April 25, 2009

Jacki Warren and Jamie KeKaualua sit next to each other on the bus when they Owls travel throughout the softball season. Early mornings and late nights the two are side-by-side listening to music, talking, studying, playing games and making up new ones to keep themselves amused. Together they've shared the ups and downs of college life on and off the field. There are no more road trips for Jacki and Jamie, but on Saturday afternoon the two will stand next to each other one more time as they get ready for their final days as college athletes and teammates.

When the Owls celebrate Senior Day before playing ETSU the pair will face the culmination of a period of their life dedicated to their passion, softball. And while the game itself will continue on, the game that they've known over the past four years will end.

"I know I'll be crying on Saturday," said Warren. "Especially if Jamie begins to cry. It's so hard to believe that four years have went by and now its over."

Dealing with emotions has been something both Jamie and Jacki have dealt with over the past few weeks, while Jacki moves back and forth between the excitement, sadness and a drive to finish her playing days on a strong note, KeKaualua battles thos feelings along with a three-week battle of nerves which feels like an eternity.

"It seems like since the Georgia Tech game before we take the field in any game my heart is racing, my stomach is tumbling and I am more anxious then I have ever been," mentioned the three-time A-Sun All-Academic honoree. "I have played for 15 years and I know what adrenaline feels like, but I have never experienced anything as strong as this."

The two players have battled through highs and lows during their career and have experienced the full gamut of emotions. Just missing out on winning the conference regular season title in 2006, taking home the championship in 2007 and struggling through a losing season this year.

"I want to go out on a high note," said Warren. "I remember being a freshman and on Senior Day seeing Lisa Lamb, Cambria McKay, Jen Hunt and Janet Kearns being honored and I thought of how I wanted to continue the tradition and how excited I am to be a part of this program. It is such a special honor."

When KeKaualua first arrived on campus she was like most talented freshman at a strong softball school, she was excited to play at a high competitive level of softball at a school that had a strong history, but it didn`t take long for her to realize what impact playing for Kennesaw State would have on her life.

"I didn't just learn about softball here," said the Owls shortstop/outfielder. "I learned about the reality of life, how to overcome fear, to work hard for what I want. I was taught to be responsible and in turn I developed more character then I ever imagined."

The traditions of Kennesaw State are numerous, Senior Day included, and a day at Bailey Park is quite different from many other stadiums around the region. The field is manicured to picture perfection (thanks in part to the many hours spent grooming the field by the KSU players themselves), the sights and sounds are specially orchestrated and the feeling of ownership is strong and deeply rooted.

"I feel like I could be a landscaper," smiled Warren. "Believe it or not I am going to miss being at the field after midnight, cleaning, trimming, and working on the field after games. It's part of the special feeling of being a player here. I am proud of the field we play on and I'm proud of how hard we work taking care of it."

"We all complain about it, especially our freshman year," smiled KeKaualua. "But, now I respect my field much more than anyone. My field, my dugout, I want every person who comes in here to play us to feel like they want to be me, they want to be in my shoes and play here."

When Jacki and Jamie are standing next to each other on Saturday, embracing each other and trying to hold on to the final memories of their college playing days, the unity they carry and share will be the strength of their memories.

"I'll miss the closeness of being a team," added KeKaualua. "How we grew together after beating Mississippi State this season, the growth and the hope we shared and then battling through the rough times when we had to draw upon each other for strength."

"The special days, Lexi's Day, Alumni Day all are so special," spoke Warren. "The road trips, the girls, my friends and just being a part of this program is all special to me."

On Saturday afternoon, after the pomp and ceremony, it will be back to business for the two seniors. Back to the pre-game huddle in right field, back to Yabba-Dabba-Doo on the speaker system during the meeting at home plate, back to James Brown singing Dr. Feelgood as the Owls take the field and back-to-the business of being a student-athlete one more time.

For everyone who never has the opportunity to say thank you...thank you Jacki and Jamie. For your efforts, and your character are appreciated and will be remembered.