Macalester College, located in St. Paul, Minnesota is a small liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and diverse student body. Despite its size and stature, the college has made a name for itself in the realm of college basketball.
The Macalester Scots, the college’s varsity men’s basketball team, compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), one of the most competitive Division III conferences in the country. The team has a rich history, dating back to 1902, and has produced numerous standout players over the years.
Although the Scots have struggled in recent years, with a combined record of 8-44 over the past two seasons, there are signs of improvement under their head coach Abe Woldeslassie. In his first season at the helm, Woldeslassie led the team to a conference win over Concordia-Moorhead, something that hadn’t happened since the 2016-2017 season. His leadership has injected fresh energy into the program, and with a young and talented roster, the Scots are poised to take big strides forward in the coming seasons.
Despite their current struggles, the Macalester Scots embody many of the qualities that make college basketball so special. They play with passion and heart, driven by a love for the game and a desire to represent their school and community. The Scots’ commitment to excellence on and off the court is a testament to the values that undergird college athletics.
Of course, college basketball is far bigger than any one program, no matter how beloved. March Madness, the annual NCAA tournament that pits the best Division I teams against each other in a winner-take-all contest, is one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Millions of fans tune in to watch as underdogs knock off higher-ranked opponents, as buzzer-beating shots send entire cities into frenzies of joy.
But beyond the spectacle of March Madness, college basketball is a powerful force for good in communities across the country. It provides opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams of playing at the college level, while also developing important life skills like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. And, as the Macalester Scots demonstrate, college basketball can be a source of pride and inspiration for students, alumni, and fans alike.
In short, college basketball is about more than just wins and losses. It is a celebration of the values that define our society: hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. And, while it may be easy to dismiss small programs like the Macalester Scots as insignificant, their presence reminds us that every team has its own story, its own journey, and its own unique place in the history of the game.