Campion Champions in Lincoln, Nebraska

The women's team poses after winning the championship game against Sunnydale Academy.

By Ruth Garcia and Madi Kamarad

Just this last week the Campion Cougars (men and women) traveled to the Union College basketball tournament and gave it their all. The ladies rode home as undefeated champions after a 35-30 victory over the Sunnydale Spartans. The men's team earned second place after a close game against the College View Eagles in which they lost by 8 points in overtime. 
After losing 3 games to Mile High this season, the guys were especially proud to win the semifinal (43-37) against their rival school. Both varsity teams have learned so much all throughout the season, and we're all extremely sad that it's over.

God is not only revealed among students through Campion's Christian environment, but through our sports as well. Team co-captain Chantelle Bravatti said, "It's taught me that no matter how big or small, we should always let God be in control and give Him the glory always."

God is our #1 motivator, but many athletes play for people watching from the sidelines. The men's team co-captain, Xander Assa, said, "I played for my dad; he came to watch. My dad doesn't know much about the game, but he's there for me. At tournament I had three 20-point games, in hopes to make my dad smile. When my dad smiles, I smile."

Similarly, Chantelle Bravatti played for her friend and teammate. "Rachel--she injured herself this season. She has always been there for us. It was hard for her, but I wanted to make her proud by how we played. Even though Rachel didn't get the opportunity to play this season, she made just as much of an impact on the team as she would have playing on the court."

The Campion teams are a different type of family. The womens' team chants the Spanish word, "Familia," before every game. Women's co-captain Chezney Barry said, "My teammates have helped me believe in trust again." The team believes families should trust each other, and they see their games improve when they do. Glenn O'Halloran, womens' coach, reminded his girls during the championship game of John Wooden's words, "Athletes win games. Teamwork wins championships." Teamwork led them to a 6-0 record over the tournament.

Read the report from Union College and see final scores.

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The men's team gathers after the championship game against College View Academy.

Chantelle Bravatti (right), played to make Rachel Hammond (left) proud, who couldn't participate this year due to an injury.