By Staff
WORLD SERIES BOUND The Meridian Community College Eagles are bound for the National Junior College Division I World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
May 19, 2003
There are many different ways to celebrate a big victory.
Super Bowl winners yell about, "Going to Disney Land!"
The latest World Series champions, the Anaheim Angels, simply had to cross the street to go to "The happiest place on Earth."
Hockey players finally get to shave after capturing Lord Stanley Cups, thanks to the tradition of throwing away the razors during the playoffs.
One sports figure used to celebrate a big win with a bowl of ice cream and a pay-per-view movie back in his hotel room.
The Meridian Community College baseball team (39-17) is no different about finding a way to cap a win.
After the Eagles defeated the Faulkner State Community College Sun Chiefs last Sunday to secure a berth to the Junior College World Series, head coach Michael Federico gave a one-word answer for how he planed to celebrate.
The Eagles skipper, who guided the squad to the program's sixth appearance and first since 2000, elaborated on why some down time was very important for his team.
MCC sophomore pitcher Todd Doolittle, whose elbow and shoulder were encased in ice after Sunday's win, mirrored his coach's sentiments about getting some "R &R."
The right-hander, who picked up the win in the deciding game against the Sun Chiefs, agreed that rest and relaxation was the best thing to do after the win.
But don't think these young men didn't plan on a little levity after winning the best-of-three Super Regional.
The Eagles said they would find time to share in the fruits of their victory.
MCC right fielder Brad McKee, who hit a sole home run to tie the game at five in the seventh inning, said the team would also use its time to prepare for the final tournament of the season.
Assistant coach Chad Caillet' said his routine after the victory would be a little less relaxing than the players.
The first year MCC assistant focused on finding the best way to get the team to Sam Suplizio Field in Grand Junction, Colo., the site of the seven-day tournament that begins on Saturday.
No matter how the team celebrates, the squad knows it has plenty of work left to go for the season.
The Eagles are also certain that their three-game series against the Sun Chiefs was a great way to prepare for the stiff competition MCC will face in the championship tourney.