From a fan...
It’s a long season, November through March. Over five months of preparation, hype, expectation and often disappointment culminate game after game, complete with skyrocketing highs and debilitating lows. It’s easy for us. You lose and we go home and yeah, we’re disappointed…but after a few hours or a good night’s sleep it doesn’t seem so important. We lick our wounds and shrug our shoulders, but ultimately we’re no worse for the wear. You have to relive it, over and over again. You head into the locker room and listen to the coaches, see your record change, watch it on SportsCenter, in the paper, in practice, on film—hours upon hours of watching and wondering what you could have done better, how YOU could have made things turn out differently. And sometimes, you deserve it. But sometimes you just don’t. Sometimes, you play with all you have and your shot just won’t fall. Sometimes, even when you’ve made 99 free throws before, the 100th won’t go through. It can’t be easy. There must have been times when you didn’t feel like playing—times when the last thing you wanted to do was step onto that court and face your opponent. But you did it anyway.
Above all else, realize that we, your fans, are still with you. Win or lose, we respect your effort. After getting knocked down time and time again, you came out and gave it your all. We’ve seen you crumble with injury and fight to get back up. We’ve watched you fly. And there have been times when we have cried with you—our hearts have broken when things just don’t go your way and you take the blame. Times when we feel pain and sadness not for our own dignity or pride, but for yours. Times when we wish we could be your wings, be more than just a face in the crowd and somehow will you with all our strength to keep going. We stay because we know deep in our hearts that you are a champion. Regardless of your record, we believe in your magic. We believe that you will get there. Keep fighting. Keep trying. Keep putting your heart on the line each time you play. Let that fire and that hunger consume your thoughts. Let it make you better. We will still be here. We always will be. Thank you for making us proud to wear the green and white.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
National Championship, here we come!!
Holy crap.
That. Was. AWESOME.
The last time I was at the Final Four in 2005, our hopes were dashed by North Carolina. It was sad. THIS time was different.
First of all, Ford Field was about 85% Michigan State fans. Green and white as far as the eye could see....it was beautiful. The energy was incredible. People were happy, smiling, excited...everyone was friends (and really, seeing people they knew every which way...or maybe that was just me and Leah).
Our section was interesting. It was a mix of Michigan State fans (of course) and random people who didn't seem to care one way or the other. Leah and I checked out our surroundings....
MSU fans in front of us...Check.
MSU fans next to Leah....Check.
MSU fans behind us...half a check.
People who didn't care but claimed they were cheering for MSU next to me and behind me...Check, check.
Random Villanova guys two rows down who were cheering for MSU...check.
No small children within earshot in case I swore...CHECK.
Then I had to give all the people around me the disclaimer...I'm VERY loud, I get VERY into and you may be sorry you got stuck next to me. SO, if at any point I'm too much, just let me know I need to dial it back. And it's at that point that whoever it is (usually a male) smiles and says something to the effect of "Oh don't worry honey. You just go ahead and cheer your little heart out." Whichever one of my girlfriends is with me usually leans over and says, "Um, no really. You have no idea what is about to happen." And then they laugh and smile indulgently at the cute young girls who like basketball. Then about two minutes into the game, they realize what they're in for.
There is nothing "cute" about the way I cheer. I am loud. I jump up and down. I yell at officials. I scream words of encouragement as if the players can actually hear me (which of course, THEY CAN). I know what a charge looks like, I can tell when someone travels. I get angry if the refs call ticky-tack fouls. There is never an excuse for missing a free throw. I know the players on the court, not just on my team, but on the other team as well. I know who the coach is. I can list their starters and their top 3-4 bench players (if they go that deep). I know their stats, the record, etc. Here's a newsflash: JUST BECAUSE I AM FEMALE, IT DOESN'T MEAN I CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE GAME. Maybe it's because the majority of my female friends and the women I work with are like me (if not about college bball, but about some other sport), but it still blows my mind that people are surprised when women know sports. I don't think it's THAT uncommon.
But I digress. At this point, the guys behind us have decided I am HILARIOUS because I'm angry at the fact that UConn is pushing MSU around and not getting called for fouls but MSU is getting called for touch fouls left, right and center. My mother is texting me random thoughts about how she and my father are jumping around the family room and how the UConn mascot annoys her. I tell her I need to watch the game and cannot keep up a stream of texts. It was a physical game and Michigan State stayed in control the whole time. It was beautiful. Kalin Lucas taking people off the dribble, Raymar Morgan having the game of his life....sigh. And best of all? Michigan State running Connecticut right out of the gym.
