Troy Trojans Embrace 'Take the Stairs' Mentality Ahead of March Madness Upset Bid

Sophomore forward Kerrington Kiel reveals the team's unconventional approach to building toughness for their first-round matchup against Nebraska.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:35pm

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The Troy Trojans, led by sophomore forward Kerrington Kiel, have embraced an unconventional 'take the stairs' mentality as part of their preparation for their March Madness first-round matchup against Nebraska. Kiel explained that the team prides itself on being a tough, gritty squad, with players refusing to use elevators or escalators, instead opting to take the stairs wherever they go as a way of life. This approach has helped the Trojans secure their second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth, and they believe it will give them an edge as they look to pull off an upset against the heavily-favored Cornhuskers.

Why it matters

Troy's 'take the stairs' philosophy reflects their determination to overcome the odds and compete at the highest level of college basketball. While they may not be the most talented team in the tournament, their unconventional approach to building mental and physical toughness could give them a unique advantage against their more highly-touted opponents.

The details

The Trojans' 'take the stairs' motto is more than just a slogan - it's a way of life for the team. Whether they're in their hotel or elsewhere, the players refuse to use elevators or escalators, instead opting to take the stairs as a means of building strength and endurance. This approach has been championed by head coach Scott Cross, who has convinced his players that this unconventional training method will give them an edge on the court.

  • Troy secured its second consecutive March Madness berth by defending its Sun Belt Conference championship.
  • The Trojans enter the NCAA Tournament on a four-game winning streak.

The players

Kerrington Kiel

A sophomore forward for the Troy Trojans, Kiel is known for his energy and toughness off the bench, embodying the team's 'take the stairs' mentality.

Scott Cross

The head coach of the Troy Trojans, Cross has instilled the 'take the stairs' philosophy in his players as a way to build mental and physical toughness.

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What they’re saying

“We try to pride ourselves in being a tough team. That's our motto: take the stairs. We try to be tough in every aspect... Take the stairs. In the hotel we're in, no elevators — we're always taking the stairs. It's a way of life, honestly. Just getting out of the mud. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.”

— Kerrington Kiel, Sophomore Forward

What’s next

The Trojans will face off against the heavily-favored Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with many experts expecting them to be overmatched. However, Troy's 'take the stairs' mentality has helped them defy expectations all season, and they believe it will give them an edge as they look to pull off the upset.

The takeaway

Troy's unconventional 'take the stairs' approach to building toughness and mental fortitude is a testament to the team's determination to overcome the odds and compete at the highest level of college basketball. While they may not be the most talented team in the tournament, their unique mindset could give them a significant advantage as they look to shock the college basketball world and advance in March Madness.