Simpsonian

Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Sports

Senior Brennan Tubaugh has built his Simpson basketball career on hard work and determination. Jen Cornwell/Staff Photographer

Senior Brennen Tubaugh, captain of this year's men's basketball team, has persevered through many obstacles in order to be successful on and off the court.

"I love to play basketball," Tubaugh said. "It's something that I have done since I was in second grade."

Tubaugh originally attended Indian Hills Community College for one year after high school to play baseball. That year his team made it to the World Series and even placed fourth in the nation, but he decided he missed playing basketball too much.

"I realized that I wanted to ultimately coach basketball someday, so I decided to try to find a place to play," Tubaugh said.

Tubaugh mentioned that Bruce Wilson, head men's basketball coach, had wanted Tubaugh to come to Simpson before he decided to play baseball at Indian Hills. Coach Wilson told Tubaugh that if he ever changed his mind to give him a call.

"This was something that other coaches did not do," Tubaugh said. "I really appreciate Coach Wilson working with me and letting me have another chance."

Tubaugh credits his parents for the type of person he has grown up to be. His parents took him to endless clinics, tournaments and games growing up. He gives them full credit for teaching him how to play hard and, that if you're going to do something, to do it right.

"Basketball has taught me a lot of lessons--work ethic, being a team player, sacrifice and perseverance," Tubaugh said. "I have had two ACL surgeries on my right knee and have had to work hard to get back to playing."

Tubaugh also said he has learned that nothing is guaranteed and that he gives it his all every time because he could be just one play away from never playing again. He admitted that it's sometimes hard learning that the team is more important than the individual, but being part of a team is the most important thing he's learned from the Storm.

Tubaugh has played point guard this season, but in the past he was a shooting guard. He admits that it has been difficult at times being the only senior on the team, but he has learned a lot of great lessons about what works and what doesn't work.

"The relationships I have been able to make with my teammates this year will be something I never forget and is something that I wouldn't trade for anything," Tubaugh said.

Continued...

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