Americans these days seldom get the chance to fully consider real-life examples of triumph over despair, especially when they involve such outdated concepts as teamwork, industriousness and dedication. Sometimes we view these rare qualities in lone, hardy individuals. But to see a team of individuals strive upward from ashes of fate and misfortune is something else.

Which is why, in the final analysis, the Baylor Bears basketball team are victors — not only in our book but in the judgment of many across this land. And if the Bears came but a handful of plays of reaching a spot in the Final Four this week, they had already impressed many in their victories, reaching the Elite Eight (and after 60 years without any NCAA tournament wins) before some quirks of fate and the almighty clock precluded their advancing further.

No one in these parts need dwell on the depths to which the Baylor University men’s basketball program sank several years ago. We at the Trib had a major role in uncovering much of the murder, madness and corruption that nearly destroyed that program during a time of terrific strife at a great university. Yet, having witnessed those depths, we’ve been inspired all the more by the noble efforts of so many to not only restore the men’s program but take it places few of us once dreamed possible.

Many had a hand in the rousing victories we’ve seen in recent days — not just athletic director Ian McCaw, coach Scott Drew, his staff and standout athletes like Tweety Carter, Ekpe Udoh and LaceDarius Dunn but the university that heavily penalized itself in the wake of scandal. And how about those team members who continued with the Bears in the tough years after 2003? They, too, deserve credit and thanks for the amazing victories we now heartily celebrate.

Yes, the ride is over this year for the Baylor men’s team, but what a ride and what a story of triumph to consider, regardless of whether you follow sports. Their successes show not only what’s possible when a coaching staff and an entire university demand integrity and competitiveness but when loyal fans instill deep faith. The team spirit now continues on with the Lady Bears, who added another feat to the sports annals by vanquishing Duke University only a day after the Baylor Bears fell to the same university’s men’s team, 78-71.

After Monday’s victory, Lady Bears Coach Kim Mulkey reminded loyal fans of the men’s team to show the same dedication in rallying in support of the ladies in San Antonio this weekend in Final Four competition. Some say even now their quest to the top is impossible. But then many of us know nothing is impossible when faith and teamwork are in play.