Step one of the Adelphi Panthers' pre-season goals has been accomplished; the men's basketball team has reached the elite eight in the NCAA Division II tournament However, in their climb to reach this plateau, a more interesting situation has developed. The Panthers have swept through the competition perfectly, compiling a 31-0 record, the only undefeated team in all of college basketball (Divisions I-III). They are only three wins away from bringing a national championship to Garden City and despite all the hoopla that has encircled this team, they still remain focused.

In an era of college sports that has been soiled by corruption: bribery, gambling, players not finishing school to go pro and so on, the Panthers exemplify exactly what college athletics is supposed to be. These men are not playing for money, television ratings or sneaker contracts. They are not being wined and dined by scouts who are trying to outbid each other for their services. They are not being given free passes by their professors, who still expect all work and papers to be turned in despite the fact that the team left on a plane to California last Sunday to take on the University of Tampa today. All of this team's success has been taken in stride, regardless of the television cameras and reporters hounding for interviews.

"This group of guys has just come together," commented the Director of Athletics at Adelphi University Robert Hartwell. He added, "I give them a lot of credit for their mental toughness. They never felt they were owed any more; always taking buses and vans to games. They have to feel the pressure as they continue to roll, yet they just continue to get it done."

After the cameras from NBC news were rolling last week in practice, Coach of the Year Jim Ferry commented to the Delphian, "The media coverage has been great for the school. It seems like sometimes when Adelphi gets on the news, it's negative coverage but this has been very positive for everyone." When asked if any of the extensive coverage was distracting for his players, Ferry said, "At first yes, but we all have gotten used to it."

Hartwell said of the media coverage "I really think the people in the metropolitan area are starting to recognize us. This is a great story and it all has been very exciting."

When the cameras and the reporters come to practice it's normally to speak with team captains Ryan McCormack and Kevin Goodman. McCormack, who is usually one of the smallest players on the court (5'10") was recently named Division II player of the year by the NCAA. Both Hartwell and Ferry say that the leadership Goodman and McCormack have provided for this team has been fantastic.

Hartwell adds that whenever members of the team are interviewed they always sound educated. "We have always valued education first at Adelphi. Other college athletes are not as educated as our kids," he said.

The media are not the only ones jumping on the Adelphi bandwagon. According to Hartwell, the University and the Athletic Department have received many calls from alumni as the season continues to progress. The streak has helped put Adelphi athletics on the map. "It has awakened interest in Adephi athletics" said Hartwell "People forget that we have always had a strong lacrosse, baseball and soccer program as well, but sometimes these things get overlooked. I think people are impressed that this little college in Garden City is getting it done."

Meanwhile, as all eyes in the metropolitan area and beyond turn to this program that was once overlooked, Ferry and his team are managing to keep everything in perspective. "This has been a special year even if we don?t win it all," the coach says.

As NCAA Division I powerhouses, North Carolina, Michigan State and Duke battle in the "big dance" over the next few weeks, they all should try to emulate the style of this little Division II college in Garden City Maybe then the focus of college athletics will turn back to where it should have always been: on the love of the game. If Adelphi has gotten this figured out, why can't everyone else?