NIT

It is often claimed that we are a bit obsessed with athletics in the alumni business. But there is just so much you can accomplish with Facebook and Twitter (Although this u-Tube video paints a decent picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRXHQ-fgwIM)

But in the aftermath of our basketball team’s dramatic conquest Wednesday night, it is impossible to not marvel at the power of athletics.

I saw grown men cry. I shared the exultation with people in their 30s, 40s 50s, 60s, and 70s. I saw 12,000 Aztec fans will Steve Fisher’s fine squad to Gotham for the NIT Final Four.

But most of all, we saw the culmination of ten years of student zaniness known as "The Show." Recently featured on the cover of 360 Magazine, our wild and crazy student section has been honing its we-can-make-you-miss-a-critical-free-throw act for many seasons. With 42 seconds left, St. Mary’s NBA-bound point guard, Patty Mills, and his 86% foul shooting rate stepped to the line in a tie game. He was faced with 500 demonstrative, big-head-wielding, jumping up and down, screaming, banana suit wearing, and certified crazy students. Clang.

The subsequent court storming by the young, witnessed by the old, was a convergence of monumental emotion. Twelve minutes later, Ritchie, Lo, and Kyle - our three mega stars - who all prevailed over significant challenges to forge our fantastic season, finally emerged from the mob scene love fest.

Can’t find that on Linked-In!