Remembering Kevin Bryant

It was a very emotional day in Batavia Friday as Kevin Bryant was laid to rest. We’ve all been to funerals that were really more a celebration of a long, complete life. Unfortunately this was not one of those…it was a sad day and I think it’s safe to say the healing process will be a long one for those close to KB. It’s still hard to believe that a 21-year-old who just walked across the stage to get his IWU diploma a month ago is gone.

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Kevin's legacy at Illinois Wesleyan will be as a great friend to many and as a tireless worker on the basketball team. I spoke to Ron Rose the day after Kevin passed away, and he told me how he had just gone back through his notes from his 2007-08 pre-season one-on-one meeting with KB. Written down was a comment KB made to his coach as he explained his approach on the basketball court: "Never get out-hustled." Anyone who ever stopped by IWU's practice knows Kevin made good on that pledge.

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The best way for Kevin's teammates to honor his memory is by emulating his work ethic in the off-season, at every practice, and during games. I'm sure everyone works hard...but find a way to work harder. This intensity and competitive drive will, in turn, be passed on to the next wave of Titans, and down the line for years to come. Twenty five years from now the young men on the IWU basketball team might not know who Kevin Bryant was, but that "Never get out-hustled" mentality will be very much part of each of them. That is what Kevin's legacy as a Titan will be.

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As KB's family and friends start the healing process, let's all do our part to our honor his memory by just simply working a little harder at whatever we do day in and day out.