In Lobo Country, basketball is the pastime.
In this, the 100th anniversary of Lobo Basketball, a century's worth of memories, heroes and legacies have passed through Albuquerque.
Through the years, players and teams have been stamped into Lobo history. Others have been long lost and forgotten.
Fast-forward to the 2002-03 UNM men's basketball team. Head coach Ritchie McKay seized the job without knowledge of the turmoil that would soon occur. What he did know was that he had two star seniors willing and ready to take leadership roles on a squad draped with youth and inexperience.
The two seniors, Ruben Douglas and Senque Carey, were ready for breakout years and determined to succeed. The two athletes, however, could never have predicted how their fates would play out.
While this team may be forgotten over the next decade, the seniors who left their heart and soul on The Pit floor Monday night will be forever embossed in the fans minds. Although for different reasons, they have both clearly have become Lobo Legends.
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Senque "Q" Carey, a transfer from Washington, came to UNM after his freshman year and, because of NCAA regulations, lost a year of eligibility. In his junior year, his first season as a Lobo, Carey stood out as the only stable figure on a team devastated by problems from within. He took that same role as the team leader entering his senior season.
In the second regular season game, Carey's life took a disturbing turn for the worse. After taking a charge against Northwestern State, "Q" laid motionless on The Pit floor. The team later found out that he had not regained feeling throughout his body and his condition was paralysis. Teammates, fans, friends and family huddled around Carey in hope that he would recover. With a big heart and guts of steel, Carey was able to regain full body motion. Carey recently had spinal surgery in hopes of one day running up and down the basketball court again.
Fans, players and coaches have loved him since day one. His legacy will always be remembered, not because of his on-court accolades, but because of his heart, determination and leadership skills.
After the game on Monday, Carey walked to center court to a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd. He was welcomed by McKay and gave an emotional speech in honor of his final game ever at The Pit. "Q" spoke his thanks and finished with inspiring words to the team and fans.
"With all the support from fans, teammates, coaches and everyone else it won't be long before I'll be playing again," Carey said. "You all know that once you get to the tournament, anything can happen."
In the press conference, Carey continued.
"It feels good that I'm still appreciated," he said. "All the support they have given me, it feels like I never left."
Douglas's story is different, but no less electric. Douglas, the current leading scorer in the nation, has had a dream season rewriting Lobo and Mountain West Conference record books. His prolific scoring ability may land him in the NBA soon, but on Douglas's final night in The Pit, the fans' raucous farewell left an imprint on Douglas and on that of Lobo basketball.
McKay spoke of Douglas after the BYU game with a big smile.
"I've never had the chance to coach a guy in such a short period of time that I have such respect for," he said. "He's done more for the program than anyone would ever realize unless they were inside of it. He's going to leave a legacy on the Lobos that is special."
For all the admiration the fans have for Douglas, he has the same appreciation and respect in return.
"The fans are great, especially when they stick around," Douglas said. "They aren't trying to beat traffic, they waited to hear us speak. It's great, it just shows the support of the fan base here. It's like a second home for me."
Before becoming a Lobo, Douglas endured a trying season at the University of Arizona.
"Everything happens for a reason," Douglas said. "Maybe I needed to go to Arizona to realize I really belonged here. That was the case. It's coincidental. My freshman year, I played here twice and when I transferred, I came here. It's something special. When I was out there the fans supported me and welcomed me with open arms. I really appreciate that."
As they roared for Douglas, he showed his deep love and appreciation for all the memories. At center court, Douglas grabbed the mic and said, "I love you guys," to the screaming faithful still in attendance. Douglas, on the verge of tears walked off into the arms of his teammates and ran up the ramp for the final time in his playing career.
Senior night is a time for farewell, but for these two seniors, they will always be with us. They have created a legacy and memories to last a lifetime. They are Lobo Legends.
