Christopher Newport University head basketball coach John Krikorian is getting a new look. He made a promise that he will soon fulfill.
Christopher Newport is a 4,700-student public university in Newport News, Virginia, named for one of the ship captains who carried the settlers to Jamestown, and founded in 1960. Its athletic programs compete at the Division III level.
Krikorian, who was named head coach of the Captains in 2010, has had overwhelming success. He won nearly 80% of his games over his first ten years with the school, reached seven NCAA Tournaments and two Final Fours.
But despite the winning ways, Christopher Newport had not won a national championship. Until now!
Krikorian’s team reached the Final Four for the third time in his career in 2023. His players, current and former, wanted him to get a tattoo if it won.
Instead, Krikorian promised to get his ears pierced.
After beating Swarthmore College in the semifinals, he was one win away from a new set of earrings. On Saturday, when Christopher Newport was tied with Mount Union at 72, he was just 4.3 seconds and a full bucket away.
And then it happened. Sophomore Trey Barber took the ball up the court, forced a tough shot as the clock wound down and hit the winner as time expired.
The captains and Krikorian won their first ever national championship in stunning fashion.
While the victory is as sweet as it gets for the winningest head coach in school history, he must now follow through on his promise! Krikorian finally won the big one and will celebrate with a trip to Claire’s for a quick ear.
The ear piercing certainly won’t hurt at all with the thrill of victory pumping through his veins. Congratulations to Krikorian on his national title and soon new earrings!