News-Record.com

The toughest thing about our loss is realizing that the season is actually over.

It's difficult; I have been with the same group of guys since the early days of August for literally every day minus Christmas break.

It is over and done with, and for the first time the goodbyes are hitting home. The seniors will never get the chance to wear Carolina blue again. Ditto for the juniors who have been drafted.

So there we sat in a cramped locker room in the inner realms of Rosenblatt Stadium. Staring at the floor in disbelief ... no way Fresno State held us to a combined four runs in two games. No way had we just gone from the favorite to not making the championship series. Again, another year goes by where an ACC team does not win. Another year where we did not reach our ultimate goal.

That night was rough. On the bright side, we did not give up the lead late. We were behind the entire game, and it was like watching a train wreck right into the hearts of everybody. A sudden inevitableness that struck deep, a slow-motion killing that could not be stopped.

Fresno State seemed to be destined.

The ending made me nauseated, sick to my stomach watching the double play turned to finish the year.

I now sit in my apartment watching everybody pack, while my stuff lies completely in the same state. Maybe it is my denial that the end has come and I do not want to be here. As the posters and signs come down, it is sad that our magical run this year, the best of my 20 years here, is over.

Thus, I refuse to pack just to deny it.

And so this year leaves us with nothing but the memories. Memories of laughter, hard work, and extreme ecstasy.

Baseball is a great and humbling sport, but it is also one that can make you reflect on some of the best moments. I know I am young, and for all of the older people out there who don't think that I know what I am talking about, I feel I have some knowledge of the subject. I can remember many a meal with my father reminiscing on his glory days of college and college baseball. I can only imagine that this year will be brought up countless times to my future children, and bring back a smile to my face.

In our run, I have learned a lot. How to be a better roommate, teammate, and friend. I have learned that these are the best years of our lives, and I do not ever want to forget them.

To everybody who came to the games, cheered, moaned, flipped through channels and stopped when we were hitting, read these articles, and thought about the Tar Heels this season, thank you.