As an avid sports fan and an enthusiastic follower of the NCAA tournament, I look forward to March Madness each year. I can best describe it as my Christmas – for me, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year, as I wrote about on a previous post. Since I was a child, I have enjoyed the rituals of watching Selection Sunday, picking my bracket, and rooting for the underdogs. For me, the NCAA tournament is all about the upsets – watching the underdogs of the mid-major conferences knock off the big schools.
Each year, the powerhouse teams have chances to prove their might while the underdogs have chances to prove their worth. In 2005, I couldn’t have been more ecstatic that my wonderful alma mater became one of the true “Cinderella stories” of the big dance, knocking off a powerhouse in Kansas. It was with great pride that I rooted for my beloved Bison – it was nice to finally have a tie to an underdog to root for, instead of staking claim in a team just for the heck of it.
On Monday, March 13, I sat in my office. Antonio Anderson, a freshmen member the Memphis basketball team, and I have shared a bond since he discovered I went to Bucknell as an undergraduate. He has great love for Kevin Bettencourt and throughout the season repeatedly talked with me about the excitement surrounding Bucknell’s season – he was often just as enthusiastic about Bucknell’s wins as he was of his own team’s. Antonio, as always, walked into my office that Monday with a giant smile on his face – he couldn’t wait to ask how excited I was about Bucknell being a No. 9 seed and playing in the same region as Memphis. After congratulating him on his team’s No. 1 seed, he asked me if I hoped for a possible second-round match up between the Tigers and the Bison. “Of course,” I said, “but, Antonio, who would I root for?” He didn’t hesitate to say, “Carol, you gotta root for your team!”
And that’s what I did.
But it wasn’t necessarily easy.
The sports world is crazy in this way because it pits friends against foes and friends against friends. Each play during the Bucknell-Memphis game brought about some inner conflict for me. While watching Memphis throughout the season, I always got excited when Antonio entered the game and knocked down big three pointers – he’s a great kid and a great player, and I enjoy his successes. But this time, particular plays by Antonio or his teammates made life difficult for Bucknell’s players. It was hard to be excited for Antonio and Memphis, but also hard not to be. Nevertheless, I held back my cheers for Memphis, and held on for Bucknell’s hopes at victory. But it just wasn’t meant to be.
On Monday, March 20, I waited for Antonio’s visit to my office – I knew he would take the chance to show me his giant smile about the win over Bucknell. I congratulated him and asked if he was excited about the Sweet Sixteen. He politely said, “Carol, I’m sorry we had to knock your team out, but we gotta do what we gotta do.” I told him that I was excited for him and his teammates. I swallowed my pride and responded, “I guess if Bucknell had to lose, I’m glad Memphis won and not some other team I don’t really want to root for later in the tournament.” Antonio seemed to agree.
I always want Bucknell to continue to make strides throughout Division I college hoops. In a similar way, I want Memphis to experience the success they work for as well. As excited as I am for Memphis, however, my heart is in Lewisburg and my heart bleeds orange and blue. I believe my feelings of sadness are warranted as I am reminder that another wonderful Bucknell season has come to an end and I have to wait almost nine months to root for more Bison success. But, I still have a team to root for and hope for the best in the remainder of the tournament. And while Memphis may provide some excitement as I watch the remainder of the tournament, they cannot provide the feeling of pride I have in and the feeling of respect I have for Bucknell’s players and staff. This team has continually made me proud of Bucknell more and more each day. And for that, my feelings of the season coming to an end for the Bison aren’t bittersweet but that of pride and honor. Thanks, Bucknell, for an amazing season!
Monday, March 20, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Brackets, brackets, and more brackets...
March Madness is upon us -- grab your pencil and fill out your brackets -- it's OK to become obsessed with it, keep telling yourself that. Seriously, obsess away -- the madness is the best time of the year.
The chatter has already started with my friends and the students I work with:
"Carol, wouldn't it be awesome if you get to watch Bucknell play Memphis in the second round?"
-- Answer: Yes, but more awesome if I could actually be in Dallas to see it happen.
"Carol, what number 5 seed should I pick to lose?"
-- Answer: That's a great question. Only two times in the new format has a 12 seed failed to beat a 5 seed.
"Carol, who will win it all?"
-- Answer: Also a great question. My job tells me I should root for Memphis since I work here but I just am not ready to say out loud who I'm going with; wouldn't want to offend anyone.
My email has been flooded since yesterday with updates, news, and stories about the tournament.
First, there's the story that comes out each year at this time (and also during football bowl season) to see how the tournament teams (or bowl teams) measure up academically. I am proud to announce the wonderful Bucknell is atop the list. Educate yourself: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=ajy4Ov5.HU7I&refer=us
Educate yourself some more: http://www.ncasports.org/images/Release%20FINAL%202005%20NCAA%20Basketball%20Tournament%20Grad%20Rates%20Study.pdf
(Maybe someday I can work for this organization.)
