>>March
      2, 2001

      
An emotional parting

      
By Debi Cain
      Argonaut Staff

      
Memorial Gym may be a place for
      gym class, noon ball or aerobics throughout any given day. 

      


      But during basketball season, it is a time and place for the
      Vandal women's basketball team to play. For three seniors, Sunday
      was their last game in a place they have called home for four
      years.

      


      This year, the Vandals will say farewell to seniors Kelly Benad,
      Laura Bloom and Tasha Rico. All three have attended the University
      of Idaho and been members of the women's varsity team since their
      freshman year.

      


      Idaho honored their seniors before Sunday's competition against
      UC Santa Barbara.

      


      Kelly Benad, a 5-10 forward, was escorted by her parents, Rusty
      and Deborah Jackson. For Benad, the year was exciting, but it
      has gone by quickly.

      


      "The senior year is definitely the fastest year to fly by.
      Right now I have a good feeling, but I don't think it'll hit
      me until after season, when I'm not included in the team activities,"
      Benad said.

      


      Although this season's record is the worst since Benad has been
      a part of the program, she sees it as a learning experience for
      everyone.

      


      "The team has had to find its own image and battle through
      tough times," Benad said. "We've been so close, and
      we've never quit. We've always had effort."

      


      Benad had a few words for her teammates whom she will leave behind.

      


      "Don't hold anything back, and don't have any regrets. Play
      for you because you love basketball. Don't ever let the little
      things you can't change get in the way."

      


      An emotional Laura Bloom, a 6-1 post, was accompanied by her
      parents, Randy and Vicki Bloom.

      


      "Today was sad," Bloom said. "I was injured my
      first two years and I'm playing so much more now. I got the experience
      and learned a lot this year. I just wish I had another year."

      


      Bloom agrees with Benad that the season has been a learning experience.

      


      "For having a losing record we've stayed positive and tried
      to keep each other positive," Bloom said. "That's what
      I'll miss the most is the friendships I've made."

      


      Senior day came sooner than Bloom thought.

      


      "I couldn't believe it was here," Bloom said. "I
      don't want it to be here."

      


      Richard and Mary Rico walked their daughter, Tasha, a 5-6 guard,
      through a tunnel of teammates for her final game in Memorial
      Gym.

      


      "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was emotional
      for my mom," Rico quietly laughed. "I was just excited
      to start playing the game."

      


      Despite losing Sunday's game to Santa Barbara, Rico continued
      to be optimistic.

      


      "We're better than what our record shows," Rico said,
      "but I love my team. I wouldn't trade my team for the world.
      I'd rather have our team than go 20 and whatever if that were
      the case. Hopefully we'll end well and we'll peak."

      


      The Lady Vandals are in southern California for their final two
      regulars season conference games. They'll play UC Irvine Friday
      and Cal State Fullerton Sunday. The Big West tournament begins
      Wednesday.
 

      
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