Written by

Nancy Vines

NCAA Tournament Through the Eyes of Alan Flannigan

"The feeling of playing in the NCAA Tournament was almost surreal as we were going through warm-ups.  I still don't know if the reality has sunk in.  It was absolutely electric in the building, and as always, the Leopard fans turned out strong. It was pretty neat getting to be a part of March Madness and represent our school in the NCAA tournament." 

Alan Flannigan, Dexter High School graduate, is finishing up four years as a member of the Lafayette Leopards.  The Division 1 Lafayette College is located in Easton, PA.   "This team has been very inspiring.  Not only in the way we battled adversity through the ups and downs of the regular season, but also in the way we have handled success.  I think a lot of that can be attributed to the leadership of our coaching staff and our team captain and fellow senior, Seth Hinrichs." 

Alan says that ever year the team sets the goal of making it to the NCAA tournament, but that this year members felt they really had a great chance.

He proudly points to the fact that the 2014-2015 Leopards are a veteran team with many guys who have seen a lot of court time.  He sees this as key to their cinching the Patriot League Championship, and earning a spot in the "Big Dance." 

"The experience of cutting down the nets on our home court after winning the Patriot League Championship game was amazing.  We have the best fans in the Patriot League, and Kirby Sports Center was absolutely nuts that night.  I think about half the student body turned out for that game."

Shortly after winning, the team learned they would be playing number one seeded Villanova--the alma mater of the Leopards head coach Fran O'Hanlon.  O'Hanlon had been a star player for the Wildcats, who had seen his jersey number retired.

Alan says the team knew it meant a lot for their coach to be able to play against Villanova.  "I think we all certainly wish it had turned out a bit better, but nonetheless, it was a very proud moment."