March Madness
I will confess, I am not a sports fan and I have a very limited knowledge of most sports. As a result of my lack of knowledge, I have always had very little interest in sports in general. The one season I do enjoy has always been March basketball and all the excitement of the Sweet Sixteen, Final Four and the expected and unexpected pairings and winners.
This year I was able to attend the season games of Butler. Sitting in the same seat each time and being with someone that actually took the time to engage me in the game and explain not only the calls but share a bit about each player made all the difference. I was hooked. Hinkle Fieldhouse is an amazing place. I had been there for basketball camps with my son over many summers years ago. I thought it was a unique and special place then as it epitomized what I always thought Indiana Basketball was all about. I grew up in Chicago and it just isn’t the same there. Oh I know that people in Illinois love basketball but it just isn’t the same- truly it isn’t. Hinkle Fieldhouse during a home game, in an undefeated season, near the end of the season, is unlike any other sporting experience I have ever seen. Sounds silly, but I felt that I was among family members- all cheering on our own kids.
I loved watching my son play hockey for years. I cheered (even at the 6 a.m. games in a freezing ice rink), I wore my colors and held up handmade signs as we played for the win. Not since those days have I ever had the feeling that I got at Hinkle that would propel me from my seat to clap and cheer like I was at a hockey game of long ago. Not since this team at Butler, have had the inclination to sit alone and watch a game on t.v. and cheer and jump up and down (scaring poor Duke and embarrasing Maddie and the cats), and scream with joy at a win like they had over Murray State.
I was proud of myself- I do have it in me to be a sports fan. I do now understand what others might be feeling as they watch their favorite teams.
I won’t plan on this being a new leaf completely though. It is not all sports that will convert me this way.It is all because of the “Butler Way”. As I said before, I am hooked. I am smitten with the team of young men who cherish their education as much as they do their sport. Smitten with a coach and adults that partner with him to nurture the players as young athletes as well as young men- fine young men as well. It is undeniable when you watch them on the court and on the sidelines. Undeniable when you read about them and hear the respect and perspective that they share for the game as well as for one another. I am smitten with the crowd of fans- the warmth and loyalty is evident each time I enter the Fieldhouse and all the way back to our car.
Brad Stevens is to be commended and admired and as a mother, I would consider it a blessing to have him serve as a role model and coach for my child. He has exhibited the skills of his profession as well as the humanity and discipline it takes to be a role model for our youth. The players have won over my heart. The amount of team cohesiveness and their ability to all be a part of the team without vanity, narcissism and ego running rampant is admirable. Not a common display by most teams at this level let alone in professional sports. They are fine players and are fine young men.
So, onward we go to Thursday and another test of abilities and character. I know that no matter the result on the scoreboard, they will be winners in my heart. Thank you Butler Bulldogs for restoring my faith in competitive sports. Thank you for sharing with me a wonderful season and bringing me to my feet again. Thank you, Gary, for the seat next to you- I love it for many reasons.
Thursday night, I will be ready to cheer. I will mean it and feel it- down to every goosebump on my arms!!
Go Dawgs!!
