By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Barton Community College men's basketball team celebrated its first national championship Saturday in Hutchinson. On Wednesday, April 10, the Cougars are inviting the community to join the celebration. Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said the Cougar Booster Club, in conjunction with the Best Western Angus Inn in Great Bend, will host a celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening.
"It's been wonderful to see the support from the beginning of the season to the end, and watching it continue to grow as people fell in love with this team," Rolfs said. "I actually talked to a couple of people yesterday who were just so joyful what a great group of young men they were and how enjoyable it was to watch them. That team probably shared the ball as well or better than any JUCO team than certainly I've ever seen. People really enjoyed watching how they played together and played for each other."
The event begins with an opportunity to interact with and get photos and autographs from Cougar players and coaches. Light refreshments will also be served.
"We'll have championship posters that anyone can get upon arrival," Rolfs said. "All the players and coaches will be there to sign the posters. Our bookstore that has been with us all year and had the pop-up store at the games will have championship merchandise. There'll be t-shirts, hoodies, crews, championship hats, all available for purchase."
At 6 p.m., the team will be recognized with comments from Cougar Head Coach Jeremy Coombs, Rolfs, and "Voice of the Cougars" Cole Reif. More interaction with fans will follow the presentation.
Barton defeated Triton College 88-73 to win the national title, capping a 36-1 season for the most wins in school history.