#22 Falcons Arrive in Kentucky for Elite Eight

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The University of Montevallo men’s basketball team (27-7) touched down in Cincinnati, Ohio this afternoon to begin their journey at the 2012 NCAA Division II Elite Eight. After numerous travel problems including having their flight cancelled the Falcons arrived in Cincinnati just a few hours behind schedule. UM was taken to its team hotel in Erlanger, Kentucky where it will spend the rest of the week preparing and competing in the Elite Eight.

First on the Falcon agenda was the 2012 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship Banquet. The Falcons travel to Drees Pavilion in northern Kentucky which sat on top of a ridge that overlooked the cities of Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky. UM was treated to a great meal while listening to speeches from the host institution, Northern Kentucky University, as well as members of the NCAA National Committee.

All eight head coaches also got up and gave short speeches about their seasons while the main speaker was Jack “Goose” Givens a former University of Kentucky men’s basketball player who helped guide the Wildcats to the 1978 National Championship. He was also named Most Outstanding Player of the 1978 Final Four. He gave a great speech telling all the student-athletes to cherish their time at the Elite Eight and to get the most out of the experience.

The ceremony closed with a highlight video that showcased all eight teams at the event.

The photo above is of the team at Drees Pavilion with the cities of Cincinnati and Covington in the background.

The Falcons will start tomorrow with a community outreach program with some local youth. UM will then hit the court for their first practice inside The Bank of Kentucky Center, the site of the Elite Eight. The practice is open to the public so any UM fans in the area can come out and get an early look at the Southeast Regional Champions. The practice starts at 5:00 p.m. and last till 5:55 p.m. (EST)