Which is funny, because all tournament long all the analysts made comments about how Michigan State "can't run" which left Michigan State fans (and Coach Izzo) dumbfounded. Have you WATCHED them play? This is where I need to give props to Mike DeCourcy, Senior Writer of the Sporting News. I spoke with him after the Louisville game and he expressed his outrage at the number of media personnel that claimed MSU can't run. "I don't know who they're watching," he said, "But Chris Allen and Durrell Summers could run with the U.S. track team." DAMN RIGHT!
The game was terrific...too close for comfort at some points, but interesting and it ended in my favor, so what's to complain about?
Oh, right.....now we have to deal with Carolina.....
That. Was. AWESOME.
The last time I was at the Final Four in 2005, our hopes were dashed by North Carolina. It was sad. THIS time was different.
First of all, Ford Field was about 85% Michigan State fans. Green and white as far as the eye could see....it was beautiful. The energy was incredible. People were happy, smiling, excited...everyone was friends (and really, seeing people they knew every which way...or maybe that was just me and Leah).
Our section was interesting. It was a mix of Michigan State fans (of course) and random people who didn't seem to care one way or the other. Leah and I checked out our surroundings....
MSU fans in front of us...Check.
MSU fans next to Leah....Check.
MSU fans behind us...half a check.
People who didn't care but claimed they were cheering for MSU next to me and behind me...Check, check.
Random Villanova guys two rows down who were cheering for MSU...check.
No small children within earshot in case I swore...CHECK.
Then I had to give all the people around me the disclaimer...I'm VERY loud, I get VERY into and you may be sorry you got stuck next to me. SO, if at any point I'm too much, just let me know I need to dial it back. And it's at that point that whoever it is (usually a male) smiles and says something to the effect of "Oh don't worry honey. You just go ahead and cheer your little heart out." Whichever one of my girlfriends is with me usually leans over and says, "Um, no really. You have no idea what is about to happen." And then they laugh and smile indulgently at the cute young girls who like basketball. Then about two minutes into the game, they realize what they're in for.
There is nothing "cute" about the way I cheer. I am loud. I jump up and down. I yell at officials. I scream words of encouragement as if the players can actually hear me (which of course, THEY CAN). I know what a charge looks like, I can tell when someone travels. I get angry if the refs call ticky-tack fouls. There is never an excuse for missing a free throw. I know the players on the court, not just on my team, but on the other team as well. I know who the coach is. I can list their starters and their top 3-4 bench players (if they go that deep). I know their stats, the record, etc. Here's a newsflash: JUST BECAUSE I AM FEMALE, IT DOESN'T MEAN I CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE GAME. Maybe it's because the majority of my female friends and the women I work with are like me (if not about college bball, but about some other sport), but it still blows my mind that people are surprised when women know sports. I don't think it's THAT uncommon.
But I digress. At this point, the guys behind us have decided I am HILARIOUS because I'm angry at the fact that UConn is pushing MSU around and not getting called for fouls but MSU is getting called for touch fouls left, right and center. My mother is texting me random thoughts about how she and my father are jumping around the family room and how the UConn mascot annoys her. I tell her I need to watch the game and cannot keep up a stream of texts. It was a physical game and Michigan State stayed in control the whole time. It was beautiful. Kalin Lucas taking people off the dribble, Raymar Morgan having the game of his life....sigh. And best of all? Michigan State running Connecticut right out of the gym.
Which is funny, because all tournament long all the analysts made comments about how Michigan State "can't run" which left Michigan State fans (and Coach Izzo) dumbfounded. Have you WATCHED them play? This is where I need to give props to Mike DeCourcy, Senior Writer of the Sporting News. I spoke with him after the Louisville game and he expressed his outrage at the number of media personnel that claimed MSU can't run. "I don't know who they're watching," he said, "But Chris Allen and Durrell Summers could run with the U.S. track team." DAMN RIGHT!
The game was terrific...too close for comfort at some points, but interesting and it ended in my favor, so what's to complain about?
Oh, right.....now we have to deal with Carolina.....
Friday, April 3, 2009
WE HAVE TICKETS!!!!!!!!
