Next Tuesday will be a day of reflection for Ben Bowman and David Bell. It has been a long season for the men’s basketball team’s two seniors, and their final home game against Roanoke will close the chapter on four up and down years at EMU.

In some ways the manner that both players’ careers have unfolded is typical of many college athletes. During their freshman year neither saw much action. Bell was still in the shadow of Keion Green and played a total of six minutes the whole year, while Bowman came off the bench in only three games, totaling just seven points in 22 minutes of playing time.

This was a stark contrast from high school. Bell was an all-district performer at nearby Buffalo Gap High School and Bowman was the go-to man for Boyertown High School in Bally, PA. The adjustment was hard for the two.

"I came to college expecting to play," said Bowman. Not doing so tested their resolve.

Bell admits there were times he doubted his decision to come to EMU. "Once in a while (I would think) ‘it’s a lot of money’ (to play at EMU)." However, the love of the game quelled any serious thoughts of quitting. For him basketball has been a lifelong obsession. "It’s something I love to do… something I stand by," said Bell.

Being able to stay focused was due in part to his realization that his progress was a common aspect of team sports. He bonded with Bowman and now departed Lorin Sheffey and the three adopted a "we’ll stick together" attitude. He sees the closeness between teammates as even more important than his on court success. "The friendships I’ve made, I’ll always have." He and Sheffey still stay in touch despite the fact that Sheffey left EMU after his sophomore year.

Bell’s ability to stand by something is shared by Bowman. While Bell was continuing to develop during his sophomore year, Bowman stepped into the Royals’ line-up. He started 21 games that season and was named the team’s Best Defensive Player.

Expecting to build on that success, he headed into his junior year with high hopes. These were almost immediately shot down when he broke his foot in the summer and missed the first half of the season.

However, he bounced back this year and has returned to the starting line-up for all but two games. He notes the good that has come from the tough times, crediting basketball with his ability to "work hard and overcome adversity."

On senior night Feb. 12, both men will look back on their careers with a sense of pride. For them basketball has been a lesson in life, something they’ll never forget. They view it as a series of ups and downs. As Bowman concludes "It wasn’t always the greatest, but it was definitely worth it.