Local University Wins National Title With Chemistry

March 21st was a historic day in the life of the George Fox University Bruins, particularly the women’s basketball team. The team won the division III NCAA women’s basketball national championship game 60-53 over Washington University (MO), finishing their record-setting first ever undefeated season at 32-0.

The Bruins became the first team west of the Rocky Mountains to win the Division III title and won with one senior, three juniors and ten freshmen. Picked to finish middle of the pack in their conference, the Bruins worked hard to win every game on their way to the championship. Coach of the year Scott Rueck of the Bruins said that the team bonded at a summer barbecue and became a family. That bond was pivotal to their success.

Team chemistry is a glue that holds teams together when adversity and challenge inevitably come their way. Pressure and obstacles will come, and the Bruins had their share, yet in every game, they managed to find a way to win. Their chemistry and passion, even simply starting out with so many freshmen, proved to be solid and lasting. Hats off to the Bruins for their championship and commitment to excellence.