‘Pumped up’: New ‘Rocky’ film provides inspiration for Hornet men
By Jesse Newell
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Jordan Fithian believes that the Emporia State Hornets might have an extra edge in their next couple games.
His name is Rocky Balboa.
“Rocky’s going to carry us for awhile,” Fithian said with a laugh. “I feel like Rocky’s going to be there for us.”
After ESU coach David Moe deemed Tuesday “Rocky Day,” the team watched the original movie on the overhead projector in a classroom before watching the new “Rocky Balboa” in theaters that night.
It all came as part of this week’s preparation for ESU’s matchup with NAIA Friends tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at White Auditorium.
“I’m pumped up now,” Fithian said. “When he gets rocked a little bit and he gets all pumped up and ready to go, I was sitting in the movie theaters and I got a little adrenaline rush. We’re ready to go. I was pretty excited at that point in time.”
One could say that the Hornets are staying loose after their 9-0 start and move up to No. 18 in the NABC Division II poll, but even that might be an understatement.
“Coach Moe comes up with ideas like these,” ESU guard Donta Watson said. “Last year was Glory Road, so I guess this year is Rocky.”
After a 12-day layoff, the game will be an important tuneup before ESU returns to conference play for good on Saturday against Southwest Baptist.
Friends, which enters with a 5-7 record, has not played a game since Dec. 15.
“It’s definitely a big game for us,” Watson said. “Not only do we need to come out with a win, we need to come out and play well.”
Fithian is expected to return to the lineup after sitting out ESU’s last game with a foot injury. The junior forward reaggravated a previous ailment in his foot, breaking tendons that were attached to the bone.
He practiced at 100 percent on Tuesday and Wednesday and should be available for tonight’s game.
“As long as I feel good,” Fithian said, “I plan on playing.”
ESU took a week off after its last game on Dec. 16 against Bethany before returning for a week’s worth of practice. Watson said the focus had been mostly on getting back in game shape.
“A week off doesn’t seem like a lot of time,” Watson said, “but it can take a toll on the body if you relax.”
Watson has led the team in scoring up to this point, averaging 19.2 points per game. Wes Book is right behind with 16.9 points per game, followed by DeAndre Townsend (14.9 ppg).
Saturday’s game against Southwest Baptist is scheduled for a 3:30 start, moved up from its normal 7:30 tip because of the holiday weekend.