Every now and then, when the sports junkie in me is thirsty for a little more than the daily dose, I find myself perusing various sports outlets. And if I’m lucky, I stumble across a marathon of NFL Films, or a highlight package of Lakers/Celtics from the 1980s.
Last week I was lucky enough to be channel surfing at the right moment, and I came across something that made me more nostalgic than ever. The screen flashed a date: Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006. Marquette Men’s Basketball was making its Big East debut against the #2 Connecticut Huskies.
It took me back to my freshman year, where I saw one of the greatest single game performances in the history of this institution. Steve Novak’s 41 points and 16 rebounds made me believe that we were an NCAA Tournament team. We had a good coach, a trio of freshman who were ready to carry the program, and we were just a few pieces away from being dominant. The possibilities were endless.
Fast forward to October 29th, 2008… We sit on eve of a new era in coaching, and the beginning of the end with the Big Three. The possibilities are certainly there, but no longer are they endless. The Golden Eagles return a team that continues to be extremely athletic, strong defensively and very one-dimensional. But it’s not like this is some big secret.
The pleasure I take in Marquette Basketball is not determined solely by wins and losses. It’s the game day atmosphere on campus. It’s debating match ups with my roommates. It’s about gathering as an entire university to get behind something that we all identify with.
The season will put you through more emotions than a self-conscious teenager on prom night. From trudging to the Bradley Center in sub zero temperatures, to jumping up and down and screaming for two hours in the student section, the basketball season is an experience.
So in order to officially christen this new season of good times and high hopes, we will celebrate “Marquette Madness.” The journey begins Saturday night. Just make sure you have a seat for the ride.
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