Feature Story...Senior P.J. Couisnard's play has cemented his place in Shocker history

By: Todd Zeidler

Hard work, grit, determination. Those words are sure to be used when referring P.J. Couisnard's career in a Wichita State uniform, a career that will no doubt leave its mark in Shocker history at the end of the season.

But for the senior guard and the rest of the Shockers, without a run to the Missouri Valley Conference tournament title, there is no chance for extending his career. And Couisnard knows despite the inconsistent play, he can help lead the Shockers through the tournament.

“I think that we haven't had a real good season as far as being last place,” Couisnard said of his teams losing record. “But, I think that once we get to the conference tournament we can beat anybody.”

February 26th, marked Senior Night for Couisnard and his fellow seniors Matt Braeuer, Phil Thomasson and Lance Harris. It was the last home game for Couisnard, who admitted it was bittersweet, but it was the first game for much of his family and friends who attended to watch him wrap up his career at Charles Koch Arena.

“I have a lot of people on their way to the game and to Wichita who haven't been here before,” the Houston, Texas, native said. “That means a lot to have all of them come here for the game. It is good to have them come up and see the school and everything before I leave.”

Couisnard said he will be sad to see his Shocker career come to an end, along with many Shocker fans who have seen him work his way up the all-time WSU stat charts.

With at least one game left, Couisnard ranks in the top 20 in Shocker history in six different statistical categories. As one of the most versatile players ever to don the WSU uniform, he recently moved into eighth on the all-time assists charts, while ranking fourth in career steals, sixth in career blocked shots, and after Saturday's game at Drake, moved into second on the all-time games played list with 125 games. In addition, Cooz (as the Shockers fans call him) is ranked 11th in career three-pointers and 18th on the all-time scoring list with 1,293 points.

In compiling those numbers, Couisnard's career has seen its share of peaks and valleys ranging from the Shockers' Sweet Sixteen run in the 2006 and its No. 8 ranking early last season before losing 14 of the last 22 games. Then it entered this season, which started 7-4 with wins over LSU and UAB, before winning just three of its last 17 games and falling to the bottom of the MVC.

“As far as my career, it has changed a lot,” Couisnard said. “My freshman year I was surrounded by great seniors and my role was just to go in there and not mess up for the team. My sophomore year we had Paul Miller, so I didn't have to do much scoring. The last couple years it kind of fell on me to produce and that's what I have tried to do.”

Couisnard's legacy will surely be discussed amongst Shocker fans, but one thing both will agree on is that there was never a lack of effort.

“I think have been someone who has played hard throughout my career,” Couisnard said. “I have tried to go out there and compete and play at a high level as much as possible.”

And tonight as Couisnard leaves all his energy on the floor one more time at Koch Arena, faithful Shocker fans alike will be witnessing hard work, grit, and determination.