In case you haven't noticed by now, that was a clear acknowledgment of a job well done over a long period of time handed out by the NCAA earlier this week.

We're talking about the NCAA Tournament berth extended to the Colorado soccer team, giving the Buffs their fifth straight NCAA appearance.

Not that the Buffs didn't deserve a bid. They play in one of the nation's toughest conferences, they played a demanding nonconference schedule (three games this year against teams currently ranked in the top 25) and theydid finish the regular season by winning two of their last three, including a victory at No. 21 Oklahoma State.

But this was not the kind of season that helped build the reputation of Bill Hempen's program as one of the nation's best. Rather, the season proved to be one of the most challenging in Hempen's career.

"We were constantly searching for the right combination," said Hempen, whose team not only received an NCAA berth, but will host the first two rounds beginning Friday at Prentup Field. "It was a difficult thing. You had kids asking themselves who would be the leader, who would take over ... And to be honest, no one ever really did."

In a 9-7-4 season, there were plenty of ups and downs, with more down moments than the Buffs have become accustomed to in recent years. A tough loss to top-10 Stanford early, a three-match losing streak in the middle of the Big 12 season and what most thought would be the season-ending match, a loss to Texas on penalty kicks in the Big 12 Tournament opener.

"Not until the Big 12 Tournament did we ever really play with a sense of urgency," Hempen said. "But when we went to the tournament, I think they finally realized it. It wasn't just a slap in the face, it was a full-on punch. The season might be over."

Even after the overtime loss to Texas, the overriding feeling was that the Buffs' season was finished.

But along with doing enough to at least catch the eye of the NCAA Selection Committee, the Buffs also had history on their side. In what was clearly recognition for the program Hempen has built here, the Buffs not only heard their name called, but also found themselves as the home team for at least one and possibly two games.

Now they have new life.

"It's been a long time since I've seen a team take so long to click," Hempen said. "We didn't beat Texas in the tournament, but we played as well as we've played all year."

If the Buffs can replicate that effort, they could be in for a long weekend. They open the tournament at 11 a.m. Friday vs. Hawaii at Prentup Field. If they win, they'll play the winner of the Denver-Portland game Sunday at 1 p.m.

No doubt, Friday's game time isn't the most optimal for attracting fans. One CU official said Wednesday, "We're encouraging folks to take a long lunch break and come watch us play."

But it's still an NCAA Tournament game, Colorado's ninth in the last five years.

That's a strong statement for any program.