By Nate Schweers
Oakland baseball player

As I sit and reflect on my final Black and Gold Awards, I can't help but feel thankful for all this university has brought me. As it becomes my turn to graduate this spring, I can add another memory of my time as a Golden Grizzly.

The night started with a heart-warming testament to the great work our men's soccer team has done in the community. I have had the privilege of knowing many of the soccer players over my four years, and to hear Alex was cancer free was the perfect beginning to a great night.

Then came awards to great friends of mine such as Sammy Condon (Future Leader Award) and Bryce Stroede (President's Award). To see friends of four years winning awards that highlighted their hard work and dedication was incredibly rewarding, and is a great example of how close this Golden Grizzly family is.

We highlighted athletic achievement in Jordan Jackson's walk-off homerun and Joe Smith's record setting season on the diving board, as well as achievements in the classroom from Daniel Ault, Taylor Gleason, and Alysse Fischer.

We honored star players like Kendrick Nunn who made a lasting impact on Oakland basketball, and we honored hard-working staff member Eddie Turner who always makes sure we look good repping the black and gold.

Speaking of looking good in the black and gold, I have had the privilege of witnessing four of the 40 straight men's swimming and diving championships and four of the 24 consecutive women's swimming and diving titles, a men's and women's soccer championship, and countless others that have made another McCafferty Trophy possible.

Lastly, nearly a year since many student athletes learned the heartbreaking news that one of our own would be fighting his toughest battle yet, we honored Tom Ford.

Tom Ford has been a staple among the Oakland University community for over 30 years, and for those who don't know, Tom is battling the fight of his life with ALS. I had the privilege of announcing that the Inspiration and Courage Award would combine to create the Tom Ford Inspirational Award from here on out, and personally, I believe we couldn't have made a better decision.

Think outside the athletics, the academics, and the community service for a moment. What makes this community so special is the people we are blessed with encountering each day. Awards are great, and all who were honored at the BGAs were so deserving, but I think we can all agree that more than anything, it's the people that make this experience what it is.

The Black and Gold Awards were a great success, and a perfect recap of a great year in Oakland Athletics; however, the chance to celebrate another year of accomplishments with those who made it possible is priceless.

So cheers to Golden Grizzlies, and when the game is over, and the story's told, may OU claim victory, because we're the black and gold.

#WEARtheBEAR