SFA Star Thomas Walkup and Teammates Given Hero's Reception Upon Return

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and Thomas Walkup exited the NCAA tournament like champions.

Although a demoralizing 76-75 loss to the No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish meant the No. 14 Lumberjacks fell just one point short of continuing their Cinderella journey into the Sweet 16, the Stephen F. Austin student body ensured they were welcomed home like heroes.

At around 2 a.m. on Monday morning, players descended from the team bus to applause, camera flashes and plenty of "axe 'em" hand signs.

Surveying the scene alone, it'd be impossible to tell that the Southland Conference champs failed to secure the title, let alone more than a single tournament victory.

But in placing their school firmly on the map through their passionate play, in a sense, Walkup and Co. had done so much more.

[Stephen F. Austin men's basketball]