March Madness

So, I normally try to avoid "March Madness" like a strain of Ebola, but this year has been different. Growing up, my dad never missed a minute of the NCAA tournament, particularly any and every University of Illinois game, much to the inconvenience of his household of all non-basketball-loving girls. My mom, my sisters and I never really understood Dad's obsession with the tournament or his fanaticism for his beloved Illini. That was, until I went to school at the University of Kentucky.

For those who don't, and never have, lived in Kentucky, it's difficult to explain what college basketball means to this state. As a UK freshman (even one who spent the majority of her time in the Fine Arts building,) I found out right away what it means while I was living in an enormous complex of dorms. And so, as any good Wildcat, I dutifully joined my fellow co-eds in the "party dorm" room (black lights and strings of Christmas tree lights strung year-round, a TV sound system that could be heard on all 24 floors of the building... it's the same at every school,) and proudly cheered my UK on to win the 1998 NCAA championships.

As my friends and I watched UK get closer and closer to winning the big game, it was decided that we would "storm the streets," running down a couple of blocks from the dorm where thousands of excited Wildcat fans gathered to celebrate. However, those of us wanting to preserve the memory in photos decided to stage the "win" for our pictures with about 15 minutes left in the game. That way, we wouldn't have the burden of posing for the camera while hauling ass down the street, whooping and hollering like wildmen among the flying beer and discarded clothing. And even as a NON-sports loving, "too-cool-for-school" art major, I can honestly say that this night, celebrating without inhibition with a couple thousand of my fellow UK fans (including the National Guard in riot gear) was one of my favorite college memories.

For my out of town, non-sports-loving (or caring) friends, this year's big tournament is down to the Final Four, and UK will play the University of Louisville this weekend. As a UK alum living in Louisville, this rare match-up of the two big-time rivals makes even me excited for the game. So, like my dad and everyone else (at least those with an ounce of Kentucky blood,) I will again cheer on my team. But, to me, it's not about the game or even winning. It's about the common goal and sharing in an experience, like I did as a college freshman, with my friends, my alma mater and my new home state. Okay, okay, it is about winning! GO CATS!

(And if UofL wins, I'll be proud of them too. No, really.... I get to hang out with friends, drink beer and celebrate either way.)

In memory of Pat Murphy, whose enthusiasm for a good celebration made a sports fan out of even me.