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MBB TC Strong Night

Men's Basketball

Eagles Honor Teammate

Former teammates of Taylor and his family (in gray shirts) gathered for a halftime ceremony
Box Score KIRKLAND, Wash. - The Northwest University men and women designated last night's home game as Taylor Strong Night to honor and celebrate the life of Taylor Cliett (NU '13) who passed away in November after a battle with cancer. A standing room only crowd was on hand to watch NU take on Eastern Oregon, but many were there to pay tribute to a former teammate and friend.

Cliett played for the Eagles in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons for NU and was a part of the Cascade Conference co-championship team in 2012 that also made a trip to the NAIA National Championships in Pt. Lookout, Missouri. He redshirted his first year at Northwest U in 2010 after transferring from Green River College in Auburn, Wash. Taylor played his prep basketball at LaSalle High School in Union Gap, Wash. In October, 2015 Taylor married Erika Hornyak, a former Eagle women's player and in August of this year, the couple welcomed daughter, Ellie, into the world.

The night was also a fund raiser for Taylor's family and Taylor Strong t-shirts were sold and donations were also accepted.

At halftime, Cliett's former teammates, his wife Ericka, daughter Ellie, and his family from Yakima, Wash., gathered at half court for a brief ceremony to honor him. Coach John Van Dyke spoke about Taylor's love for the game and his selflessness. Ericka Cliett thanked the team and the crowd for their support.

Many Eagle basketball alumni and former coaches along with friends and family members of the Clietts were in attendance.

Thank you to all who attended to support and help Erika and Ellie!
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