COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Incarnate Word Academy girls basketball team played for a state championship Saturday, one day after head coach Dan Rolfes had a medical emergency.
The undefeated Red Knights faced Kickapoo High School in the Class 6 finals without Rolfes, who was hospitalized after Friday night's semi-final victory over Rock Bridge.
"It's not the same without Rolfes," Incarnate Word senior forward Abbie Sextro said through tears in a postgame interview. "We didn't know our last game was going to be our last game with him. It's really rewarding, but it's not the same."
Despite the heartbreak, Incarnate Word defeated Kickapoo 53-43 to close out their fourth season without a loss. Tanner Wilkenson, who stepped in as head coach, held his school family tight for Rolfes during the trophy ceremony.
"The Incarnate Word Academy family feels the love and support from the entire community and is overwhelmed with gratitude. We do sincerely ask for continued prayers and privacy for the family which Coach Rolfes recovers," the school said in a statement. "The role of the IWA and our immediate focus is to support the students and families of Incarnate Word Academy at this time, while respecting the Rolfes' family's request for privacy while they and the trusted medical staff create a plan for Coach Dan's full recovery."
Rolfes replaced Jim Johnson as head coach in 2000. Johnson attended the state final game in Columbia with several former players.
"I always say the best thing I ever did for Incarnate basketball was one, quit, and two, hire Dan Rolfes to take my place," Johnson said.
Johnson said one of the things that makes the team so special is its defense—one of Rolfes' signature strengths.
"(Rolfes) is just a very humble person who is just an excellent coach and gets the most out of his girls," said Michelle Thrower, a former Incarnate Word basketball player who played under Johnson,
Thrower was in attendance at the Mizzou Arena with her 10-year-old daughter Gussie Warren on Saturday, holding up a sign cheering on her favorite players to their fourth Class 6 title in a row.
Other former players from throughout Missouri traveled to Columbia "because it's a good place to be at this time of year," Phyllis Timmermann said. Her daughter was Rolfes' first Division 1 player, signing with Indiana State and playing alongside Thrower.
Saturday's victory was an emotional win for Incarnate Word fans and the team as they faced a closer-than-expected victory over Kickapoo.
"It was a little too close. We'll say that," senior guard Kaylynn Janes said. "It was a little too close for comfort. We'll say that."
"We always know we can pull through in the end," senior guard Zoe Best said.
Saturday night's victory marked the 131st straight win for the Red Knights.