The Madness of Spring

It’s more than just brackets, office pools and pairings-the NCAA Tournament is best described with emotional echoes and long standing memories.  March Madness brings families, friends and possibly even strangers together in a bond that few other events can create.  Quite simply, the spectacle that is the NCAA Tournament is much more than just basketball.

I don’t need a calendar to know when the madness is about to begin.  The smell of the air, along with the distinguishable sound of birds chirping,  sends my senses scrambling and my mind into nostalgic overdrive.  Nature delivers my internal clock notice that, yes, the greatest reality show ever created is about to reappear for yet another dramatic-emotional season.

My heart beats purer as exaltations of announcers past ring in my head.  The sound of the CBS intro music creates an anticipation  that can only be described as a child on Christmas Eve.  And of course there is One Shining Moment.  As I progress into my mid 30’s,  I make a point to listen to the immensely popular song (the  anthem of the tournament) prior to the madness beginning.  Yes, the tears bubble as soon as the music starts and the lyrics “the ball is tipped” is sang.  My friends, there isn’t a reality show on the planet that can invoke so many emotions and more importantly, memories.

My first real memories of the tournament go back to when I was in the 2nd grade when the North Carolina Tar Heels knocked off John Thompson’s Georgetown Hoyas.  The game was entertaining to me but I was far too young to understand what I just witnessed.  In 1983 I watched one of the biggest miracles in the history of sport as the NC State Wolf Pack shocked Phi Slama Jama (Houston Cougars).  I was upset by the defeat as I became enthralled by the up and down game of the Cougars but I still didn’t comprehend the magnitude of the event, even while watching the exaltations of Jimmy Valvano.  The 1985 Villanova Wildcats captured my imagination and in fact my heart as they trumped anything before them by stunning the Georgetown Hoyas (a team I vehemently hated) in what is an all-time classic.  From that day forward I became completely engrossed and consumed by the madness.

There are many things to thank my dad for, and for that matter both of my parents, for but I’m extremely grateful he introduced me to something that will remain with me as long as I live.  Not only has the introduction created strong bonds and incredible memories, the tournament also helps me feel like a kid again, at least for three weeks a year.  There are few things in life that can be said of.

As my love grew I was fortunate enough to come down with a rare sickness every March-tourney fever.  Since the 5th grade I have taken at least one day off every year to witness the 1st round of the tournament.  Wow, what a rush!  Not only did I get out of school, and later work, I got to experience a feeling like no other.  Watching the games at noon and flipping through all of the games (on satellite) is a love I have never taken for granted.  Can you think of anything in life you love that much and have never taken for granted?  On the day I went to school my dad would always make sure the bracket was filled out so I knew what happened.  If he was working while I was watching, I would return the favor.  Those my friends are priceless memories.

For the game itself, the memories and emotions are numerous to name, however there are a few that stand out.  Seeing Jimmy Valvano run on the court in glee, hugging everyone in sight is something I will never forget.  Sadly, Valvano passed away years later due to cancer; however, the same passion we saw on the court in 1983 carried him through the toughest moments in his life as he penned the deeply emotional speech, Don’t Ever Give Up.  Another fond memory is seeing Thomas Hill stand with his hands on his head crying as Christian Laettner had just hit the greatest shot in what could be the greatest game in the history of the tournament.  A picture truly is worth a thousand words as the emotion and joy were on full display in Thomas’ tears.  Keith Smart hitting the baseline jumper in 1987 is certainly one of the greatest moments in all of sports for me.  The shot captured the title for the Indiana Hoosiers who were led by legendary Head Coach Bob Knight.  I absolutely worshipped Knight who in my opinion is the greatest coach in the history of the sport.  Valporaiso’s Bryce Drew hitting the game winner against Missouri was incredible and witnessing the pure joy of his teammates was incredible.  In 2006 I observed Cinderella in person as George Mason knocked off North Carolina.  The electricity in Dayton is hard to put into words.  The pressure grew with each passing second as the crowd’s roar grew in anticipation of the possible upset.  When George Mason pulled out the victory, the chaos that defines the tournament ensued.  The 2007 second round clash between Ohio State and Xavier was one for the ages.  Not only was the game between in-state foes but it included an incredible shot by Buckeye Ron Lewis which sent the game to overtime.  I was on hand to witness the miracle as Ohio State escaped with a stunning victory.

There are countless other great memories of buzzer beaters and Cinderella stories that still live through tourney highlights each season which are far too many to name.   Although I’m not a big fan of any of the three I would be remised not mentioning Al Macguire, Billy Packer and Dick Vitale.  Their love and passion of the game has been sewn into the fabric of the sport.

I hope my brief expose into the great event has exhumed emotions and memories for you as it did for me.  Friends and fans, please remember the game is much more than just office pools and cutting down the nets; it’s about young men exceeding their own reality, grown men crying and fans jumping in jubilation.  March Madness itself is about enthusiasm, memories and passion and should be shared with all.  With tears in my eye and a lump in my throat, in the style that North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams can appreciate, ready yourself for the greatest event in all of sports.  The Madness of Spring is about to begin.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer