Most of the city is in a daze. I am busy with work, but every 7-8 minutes it hits me again and I groan aloud, "Ohhh mmmyyy Goddd." People around me ask what's wrong. All I have to say is, "the game," and they understand.
If you've read this blog recently or live in Memphis, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I won't recount the details because anyone who is in any way connected to any level of interest in college basketball knows what happened. All I can say is... we hurt.
We hurt for our city who has been so delighted and excited over the past weeks and months with the success of our Tigers. We hurt for every fan who has waited and wished for a championship for so long. And we hurt especially for the Memphis players because we know how badly they wanted to show their fans the championship trophy when they stepped off the plane today and we know how excruciatingly close they came to doing just that. We hurt for them because they have thrilled us, entertained us, united us, represented us, and, in some ways, grew up before our very eyes - as individuals and as a team.
From a sports perspective, it was one of the most brutal defeats I can recall, and not just because it was my team. It was as cruel a way to lose a game, a champioship, a goal, and a place in history as I can really imagine. Being blown out would have been easier because we (players and fans) would never have to live with knowing we could have done it. Even more than "could have" - we did it and lost it. It was an absolutely perfect storm. There are probably 10 things - shots, plays, moments - that all had to happen just as they did for things to go the way they did. I can't help but keep reading and listening to the terrible story as it is recounted today. As awful as it was, it's an amazing story.
If there are positives (and while I always tend to find them, I'm not completely sure here), they might include: 1) The team lost as a team - the same way they won 38 games. It wasn't one big mistake by one poor guy. The responsibility can be shared completely. I can name something every player and the coach did in those horrifying two minutes that contributed to the loss. 2) They had the chance to prove themselves again, and this time as people rather than just players, during the post-game. They were classy, they took responsibility, they dealt with it as well as anyone ever could. 3) It's easy for fans to show support when a team is winning. I saw a lot of Memphis shirts around town today, even after the... thing. I saw cars with windows painted with blue and white statements of support, saying things like "Cal 4 Mayor." Still. Commitment is commitment. People here have it for guys who've earned it. Unwavering support of those we love is something good for all of us to practice.
We hurt, but we're proud, and with good reason. It was a fantastic season and long after the pain is gone (or at least reduced by time) we will remember how excited we were and how much we loved this team.
I realize that this is all very dramatic for a reaction to a basketball game, but these feelings are real and it's great how passionate we can be about people and goals and journeys. It is a fantastic illustration of why so many people love sports so much. It's not life and death, but "it's just a game" just doesn't cover it.
Showing posts with label college basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college basketball. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Ghosttown, Tennessee, USA
My breathing has grown shallow. My pulse is racing. It's almost game time!
The streets of Memphis are growing quiet already, just under an hour and a half until tip-off of the NCAA National Basketball Championship game. I imagine it will be rather quiet around the city this evening. I hope it remains that way.
Campuses (campi?) and cities that have had teams reach this level in the past have done some rioting - some in victory and some in defeat - and, unfortunately, I can't necessarily put dumb behavior beyond the people of my beloved hometown (see posts from Sept. 9th and Oct. 4th of 2007. Also, see this entire blog, written by a citizen of the community in question).
In all seriousness, this is really special. People all over the city have something great to be excited about and talk to one another about. This team that so many of us have followed and cheered and grown to love has had the chance to win the hearts of so many others. They have shown their talent and they have reaped the benefit of their incredibly hard work. Boise State and Hawaii and George Mason and Davidson and every other school that's not in one of the major college conferences has to be rooting for the Tigers to get over the hump tonight. If Memphis can win a major national championship, why not any other school, regardless of tradition or history. Win or lose, the fact that Memphis is in this game should be a beacon of hope for "non-BCS" schools everywhere.
I'm off to soak in the whole experience. I want to watch and listen to as much pre-game commentary as I can. I want to see it all and enjoy it all because I know how rare this is. Hopefully, I won't have to wait another 32* years, but if I do, I'll have memories of this incredible day.
GO TIGERS!!!
* It has been 32.5 years, but since we're at the date of the championship for this year already, the time until our next visit there will have to be counted in full years. It would either be 32 or 33. Unless there are big changes in the scheduling of the sport, it won't be 32.5. Hopefully, it'll be 1! Got all that? Am I babbling? Can you tell I'm nervous?
The streets of Memphis are growing quiet already, just under an hour and a half until tip-off of the NCAA National Basketball Championship game. I imagine it will be rather quiet around the city this evening. I hope it remains that way.
Campuses (campi?) and cities that have had teams reach this level in the past have done some rioting - some in victory and some in defeat - and, unfortunately, I can't necessarily put dumb behavior beyond the people of my beloved hometown (see posts from Sept. 9th and Oct. 4th of 2007. Also, see this entire blog, written by a citizen of the community in question).
