I couldn't pass on the opportunity to tell a great story of sportsmanship that took place last weekend. Former Ball State assistant coach Hugh Hernesman pulled off a major surprise to honor a senior at Northwestern State on Senior Day.
Senior Zanny Castillo had a rod placed in her leg after a stress fracture earlier in her career. Some sort of negative reaction to the rod required a second surgery to remove it, costing her a year of eligibility. On the second day of practice in August, Castillo reinjured her leg, causing her to miss the entire 2010 season and ending her career.
"I just felt bad about the situation," Hernesman said. "So a couple weeks ago when we started thinking about gifts for the seniors, I had an idea."
That idea would turn into quite the surprise for Castillo and provided a feel good story to close out a disappointing finish to her career.
Hernesman spoke with Lamar coach Justin Gibert about the possibility to allow Northwestern State to serve first. Hernesman said Gibert was taken aback at the request until the situation was explained. He agreed to do so. Everything was set.
Moments before starting lineups were announced, Hernesman, who had Castillo practicing her serving the previous week in practice under the guise of needing to rest other player's arms, asked if she wanted to start.
Castillo didn't believe Hernesman.
"She was back with her mom during warmups, and I asked her if she wanted to start," he said. "She hesitated and was nervous. She really didn't want to do it until her mom told her, ‘Why not?'"
With clearance from the trainers to serve only, Castillo changed into her gear that her teammates secretly brought to the arena that day. She was introduced and put into the starting lineup and walked onto the court to serve.
"She wasn't supposed to be able to play," Hernesman said. "She was only supposed to serve and stand there."
That wasn't what happened. Castillo served and Lamar hit a hot shot to the back of the court. Castillo ran forward, diving to a knee and dug the ball. Northwestern State won the point and Castillo had to serve again. The Demons lost the point. Castillo's career was over as she substituted out.
"I didn't care about the point or the set," Hernesman said. "I would have given it all up to get her in the match."
Northwestern State went on to lose the match to Lamar 27-25, 25-20, 25-20.
In the grand scheme of things, that didn't matter. A greater victory had been achieved Northwestern State, Hernesman, and Lamar. A tremendous show of sportsmanship had won out and touched everyone in attendance on Senior Day.
"I would do it all over again," Hernesman said. "I knew I made the right decision when her teammates were near tears when I asked her if she wanted to start.
"We all wanted it for her."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
