DeKALB – While waiting for a postgame television interview, Ray Gooden buried his face into a towel for 20 seconds.
The winningest volleyball coach in Northern Illinois history, Gooden was visibly emotional after the No. 2 seed Huskies swept No. 1 Miami (Ohio) in the championship match of the Mid-American Championship Tournament, 25-18, 25-20, 25-20, in front of an overflowing crowd at Victor E. Court in the NIU Convocation Center on Sunday night.
After 15 years and 289 wins, Gooden has his first MAC Tournament championship in his fifth trip to the game.
"The emotions are more just you want it to work well for them," Gooden said of his players.