The SAU Buzz

Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Submitted Segredo joined fellow seniors Alex Burkle and Alex Washington in a near-perfect Senior Night against Clarke College.

Senior Night is a celebratory and thankful night for the four-year seniors who have devoted their time to the St. Ambrose basketball program. They have a chance to be respectfully recognized and the ability to go out on their own terms. Senior Jim Segredo, formally the varsity mens basketball manager, wanted nothing more than just that. A typical game day would consist of him preparing the jerseys, setting up ball racks, and post-game laundry. However, on this game day, Segredo could throw his to-do list out the window. 
Given the opportunity to dress for the game, he was accompanied by his parents Jim and Terri. 
"I was happy and shocked," Segredo said. "These past four years have gone by too fast."
Ambrose was hosting conference foe Clarke College and went up eleven points by half time. Segredo was optimistic about his playing time and continued to cheer on the Fighting Bees. In the second half the Bees continued to cruise to an insurmountable lead. With just over three minutes remaining, coach Ray Shovlain looked down the bench and called Segredo's number. 
"My heart was racing because it was my first game in such a long time," Segredo admitted. 
Prior to St. Ambrose, Segredo attended Marist High School on the south side of Chicago. He played basketball freshman year, but did not make the team the following season. Understandably disappointed, he still wanted to be apart of the team and decided to become the manager. He fulfilled this role his remaining years as a Redhawk and assumed managing duties as he became a Fighting Bee. Segredo also tried out his sophomore year at St. Ambrose, but felt he needed to do what was best for the team and resume his manger responsibilities under Coach Shovlain's program.
"The thought of playing on Senior Night came to mind earlier in the first semester," Segredo said. "It occurred to me that its all over after this season and I saw this as my last opportunity to finish my short playing career and wanted to feel like I went out on top."
Segredo entered the game with all intentions on scoring his first points as an active Bee. His first shot attempt missed from three-point range, but then he seized his opportunity with a scoop lay-up under the basket.
"I got really excited and pumped for my first official points, I knew I had the ability to compete but to actually score felt really good," Segredo said.
Jimmy Segredo will receive his degree in Psychology from SAU with expectations of earning his masters degree in counseling from Lewis University. Segredo has taken part in every team activity including being an extra man in practice if needed. It is clear that he is respected by his teammates and he enjoys his involvement with the Bees.
"My four years at Ambrose have been exciting but also challenging," he said. "Just to be a part of the program was a blessing. To be able to dress on my Senior Night made it all worth it."
Finally, Segredo had his Fighting Bee moment. One he won't quickly forget.
"The biggest advice I would give to any manager or player would be to value every moment because it goes by real fast."

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