Hoops coach at game hours after giving birth
Nebraska-Kearney women's coach on bench for 'input and encouragement'
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GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The Nebraska-Kearney basketball team didn't mind that coach Carol Russell was a little late for the game.
Five hours after giving birth to her first child, Russell was back on the bench and encouraging her players in the North Central Region basketball tournament.
"I could have watched the Webcast, but I wanted to be there for the girls because they've been working so hard for this all year,'' Russell said.
North Dakota beat the Lopers 108-75 for the regional championship Monday night and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament in Kearney, Neb.
Russell said her team seemed tired in the second half. Tired was something she could relate to.
"I usually stand up the whole game but I didn't have the energy,'' said the 35-year-old Russell, who's in her fifth year as coach.
Russell, who had permission from doctors to attend the game, arrived at the game early in the first half. Assistant coach Tim Connealy took over most of the coaching duties while Russell provided mostly "input and encouragement.''
"I was about 3 minutes late,'' Russell said. "I'm always on my kids about being late, but I guess they understood why I was.''
Newborn Isaac bounced in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces earlier on Monday.
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