Close Shave For Bulldogs Ends in Close Shave for D'Alessio

BOWIE, MD, ---The James Gymnasium on the campus of Bowie State University was filled to capacity Monday night as students, faculty, staff and supporters turned out to honor the Bowie State University men's basketball team for winning the 2003 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament.

Head coach Luke D'Alessio vowed to turn around the Bulldogs' program when he was hired four years ago and proved himself quickly. He also promised the team last year that they could shave his head if they won the conference tournament. One year later, following the Bulldogs 72-71 win over Virginia Union University, D'Alessio ended the night of festivities ringed by his players, each getting a turn with the clippers. It wasn't taken to the Kojak extreme, but D'Alessio could still pass for a recruit in his first day at boot camp.

"I made the promise to the team last year hoping that would help inspire them to win the tournament. I hoped they wouldn't hold me to it this year, but a deal is a deal," said D'Alessio.

The fans in attendance, many of whom were unable to view the game on cable, were treated to the decisive final four minutes of the game. At the completion of the video, the still ecstatic Bulldogs ran through an arch of black and gold balloons while confetti guns fired. With the band going strong, the Bulldogs put on a dancing exhibition, led by Arthur Lewis, Jr. and Nathaniel Fields.

Both the men's and women's teams were feted by the Student Government Association, who put the rally together in just one day, as were the cheerleaders and the band for their support of the teams this year.

The Bulldogs (26-4) now must wait to see if they will be allowed to host the 2003 NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional. They are currently the No. 2 team in the region and are No. 16 in the latest NABC/Division II Bulletin Top 25 poll.