Since learning this morning about the passing of Krystal Byrne I have thought a bit about this fellow alum and what she had to say about meeting in heaven … center court …. big game …. UD Arena ….. wow some lady isn't she?
In fact SHE epitomizes the grandeur of the human spirit and the spirit of what we refer to as 'that special something' UD is to most of us. I have followed her story through these years, thanks to the great writing of Mr. Archdeacon.
Now how does this pass as something placed within the UD BB side of UD Pride?
Let me tell you:
1) Very early in her carrer as a UD student ( which BTW almost as soon as she stepped foot on campus, she wanted so deeply to come here) she had a SLAM DUNK against her with the diagnosis of cancer;
2) She had more FULL COURT PRESSES thrown at her than any team that played the hardwood has ever seen at UD with repeated set backs;
3) She had to try and finish a play even though she was FOULED HARD during the play, more so than anyone who has ever played at UD with a basketball in their hands;
4) She scored the greatest WINNING SHOT when she graduated in 2012 after starting her career in 2004/2005.
5) Never
took a play off, never could afford to!
So you see the story does belong to this side of the Pride ledger. And now I hope Rita is in the stands with Rosary in hand sayin a few of her typical Our Fathers and Hail Mary's while Krystal is on the court taking a pass from Donald Smith on her way to the best basket she ever made!
BTW. I am sure in the entire history of UD and St. Mary's Institute there have been students coming to school here with expectations of great things but due to poor health or the misfortune of life's 'just becauses', have had or are facing similar situations. Some made it and grabbed that degree, some tried but in the end could not finish, but never-the-less came to this place to seek their dreams, and may have been better for it for doing so, but because of
all of them, they have in fact instilled in
all of us that feeling that '
this place is special'.
Thank you Krystal for reminding me once again what I first felt way back when!
And with a sad heart
I say Go Flyers! Go UD!