In all seriousness, this is really special. People all over the city have something great to be excited about and talk to one another about. This team that so many of us have followed and cheered and grown to love has had the chance to win the hearts of so many others. They have shown their talent and they have reaped the benefit of their incredibly hard work. Boise State and Hawaii and George Mason and Davidson and every other school that's not in one of the major college conferences has to be rooting for the Tigers to get over the hump tonight. If Memphis can win a major national championship, why not any other school, regardless of tradition or history. Win or lose, the fact that Memphis is in this game should be a beacon of hope for "non-BCS" schools everywhere.
I'm off to soak in the whole experience. I want to watch and listen to as much pre-game commentary as I can. I want to see it all and enjoy it all because I know how rare this is. Hopefully, I won't have to wait another 32* years, but if I do, I'll have memories of this incredible day.
GO TIGERS!!!
* It has been 32.5 years, but since we're at the date of the championship for this year already, the time until our next visit there will have to be counted in full years. It would either be 32 or 33. Unless there are big changes in the scheduling of the sport, it won't be 32.5. Hopefully, it'll be 1! Got all that? Am I babbling? Can you tell I'm nervous?
Saturday, April 05, 2008
New Frontier
For this first time in college basketball history, a team has won more than 37 games in a single season. Today, the Memphis Tigers have set a record, surpassing a couple of Duke teams and a UNLV team that had finished their seasons at 37. Today was 38. Monday, the Tigers will be playing to extend that record with a 39th that will make them champions.*
For the first time in my lifetime one of the two teams of which I am a fan for life is in the NCAA basketball championship game.** Memphis got to the Final Four in 1985 and lost in the semi-finals and Texas did the same in 2003 (I was at that one), but we are over that hump. Hopefully there is one more hurdle left in the legs of these high-flying Tigers.
As far as I can remember, this is the first time that one of the CBS commentators served as the arena announcer for the starting line-up. Good job, Jim Nantz, but what's the deal with that?
*None of those previous 37-game-winners won the national championship so this guarantees nothing for Memphis other than the milestone, itself. Of course, if Memphis had stopped at 37 like those teams did, that would have guaranteed a non-championship. At 38, there's a chance!
** Michigan is not one of my "fan for life" teams, but in 1989 - before I went to Texas or was a Longhorn fan - they won a surprising national championship with both of my older brothers enrolled, so they were certainly one of two family squads. In short, this isn't completely new to me so hopefully I won't be overwhelmed by the pressure and excitement of the first Monday in April.
For the first time in my lifetime one of the two teams of which I am a fan for life is in the NCAA basketball championship game.** Memphis got to the Final Four in 1985 and lost in the semi-finals and Texas did the same in 2003 (I was at that one), but we are over that hump. Hopefully there is one more hurdle left in the legs of these high-flying Tigers.
As far as I can remember, this is the first time that one of the CBS commentators served as the arena announcer for the starting line-up. Good job, Jim Nantz, but what's the deal with that?
*None of those previous 37-game-winners won the national championship so this guarantees nothing for Memphis other than the milestone, itself. Of course, if Memphis had stopped at 37 like those teams did, that would have guaranteed a non-championship. At 38, there's a chance!
** Michigan is not one of my "fan for life" teams, but in 1989 - before I went to Texas or was a Longhorn fan - they won a surprising national championship with both of my older brothers enrolled, so they were certainly one of two family squads. In short, this isn't completely new to me so hopefully I won't be overwhelmed by the pressure and excitement of the first Monday in April.
Golden Ticket 5: Grandpa Joe or Grandma Josephine
30 minutes until tip-off. The Final Four.
I will write this post because I promised it before the Elite 8, though I'm rather certain that anyone who cares has known for days which of my teams will going to the Final Four (thus, using the "Golden Ticket" that I "found" when Memphis and Texas both made it to the Elite 8, assuring me a beloved squad in the Final Four). Texas will have to stay in bed with Grandpa George and Grandma Georgina for at least another year. There endeth the metaphor.
Memphis plays UCLA today - in a rematch of the 1973 NCAA Championship game - for the right to advance to this year's final game. It should be a great game and a great Final Four. I'm wearing blue, I'm cranking up the band*, and I'm already sweaty. This is going to be hard work!
Outside of the Men's Final Four, there is much to report from the past week. The Lady Rabs lost a heartbreaking defensive battle by a score of 9-8 this week. We're inching ever closer to victory. Stay tuned. Also from the world of women's basketball, I'm pretty sure I have a big crush** on Candace Parker, star of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Not only is she beautiful, talented, and seemingly intelligent and team-oriented, she is tough! During the Lady Vols' regional final game, she dislocated her left shoulder - TWICE - and returned to the game, helping her team reach the Final Four. Again. I don't follow women's basketball that closely, and I wouldn't necessarily normally feel any need to root for "goliath," which Tennessee clearly represents in the women's game, but you have to be a fan of extraordinary performers that make goliath goliath. Go Vols!
Non-basketball-wise, yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here in Memphis***. I have some comments on that that I will focus on sometime after the upcoming game. Check back as the Ride and the dream continue soon! GO TIGERS!!!
