Bittersweet day for me today. I'm 35 & grew up attending WKU basketball games in the SBC. It's the only home I know for WKU athletics.

My dad helped out on the 1983 team at WKU & I can remember him telling me how we had to recruit better to compete. The league was a huge step up over the OVC.

I also remember the "split" in the early 90's. No more South Florida, UNCC, VCU, Old Dominion, UAB, et al. Who were these teams like SW La, Ark State, Ark-LR, New Orleans, Central Florida, La Tech, Tx Pan Am, Lamar.... At 12 years old, I didn't think we'd ever lose another conference basketball game to teams like these!

I also remember the additions of Troy, Denver, MTSU, La Monroe, FIU, etc. Teams came & left, but it always seemed like WKU & USA would be in the SBC forever.

Oddly enough, the best WKU traveling weekend occured two years ago when a group of us went to Lafayette for the UL/WKU game. Great atmosphere, beautiful campus, fantastic game (even with an 'L'), & met some friends for life. I'm hopeful that I can visit again for a game; preferably between UL & WKU.

As someone mentioned earlier, change is inevitable & I guess this is something that will never change! However, I enjoyed taking up for the belt here in BG & the surrounding area. I loved the competitiveness of all the teams & will miss it.

Thanks for all that have made this board a pleasure to read & I'm sure we'll meet again soon.