose, it just so happened it was us.”
The loss brought an end to a season that won’t soon be forgotten in Niceville.
Forbes led the Raiders to an incredible 26-1 regular season record that included the team’s first Panhandle Conference title since the 2009-10 campaign and its first FCSAA state championship since that same season.
Five different Raiders received postseason recognition. Jones was the star attraction, garnering both Panhandle Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. He was the first player to win both awards since 1997.
Rucker, Jackson and Hunter joined Jones as first-team all-conference selections by the league. Chad Donley was a second-team selec-tion.
In the media vote, Jones, Rucker and Hunter were named first-team all-conference while Jackson was named second-team. Demetrius Moore was named as an honorable mention.
Forbes was named Coach of the Year by both the league and its media members.
Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/njcaa-48444-raiders-entering.html#ixzz1qBailowK
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Title: "NWF Takes Second: A Tale of Achievement, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Excellence"
Introduction
In the world of competitive sports, achieving second place often means being the first loser, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. The journey to the podium, the lessons learned, and the indomitable spirit required to reach that position are often overlooked. In this article, we'll delve into the story of NWF (Noteworthy Wrestling Federation) taking second place, highlighting their remarkable achievements, the challenges they overcame, and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of their journey.
NWF: A Rising Star in Wrestling
NWF, or the Noteworthy Wrestling Federation, is a relatively new player in the world of competitive wrestling. Established just a few years ago, they set out to make their mark in a sport dominated by established giants. While their journey to recognition has been challenging, their dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence have set them on a path to success.
The Path to Second Place
Reaching second place in any competitive endeavor is a noteworthy achievement, but it's particularly impressive in a sport as demanding and competitive as wrestling. NWF's journey to this position was marked by several key factors:
1. Talent and Dedication: NWF's roster of wrestlers comprises a mix of young talents and seasoned veterans. The dedication they showed in training, honing their skills, and maintaining peak physical condition played a crucial role in their success.
2. Coaching and Mentorship: Behind every successful wrestling team is a team of experienced coaches and mentors. NWF benefited from the guidance of knowledgeable mentors who provided strategic insights and emotional support.
3. Team Unity: Wrestling is often seen as an individual sport, but team unity and camaraderie can make a significant difference. NWF's wrestlers supported and pushed each other to excel, fostering a sense of collective achievement.
4. Adaptability: Wrestling is a sport that demands adaptability. NWF's ability to adjust strategies, tactics, and training methods in response to their opponents' strengths and weaknesses allowed them to stay competitive.
5. Mental Toughness: Wrestling is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. NWF's wrestlers demonstrated mental fortitude, resilience, and the ability to stay focused under intense pressure.
Overcoming Challenges
No journey to the podium is without its challenges, and NWF faced its fair share. From injuries to setbacks in key matches, they had to navigate obstacles that tested their resolve. However, it was their ability to learn from these challenges and use them as stepping stones that set them apart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some frequently asked questions about NWF's journey to second place:
1. Who are some standout wrestlers from NWF?
NWF has produced several standout wrestlers, including individuals who have achieved regional and national recognition. Their names may vary by season, but each athlete's contribution is vital to the team's success.
2. How does NWF prepare for its matches and tournaments?
NWF's preparation for matches and tournaments involves rigorous training sessions, both in the gym and on the mat. Wrestlers focus on strength and conditioning, technique drills, and strategy development.
3. What distinguishes NWF from other wrestling organizations?
NWF's commitment to excellence, dedication to the development of its athletes, and a strong sense of camaraderie set it apart. They prioritize not only the pursuit of victory but also the growth and character development of their wrestlers.
4. What are the future goals and aspirations of NWF?
NWF's future goals likely include continued success on the wrestling circuit, the development of young talent, and perhaps even a push for the top spot. Their ultimate aspiration is to be recognized as a dominant force in the world of wrestling.
5. How can aspiring wrestlers get involved with NWF or a similar organization?
Aspiring wrestlers can typically get involved with organizations like NWF by seeking out local wrestling clubs, participating in youth or high school wrestling programs, and connecting with experienced coaches and mentors. Developing a strong foundation in the sport is key to pursuing success at higher levels.
Conclusion
NWF's journey to second place is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in competitive sports. While second place is often seen as falling short of the ultimate goal, it is, in reality, an extraordinary achievement. NWF's wrestlers showcased their talent, commitment, and the ability to overcome adversity to reach this position.
Their journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes, highlighting the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and mental toughness in the pursuit of sporting success. NWF may have taken second place, but in the hearts of those who followed their journey, they are unquestionably champions. Their story reminds us that in the world of sports, victory isn't just about the outcome; it's about the journey, the lessons learned, and the indomitable spirit that keeps athletes striving for greatness.
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