For years I have envied others who received the opportunity. I would hop on social media and a former co-worker or a friend would have a grin a mile wide while standing next to a piece of very impressive hardware. That “hardware” was specifically a national championship trophy of some sort, the best indicator a university can have to signify athletic supremacy.

I didn’t know if I would ever be so lucky…

When our baseball team won the national championship this summer, the possibility that I might get near the trophy presented itself. Today it became a reality.

Today I took a photo with the national championship trophy.

Our athletic department graciously decided to share the achievement of the baseball team with the whole Coastal Carolina University community in a couple different ways today. First, the trophy was made available in our Student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for students (and staff members like me) to get their photos taken with it. Then, this evening, Chanticleer Athletics invited the general public to the stadium to have their chance with the trophy. In fact, as I write this, the prize is still on display on the boardwalk of Springs Brooks Stadium for all to enjoy.

The national championship trophy was available for students and staff to take a photo with today.

As you can see from my photo, I didn’t exactly get close and personal with it. Although everyone was instructed not to touch the trophy, I still had some space available to get a little closer. Perhaps it was a feeling of unworthiness or maybe I was just subconsciously freaked out about accidentally knocking it over. Don’t get me wrong though, I had no shame waltzing right up to the area and turning my phone over to an athletics staff member to take the photo, even though I did absolutely nothing to bring that trophy back to Conway.

Thank you to Chanticleer Athletics for sharing the success with everyone. I really enjoyed the opportunity I was given today. Don’t Blink.