National Champions Honored In Baltimore At 'Terp Rally'
4/11/2002 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 11, 2002
BALTIMORE - The celebration of the Maryland basketball team's first-ever national championship continued in Baltimore today as the Terrapins joined Mayor Martin O'Malley, City Council President Sheila Dixon and nearly 2,500 red and white clad fans for a pep rally. Mayor O' Malley presented the 2002 NCAA champs with a congratulatory proclamation from the City of Baltimore prior to the 'Terp Rally' held in front of City Hall.
Before the festivities, the coaches, team and staff met with the mayor and other city officials, exchanging autographs and discussing the Terps' season of successes. Mayor O'Malley and President Dixon, who happens to be the aunt of Maryland senior All-American Juan Dixon, addressed the team and thanked the players for their contributions to the Baltimore community and their positive impact on its youth. Baltimore County Executive Dutch Ruppersburger, a Maryland lacrosse alum and former classmate of Terrapin head coach Gary Williams, also had words of congratulations for the Terps.
The mayor then presented the team with the city's proclamation, and Coach Williams thanked the city executives with autographed basketballs and Final Four caps.
From there, it was out to the stage, where Mayor O'Mally and President Dixon introduced the staff, coaches and student-athletes to a huge ovation by their fans. The crowd erupted with particularly vigorous applause for native Baltimoreans Earl Badu and Juan Dixon and their families.
Coach Williams and Juan Dixon addressed the crowd, who gave their team a grand send off at the conclusion of the ceremony.
