Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 22, 1990 TAG: 9003221789
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Derrick Forrest starts at forward for the 17th-ranked Clemson men's basketball team, and his wife, Donna, is a reserve on the women's team.
Both Tigers teams play tonight in the East Regional semifinals. The men meet No. 3 Connecticut at East Rutherford, N.J. A few hundred miles down the Atlantic Coast in Norfolk, Va., the women take on defending NCAA champion Tennessee.
"It's special. It's the first time for me and him in the final 16. We're happy to be here," Donna said Wednesday. "I know that it's going to be tough competition, but I believe we're ready."
The competition off the court to find time together has been equally tough. Since the tournaments began a week ago, the Forrests have had only a few hours together.
"It's been rough," Donna said. "But this is what he wants and this is what I want. As long as we're winning, it's all right. Eventually, we will be together."
Derrick agrees.
"Sometimes, it's tough being married, especially during the season," he said. "Our schedules are kind of crazy, but we know there will be more time to be together once everything is over.
"Right now, I like to think that absence makes the heart grow fonder."
by CNB