>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Parents will take the court, following those beloved seniors.  Together they’ll smile, share some memories, perhaps, while thinking back to those young playing days on the driveway, playground, wherever.  

And when the night is over, they may very well have more ammo for the memory bank, too.

That’s because, on Saturday night, Eastern Oregon University can claim two titles within a few hours. Men’s basketball. Women’s basketball.  Both can win and become Cascade Conference Champions.

Two championships. On one night. On Senior Night. At home.

The Lady Mountaineers start at 5:30 p.m. versus Northwest Christian College, followed by the EOU men at 7:30 p.m.

“If we can both seal the deal, it would be such a great environment for Eastern Oregon University,” EOU women’s coach Anji Weissenfluh said, who’s won six conference championships.

“To both be up on the ladder cutting the nets at the same time ... not many teams in the nation get that opportunity.”

It would be the first opportunity for men’s coach Ryan Looney. Four years ago, the Mounties did not have much success. Now, he has the program one win away from that conference title.

Mark Carollo, Nick Finley, Dan Blanchard and Kyle Janke are the four seniors under Looney. They’ve “invested a lot of time together,” says the head coach, which dates back to that first recruiting call to Costa Rica this past summer to this chance to win a regular season championship.

“I think all of us have developed pretty strong relationships,” Looney said.

“It will be special for everyone involved. Obviously, it’s going to be pretty emotional.”

As it will for the senior-loaded Lady Mountie roster. There are six of them, tying the largest senior class under Weissenfluh.

Amanda Matson, Elise Hawes, Whitney Leman, Tiffanie Ulmer, Sheena Henderson and Laura Olsen have “endeavored a lot,” says their head coach.

And she couldn’t ask for a better class.

As students. As athletes. As people.

 “It’s going to be a hard night,” Weissenfluh said. “It’s going to be a great night.”

Two championships? Same night? Same gym?

Maybe “great” is an understatement.