Saturday, March 25, 2000
NKU believes in power of prayer
Win streak linked to pregame ritual
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Before each game, the Northern Kentucky University women's basketball team shares a prayer. The same player makes up a new one each game until a loss, when a new player takes over.
Judging by their victories, the Norse like Julie Cowens' material.
“Everyone jokes that I'm going to become a nun because my prayers are so good,” the junior forward said.
Cowens' first 23 prayers led to victories, the second-longest winning streak in school history. Most of Cowens' prayers are Gospel tales.
“I try to be inspiring, getting everyone in the right frame of mind,” she said.
Cowens (7.6 ppg) has given many thanks for her season, which seems especially sweet after missing the Final Four run last year. After transferring from Urbana (Ohio) University, she willingly sat out because she wouldn't have seen much time with six seniors on the team.
She played an unsung role as a scout-team player in practice, but it was difficult watching the games from the stands.
“I went to the regional games last year (at NKU) with tears in my eyes,” she said. “And I had to listen to the Elite Eight games on the radio.”
Cowens led NKU Thursday with 19 points in its 80-74 semifinal victory over Western Washington.
LONG WAIT: If revenge is a dish best served cold, nine years should suffice. Norse coach Nancy Winstel wants to pay back North Dakota State for its defeat of NKU in the only prior meeting between the schools: a 68-48 decision in the 1990 Perkins/NKU Classic.
The Bison went on to win the national title that season; NKU finished 22-6.
“I've known (NDSU coach) Amy (Ruley) forever,” Winstel said. “We're good friends. But I'm 0-1 against her, and this would be a great time to even that mark.”
IT'S ALL RELATIVE: Cowens' famous uncle, Basketball Hall of Famer Dave Cowens, isn't able to attend today's game. “But he called me three times this week, telling me how proud he is of me,” Cowens said.
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