Southeast Missouri's men's basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 23 years. SEMO landed in Dayton, Ohio for its First Four matchup with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday, Mar. 13.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player Chris Harris is the oldest player on the Redhawks roster. Harris is in his fourth year at SEMO. He has an undergraduate degree already and is working on his master's in General Management. Harris was just two years old the last time the Redhawks were in the NCAA Tournament and he took some time to share his thoughts on the Big Dance.

This has been one of the most exciting and amazing experiences any athlete could dream of. The greetings we have received since we arrived for the NCAA First Four in Dayton have been unbelievable. From the hotel, to the arena or even at our team meals, everyone has welcomed the Redhawks with open arms. It has been nothing short of surreal.

Looking back at how we got here is phenomenal. This team overcame adversity throughout the season and powered through it all to win an Ohio Valley Conference Championship that came after winning four games in four days. Getting the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament on the biggest stage is something every kid dreams of and we are loving every minute of it.

What some may not understand is the impact that these achievements have on communities far beyond our own. Bringing a championship to Cape Girardeau for the first time in over two decades has allowed us to meet and have conversations with many people who so whole-heartedly support the Redhawks and want us to succeed.

On Selection Sunday, it was remarkable to see the crowd at the Show Me Center and when SEMO came up on the video board during the 68-team bracket reveal is a feeling I'll never forget. Hearing the roar of our crowd when the announcement was made, just sent the excitement to a new level. The national media exposure the Redhawks received that day and ever since the OVC Championship victory has been unprecedented. CBS was even in town to provide the live reaction shot and coordinate an interview with myself and Coach Korn prior to the Atlantic 10 Championship on Selection Sunday. Getting the chance to visit with Inside College Basketball studio hosts Greg Gumbal, Clark Kellogg, Seth Davis and Jay Wright is something I've always dreamed of. Another moment I'll never forget.

Whether it's having one more practice with my teammates and coaches or even playing games with the band and spirit squads behind us, we have embraced every moment of this experience as a team. We understand that our accomplishments have opened doors for new opportunities and relationships both now and for future Redhawks to come.

Redhawk Nation is behind us all the way and we want to make you proud in this great opportunity we have to represent our institution in the biggest national spotlight.

Chris Harris, Sr., G, Antioch, Ill.