Finalized it this morning. Leah found a terrific broker that didn't charge extra fees and allowed us to pick up our tickets on-site. Tickets for Saturday AND Sunday, all games, 100 section, a little over $300. We're happy, excited, and every fabulous emotion that goes with it.
Also found out two of our other good friends will be making special trips into town on Saturday as well. We won't be together, but we have plans to meet up, say hi and take pics (we ARE sorority girls after all).
BRING IT UCONN!!!
Also found out two of our other good friends will be making special trips into town on Saturday as well. We won't be together, but we have plans to meet up, say hi and take pics (we ARE sorority girls after all).
BRING IT UCONN!!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Starting to worry...
$100 tickets from coworker fell through. Limited in time to look, as I am in Auburn Hills working and our event is today. Leah is looking frantically along with me, checking Craigslist with great fervor. We both called and emailed multiple people both last night and this morning.
Called in a few more favors...nothing yet. Slightly ticked off, but there is NO WAY I'm not going to this game. No way.
5:00 PM: Abandoning Craigslist after multiple phone calls were answered with "It's a joke...we don't have tickets." Leah and I are at our wits end. Check ticket brokers....Prices starting to drop. Feeling more hopeful.
Called in a few more favors...nothing yet. Slightly ticked off, but there is NO WAY I'm not going to this game. No way.
5:00 PM: Abandoning Craigslist after multiple phone calls were answered with "It's a joke...we don't have tickets." Leah and I are at our wits end. Check ticket brokers....Prices starting to drop. Feeling more hopeful.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Still attempting the march to Motown...
Was advised by coworker NOT to take Craigslist tickets. Told there would be much better offers out there as we get closer to game time. Decide to follow his advice.
Leaving for Auburn Hills on a work trip tomorrow morning. Must pack for the next 7 days....
Leaving for Auburn Hills on a work trip tomorrow morning. Must pack for the next 7 days....
A quest...
My search for Final Four tickets has begun. After scoping out a variety of brokerage websites, I'm coming to a conclusion about how much good tickets may cost. For now, they are WAY too expensive. The first step is deciding where to sit in relation to how much I'm willing to spend. My general philosophy is that I'm willing to pay more for good seats. So far, good seats are not in the foreseeable future.
Step 2: Work my connections. I don't have many, but I'm doing it anyway. A coworker is working on tickets that will be in the 100 section and would cost $100 for Saturday only. I tell him if he gets them, I'm in. Won't know until Wednesday or Thursday if that comes through. Made a few other calls--I'm willing to pay, I just want good seats!
Step 3: Attempt Craigslist. I'm wary of this plan, as there are so many counterfeit tickets and scammers out there...but I find one that appears to be legit. Send an email. Seats in 200 section, $300 a piece. Willing to sell them to me.
Step 4: Find a partner in crime. Unfortunately, one of my close friends cannot afford a $300 ticket. She's out. Bummer! She is absolutely one of my favorite people to watch games with and I will be sad not to have her there. But thankfully, I have plenty of die-hard Spartan friends. I call my friend Leah, who I'll be staying with during this weekend. She says she needs to think about it. She texts me 10 minutes later: "Okay, I've thought about it. I'm IN!" SCORE!! This will be awesome....she and I went to the 2005 Final Four together....more good times are in store.
Step 2: Work my connections. I don't have many, but I'm doing it anyway. A coworker is working on tickets that will be in the 100 section and would cost $100 for Saturday only. I tell him if he gets them, I'm in. Won't know until Wednesday or Thursday if that comes through. Made a few other calls--I'm willing to pay, I just want good seats!
Step 3: Attempt Craigslist. I'm wary of this plan, as there are so many counterfeit tickets and scammers out there...but I find one that appears to be legit. Send an email. Seats in 200 section, $300 a piece. Willing to sell them to me.
Step 4: Find a partner in crime. Unfortunately, one of my close friends cannot afford a $300 ticket. She's out. Bummer! She is absolutely one of my favorite people to watch games with and I will be sad not to have her there. But thankfully, I have plenty of die-hard Spartan friends. I call my friend Leah, who I'll be staying with during this weekend. She says she needs to think about it. She texts me 10 minutes later: "Okay, I've thought about it. I'm IN!" SCORE!! This will be awesome....she and I went to the 2005 Final Four together....more good times are in store.
