Purple Reign: The Story of the 2020 Linfield Men's Basketball Team
For my Journalism and Media Studies Capstone Project, I created a limited podcast series, called "Purple Reign," chronicling the 2020 Linfield men's basketball team's run to their first Northwest Conference Championship in 20 years
Episode 1: "Remember How This Feels"
In 2020 the Linfield College Wildcats men's basketball team won their first Northwest Conference championship since 2001, just 5 years removed from a 4-win season. With one of the most efficient offenses in the country and fueled by a deep sense of connection and brotherhood, the Wildcats were finally able to take down top conference opponents and claim the title for themselves after knocking on the door for three seasons prior.
Episode 2: "A Deep Sense of Satisfaction"
Champion teams aren't possible without great leaders. The 2020 Wildcats' senior class may not have been the most traditional, but the class of Austin Hilton, Tanner Autencio, Grant Gibb and Aidan Phizackerly unique backgrounds and personalities served perfectly to help lead Linfield to a conference championship.
Episode 3: "Everything to Earn"
With high self-expectations, the Wildcats had a solid start to their season, going 6-1 through the first few weeks of the schedule. But tough back-to-back losses right before the start of conference play led to Linfield having to reevaluate their effort if they truly wanted to contend.
Episode 4: "Winning Is Never Easy"
The Wildcats rolled through the first stretch of the Northwest Conference schedule, winning their first 6 games. As players got more comfortable in their roles, improvement and growth throughout the season were apparent.
Episode 5: "The Spirit of the Game"
The Wildcats overcome tough losses to the Whits to put together one of the top offenses in the country and excel in the NWC. But to achieve their goal they had to but together strong back-to-back wins to claim Linfield's first conference title since 2001.