Second, there's the advice columns by the bracketology "experts" telling you how to make the most of your picks. We don't need to go into detail here -- trust me, if you really want someone to help you, you'll figure out where to find it. (Digger, Dickie V, Jay Bilas... who do you trust????)
Third, there's the humor surrounding these events, as best depicted by the one Bill Simmons:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons
You should read this article. It's funny. Go ahead, read it now.
I have some observations regarding the humor described by Bill Simmons:
First of all, I truly agree wholeheartedly that people out there pick their brackets much like he described in his mother and his friend the sportsgal. Some people don't follow college hoops and they have no other means for making their selections. These people are often hysterical and may often win the office pool by nothing but pure dumb luck.
Second of all, though, I cannot help but be a little irritated by this said humor. You see, Bill Simmons may imply here that only women have crazy non-sports related rituals for picking their brackets. This is clearly not the case. As a sports-obsessed, March Madness junkie, I am proud of my abilities to pick brackets each year beyond strategies like "I went to school there" or "my friend went to school there" or "the Catholics are good people". I know the ins and outs of the so called bracketology and I am indeed a female. There are many females out there like myself who do not need to resort to ridiculous criteria for one's selections. And seriously, there are many a male species out there who know a great deal less about the madness than many females I know. So, Bill Simmons, while I appreciate your humor, I would have appreciated it more if you mocked a male and a female instead of two females. It seems only fair in brackets and basketball.
For all of you wonderful people out there who will do nothing but sit on your asses and watch minute after minute of the tournament this weekend, enjoy it -- I know I did in my previous life as a student/non-adult. Now, I must find a way to sneak into the conference room at work just so I can take in as much as possible.
At least my boss won't be around to yell at me. Oh wait, he'll be watching Bucknell/Arkansas and Memphis/Oral Roberts in person. Yes, I am indeed jealous.
The chatter has already started with my friends and the students I work with:
"Carol, wouldn't it be awesome if you get to watch Bucknell play Memphis in the second round?"
-- Answer: Yes, but more awesome if I could actually be in Dallas to see it happen.
"Carol, what number 5 seed should I pick to lose?"
-- Answer: That's a great question. Only two times in the new format has a 12 seed failed to beat a 5 seed.
"Carol, who will win it all?"
-- Answer: Also a great question. My job tells me I should root for Memphis since I work here but I just am not ready to say out loud who I'm going with; wouldn't want to offend anyone.
My email has been flooded since yesterday with updates, news, and stories about the tournament.
First, there's the story that comes out each year at this time (and also during football bowl season) to see how the tournament teams (or bowl teams) measure up academically. I am proud to announce the wonderful Bucknell is atop the list. Educate yourself: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=ajy4Ov5.HU7I&refer=us
Educate yourself some more: http://www.ncasports.org/images/Release%20FINAL%202005%20NCAA%20Basketball%20Tournament%20Grad%20Rates%20Study.pdf
(Maybe someday I can work for this organization.)
Second, there's the advice columns by the bracketology "experts" telling you how to make the most of your picks. We don't need to go into detail here -- trust me, if you really want someone to help you, you'll figure out where to find it. (Digger, Dickie V, Jay Bilas... who do you trust????)
Third, there's the humor surrounding these events, as best depicted by the one Bill Simmons:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons
You should read this article. It's funny. Go ahead, read it now.
I have some observations regarding the humor described by Bill Simmons:
First of all, I truly agree wholeheartedly that people out there pick their brackets much like he described in his mother and his friend the sportsgal. Some people don't follow college hoops and they have no other means for making their selections. These people are often hysterical and may often win the office pool by nothing but pure dumb luck.
Second of all, though, I cannot help but be a little irritated by this said humor. You see, Bill Simmons may imply here that only women have crazy non-sports related rituals for picking their brackets. This is clearly not the case. As a sports-obsessed, March Madness junkie, I am proud of my abilities to pick brackets each year beyond strategies like "I went to school there" or "my friend went to school there" or "the Catholics are good people". I know the ins and outs of the so called bracketology and I am indeed a female. There are many females out there like myself who do not need to resort to ridiculous criteria for one's selections. And seriously, there are many a male species out there who know a great deal less about the madness than many females I know. So, Bill Simmons, while I appreciate your humor, I would have appreciated it more if you mocked a male and a female instead of two females. It seems only fair in brackets and basketball.
For all of you wonderful people out there who will do nothing but sit on your asses and watch minute after minute of the tournament this weekend, enjoy it -- I know I did in my previous life as a student/non-adult. Now, I must find a way to sneak into the conference room at work just so I can take in as much as possible.
At least my boss won't be around to yell at me. Oh wait, he'll be watching Bucknell/Arkansas and Memphis/Oral Roberts in person. Yes, I am indeed jealous.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
March Madness...