ON TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!
I never thought this would happen.
Okay, that is a lie. I THOUGHT it might happen, but was too afraid to say it out loud. But now I can. Michigan State. Final Four 2009. O. M. G.
Amazing. I cannot fully express to you the sheer joy and bliss I feel at this moment in time. It's not possible. But of course, this is a BLOG, so I am going to try. My attitude after the Kansas game that gave me a heart attack was this: Keep it in perspective. At the beginning of the season, I announced to anyone who pretended to listen that I wanted no less than a Big Ten regular season title and nothing short of an Elite Eight appearance. They gave me both, therefore, I had no reason to complain. Everything from here on out was icing on the cake. Not only that, but I actually REALLY like Louisville. I think they're a great team, I love the way they play, I think Pitino's coaching is out of this world, etc. I love how they're disruptive, they're fast, physical and play with emotion. In short, while I never want my team to lose, I respect Louisville and would not be crushed if MSU lost to them at this juncture.
Sitting at the State bar with my friends, I had an overwhelming sense of calm. Then once the game started, I watched Michigan State playing with the same calm I felt. It was like nothing could shake them, no one could get in their way. One of the things I've loved about this Michigan State team is that for 99% of their games, they've had a fire. A passion. A will to win that I haven't seen in MSU teams in a couple of years. And never did I see that more than in this game. A little past the midway point in the first half, it hit me. Michigan State was winning this game. It didn't matter what Louisville did or didn't do. It didn't matter if Louisville was the #1 seed or the #100 seed. Michigan State was cutting down that net. And it was funny, because you could ALSO see a point in the game when Louisville realized it too. It wasn't quite as early as the rest of us figured it out, but they got there. And that was sad too, to see such a talented team just quit. All their work, all their success and they were done. Just like that.
The bar went NUTS. Everyone kind of realized what was happening pretty early on, but the funny thing was, NO ONE wanted to say it or celebrate until that final buzzer. Even as fans, we didn't want to jinx ANYTHING. We took no chances. But once it was done, it was chaos. Jumping, hugging, screaming, singing the fight song--and that was just me. Kidding. That WAS me, but it was everyone else too.
Now I just need to find a ticket for the games.....
Okay, that is a lie. I THOUGHT it might happen, but was too afraid to say it out loud. But now I can. Michigan State. Final Four 2009. O. M. G.
Amazing. I cannot fully express to you the sheer joy and bliss I feel at this moment in time. It's not possible. But of course, this is a BLOG, so I am going to try. My attitude after the Kansas game that gave me a heart attack was this: Keep it in perspective. At the beginning of the season, I announced to anyone who pretended to listen that I wanted no less than a Big Ten regular season title and nothing short of an Elite Eight appearance. They gave me both, therefore, I had no reason to complain. Everything from here on out was icing on the cake. Not only that, but I actually REALLY like Louisville. I think they're a great team, I love the way they play, I think Pitino's coaching is out of this world, etc. I love how they're disruptive, they're fast, physical and play with emotion. In short, while I never want my team to lose, I respect Louisville and would not be crushed if MSU lost to them at this juncture.
Sitting at the State bar with my friends, I had an overwhelming sense of calm. Then once the game started, I watched Michigan State playing with the same calm I felt. It was like nothing could shake them, no one could get in their way. One of the things I've loved about this Michigan State team is that for 99% of their games, they've had a fire. A passion. A will to win that I haven't seen in MSU teams in a couple of years. And never did I see that more than in this game. A little past the midway point in the first half, it hit me. Michigan State was winning this game. It didn't matter what Louisville did or didn't do. It didn't matter if Louisville was the #1 seed or the #100 seed. Michigan State was cutting down that net. And it was funny, because you could ALSO see a point in the game when Louisville realized it too. It wasn't quite as early as the rest of us figured it out, but they got there. And that was sad too, to see such a talented team just quit. All their work, all their success and they were done. Just like that.
The bar went NUTS. Everyone kind of realized what was happening pretty early on, but the funny thing was, NO ONE wanted to say it or celebrate until that final buzzer. Even as fans, we didn't want to jinx ANYTHING. We took no chances. But once it was done, it was chaos. Jumping, hugging, screaming, singing the fight song--and that was just me. Kidding. That WAS me, but it was everyone else too.
Now I just need to find a ticket for the games.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
