Trey Farley
tlf001@marietta.edu
Luis Garcia, Eddy Grenert, A.J. Ireland, and Brennan McKean left Fenton Court on the highest note possible, a standing ovation, after defeating the number three ranked John Carroll Blue Streaks. But there is more to this group of seniors than just winning one big game. In fact, after the win Saturday, these four young men have won 88 games in their four years on campus, making them the most-winning class in Marietta men’s basketball history.
Their teammate Isaiah Barbra emphasized that this year’s seniors have helped him elevate his playing level.
“This group of seniors is one of the most extraordinary, hardworking, and compassionate group of seniors I’ve ever played with,” Barbra, a sophomore, said. “They pick you up one you’re down and raise you even higher when you’re up. Each and every one of these guys has something special about them. I can truly call them my brothers. ”
Head Coach Jon VanderWal also praised the group.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to coach them,” Coach Jon VanderWal told The Marcolian. “They will go on to do great things.”
Coach VanderWal has must be very proud of this group as he has spent half of his tenure coaching these men and they have helped him learn as much about coaching as he has taught them about basketball.
Garcia and McKean have been fixtures in the Pioneer front court since day one, and have been leaders on and off the court emotionally for the Pioneers. Eddy Grenert has been both the dominant force down low and one of the top rebounders in the OAC year in and year out. As for A.J. Ireland, he was the three point specialist for the Pioneers in his first three years, but recently became more of a post presence after Garrett Stephenson graduated in spring 2015. The four of them combined have led Marietta College to two conference titles in their time and visited the NCAA tournament on two occasions, including an elite eight run last year.
While all of the teams past accomplishments are well and good, Garcia stated in his senior sendoff, “The only thing that could make time here any sweeter would be a national championship.”
That appears to be a very feasible goal as the Pioneers sit alone atop the OAC rankings and are ranked in the top ten nationally. Although there are still games to be played, it would seem that the Pioneers will be making another trip to the NCAA tournament barring any sort of major fallout.
While nothing may be certain for this season, one thing can be said with the utmost assurance. The Marietta College men’s basketball program and the community are very appreciative of all the seniors’ accomplishments and will surely miss them next year.