March Madness comes in various forms.
This March for me, there was the Memphis Madness experienced by myself and three visiting friends over this past weekend -- madness did ensue in the many forms of over-eating, over-drinking, over-sight seeing, over-farting, and over-spending, but the details of these events shall not be recapped here.
In addition, this March for me brings the most busy time of the semester at work -- I am certain it will prove to reach a level of insanity, but I will make it through.
But most importantly, of course, March Madness is best known for the most wonderful sports-spectating time of the year -- the NCAA tournament. (I will argue to the death with someone who diasgrees with this statement -- there is no sporting event that can top the tournament -- none, whatsoever. ) If you know me well or if you barely know me at all, you do know for sure that my obsession with March Madness runs deep.
March Madness is enjoyable in part because of its many traditions.
There's watching Selection Sunday so as to be first informed about which teams' bubbles have burst or which teams have squeaked into a tournament spot.
There's the printing and selecting of one's bracket, so as to predict as best as possible the outcomes of each and every game.
There's the weekend ritual of sitting in one's own stink so as to not miss a minute of the madness -- you never know when a magical moment will be created and thus, you must watch religiously every minute as humanly possible.
There's the constant rooting for one's Cinderella team -- hoping an underdog makes a go of it, topples the powerhouses and shocks the country -- for me, this is what the tournament is all about -- the rise of the underdog, the glory of the upset.
And sometimes, there are new traditions to be made, like getting in your car, driving to various cities, scalping tickets and watching your great alma mater take chances at making history.
March Madness 2005 was truly magical for me, as Bucknell (my wonderful alma mater) made history in Oklahoma City -- Bucknell represented everything I like about March Madness -- a team not well known to the rest of the country who pulled off an amazing upset and finally got some respect as a well-developed basketball program. Perhaps this year, Bucknell can continue to turn a Cinderella story into a historical event.
It is with great pleasure that I look forward to the upcoming weekend -- first, watching Bucknell play in the Patriot League Tournament Championship on Friday, hoping to clutch an automatic bid into the field of 65. Second, watching Selection Sunday to see how the bracket comes together and then making my selections for the madness that will ensue (know your bracketology, friends -- use your knowledge wisely). And finally, to see who makes the month interesting:
What powerhouses will fall?
What Cinderellas story will be written?
What magical shots will make history?
Who will fall?
Who will rise victorious?
None of this can be known at this time, but soon, dear friends, soon the madness will unfold. Will you be watching?
This March for me, there was the Memphis Madness experienced by myself and three visiting friends over this past weekend -- madness did ensue in the many forms of over-eating, over-drinking, over-sight seeing, over-farting, and over-spending, but the details of these events shall not be recapped here.
In addition, this March for me brings the most busy time of the semester at work -- I am certain it will prove to reach a level of insanity, but I will make it through.
But most importantly, of course, March Madness is best known for the most wonderful sports-spectating time of the year -- the NCAA tournament. (I will argue to the death with someone who diasgrees with this statement -- there is no sporting event that can top the tournament -- none, whatsoever. ) If you know me well or if you barely know me at all, you do know for sure that my obsession with March Madness runs deep.
March Madness is enjoyable in part because of its many traditions.
There's watching Selection Sunday so as to be first informed about which teams' bubbles have burst or which teams have squeaked into a tournament spot.
There's the printing and selecting of one's bracket, so as to predict as best as possible the outcomes of each and every game.
There's the weekend ritual of sitting in one's own stink so as to not miss a minute of the madness -- you never know when a magical moment will be created and thus, you must watch religiously every minute as humanly possible.
There's the constant rooting for one's Cinderella team -- hoping an underdog makes a go of it, topples the powerhouses and shocks the country -- for me, this is what the tournament is all about -- the rise of the underdog, the glory of the upset.
And sometimes, there are new traditions to be made, like getting in your car, driving to various cities, scalping tickets and watching your great alma mater take chances at making history.
March Madness 2005 was truly magical for me, as Bucknell (my wonderful alma mater) made history in Oklahoma City -- Bucknell represented everything I like about March Madness -- a team not well known to the rest of the country who pulled off an amazing upset and finally got some respect as a well-developed basketball program. Perhaps this year, Bucknell can continue to turn a Cinderella story into a historical event.
It is with great pleasure that I look forward to the upcoming weekend -- first, watching Bucknell play in the Patriot League Tournament Championship on Friday, hoping to clutch an automatic bid into the field of 65. Second, watching Selection Sunday to see how the bracket comes together and then making my selections for the madness that will ensue (know your bracketology, friends -- use your knowledge wisely). And finally, to see who makes the month interesting:
What powerhouses will fall?
What Cinderellas story will be written?
What magical shots will make history?
Who will fall?
Who will rise victorious?
None of this can be known at this time, but soon, dear friends, soon the madness will unfold. Will you be watching?
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