`Destiny' rally honors champions
By JASON McFARLEY
News Editor
It was a familiar feeling in a different setting.
In their last public appearance as a group, members of the Notre Dame women's basketball team celebrated their NCAA championship in front of more than 1,000 people.
"We really appreciate the support you've shown us all year," said All-American Ruth Riley at the community rally outside the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown South Bend. "We enjoy the atmosphere you've created for us around here."
The event was billed as the "Team of Destiny" rally, and speakers alluded to the theme throughout the 30-minute ceremony.
"I think this was really a team of destiny," said head coach Muffet McGraw. "They had their eyes on St. Louis the whole time."
On April 1, the team defeated Purdue University to win the national title in St. Louis.
In the championship game and during the regular season, the team was an example of "poise under pressure," McGraw said. She noted season highlights, including wins against Georgia and Connecticut.
Fans cheered speeches by McGraw and players, were part of a panoramic photo with the team outside the hall and even sang happy birthday to McGraw's son Murphy.
Local politicians were also on hand to honor the team.
County councilwoman Cindy Bodle presented the squad with the key to St. Joseph County. Later, city councilman Roland Kelly announced the South Bend Common Council's April 23 passage of two resolutions commending the team.
South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke praised the women for their courage and model example.
"Thanks for showing us how to work through adversity. Thanks for inspiring our young people," Luecke said.
At Friday's rally, team members offered advice to the crowd, much of which included young children.
After asking the audience who wanted to play college basketball and who wanted to attend Notre Dame, senior guard Imani Dunbar told children to work hard and surround themselves with positive influences.
"If it's music or basketball or whatever you want to do, we just want to encourage you to try your heart out, and we wish you guys all the best," Riley added.
Since winning the championship, the team has received much public praise.
On April 6, a resolution to honor the team's title passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate. Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., sponsored the measure.
April 8, the community hailed the team at a public pep rally at the Joyce Center.
The women traveled to Washington, D.C., on April 23 for a ceremony with President Bush at the White House.
Luecke said he hoped the rally Friday would hold special meaning for the team.
"I know that you've had a lot of honors this year, but I hope that what you'll carry with you is the adulation, the adoration of this community," he said.
All News Stories for Monday, April 30, 2001