* The Mighty Sound of the South, the University of Memphis Band
** The "crush" and the "beautiful" aren't really basketball-related, I realize. I guess that's one of the differences between watching men's and women's basketball!
*** It was the anniversary everywhere. The death happened in Memphis. Just wanted to be clear.
I will write this post because I promised it before the Elite 8, though I'm rather certain that anyone who cares has known for days which of my teams will going to the Final Four (thus, using the "Golden Ticket" that I "found" when Memphis and Texas both made it to the Elite 8, assuring me a beloved squad in the Final Four). Texas will have to stay in bed with Grandpa George and Grandma Georgina for at least another year. There endeth the metaphor.
Memphis plays UCLA today - in a rematch of the 1973 NCAA Championship game - for the right to advance to this year's final game. It should be a great game and a great Final Four. I'm wearing blue, I'm cranking up the band*, and I'm already sweaty. This is going to be hard work!
Outside of the Men's Final Four, there is much to report from the past week. The Lady Rabs lost a heartbreaking defensive battle by a score of 9-8 this week. We're inching ever closer to victory. Stay tuned. Also from the world of women's basketball, I'm pretty sure I have a big crush** on Candace Parker, star of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Not only is she beautiful, talented, and seemingly intelligent and team-oriented, she is tough! During the Lady Vols' regional final game, she dislocated her left shoulder - TWICE - and returned to the game, helping her team reach the Final Four. Again. I don't follow women's basketball that closely, and I wouldn't necessarily normally feel any need to root for "goliath," which Tennessee clearly represents in the women's game, but you have to be a fan of extraordinary performers that make goliath goliath. Go Vols!
Non-basketball-wise, yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here in Memphis***. I have some comments on that that I will focus on sometime after the upcoming game. Check back as the Ride and the dream continue soon! GO TIGERS!!!
* The Mighty Sound of the South, the University of Memphis Band
** The "crush" and the "beautiful" aren't really basketball-related, I realize. I guess that's one of the differences between watching men's and women's basketball!
*** It was the anniversary everywhere. The death happened in Memphis. Just wanted to be clear.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
It's Spano Time
I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so... scared.*
* This, of course, refers to the game, about to tip off between Memphis and Texas (see "Golden Ticket" series) and uses the words of one of the most quoted/quotable moments of "Saved By The Bell" and, perhaps, of all situational comedy tv. Jessie Spano was hooked on pills that were keeping her alert and energetic enough to get all of her school work, dancing, and other jobs done. It did not turn out well for her.
Take a lesson, kids. Drugs are not the answer. Memphis and Texas got where they are through hard work, not because of drugs or some crazy scheme hatched at The Max.
* This, of course, refers to the game, about to tip off between Memphis and Texas (see "Golden Ticket" series) and uses the words of one of the most quoted/quotable moments of "Saved By The Bell" and, perhaps, of all situational comedy tv. Jessie Spano was hooked on pills that were keeping her alert and energetic enough to get all of her school work, dancing, and other jobs done. It did not turn out well for her.
Take a lesson, kids. Drugs are not the answer. Memphis and Texas got where they are through hard work, not because of drugs or some crazy scheme hatched at The Max.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Golden Ticket 4: What's A Ziggy To Do?
Saturday night. The eve of the Elite 8 showdown between my two favorite teams: The Longhorns of The University of Texas, my much beloved alma mater, and the Tigers of the University of Memphis, the team I have cheered for since I was a small child. The game begins in about thriteen and a half hours and I have yet to figure out a way to arrange it so that both teams can win. It appears that one will go to the Final Four and one will go home. Will I watch? Will I wear either team's color? Who will I cheer for?
What's a Ziggy to do?
I have considered thoroughly and been asked by many who I want to win this game. Will I root for the Longhorns - the team representing The University I love and of which I am a proud graduate (and to which my parents paid a fair amount of tuition)... the team that has a chance to get to its 2nd Final Four this decade and cement its place amongst the perennial powers of college basketball... the team that wears the color I figuratively bleed and literally eat on game days? Or will I root for the Tigers - the team I grew up idolizing and imitating on the family driveway/basketball court... the team that is and has long been the sports focal point of the city where I grew up and currently live... the team that has been overlooked by the major conferences, but who has nonetheless reached the Elite 8 for the third straight year and has the chance to get to the next level?
Here's the answer: I will be rooting for the Memphis Tigers (but will be hoping for both teams to play well and will be happy for whichever team wins and sad for the loser).
Here's the reasoning: Tiger basketball runs deep within me. I love playing, watching, and coaching basketball and that was all fed by my experience as a Tiger fan, during and since my childhood. I went to The University of Texas a huge college basketball fan and Texas basketball, at the time, did not consume me like it did in Memphis. Partly because basketball at Texas wasn't all that great, and partly because so many other things were. Basketball is THE chance Memphis has to achieve greatness in sports. Texas wins everything! UT has won a football national championship and a College World Series in the last few years, and was in the Final Four in 2003. As a matter of fact, the Texas Swimming and Diving team is in the middle of competing for its 10th National championship this weekend. In short, Texas will have other chances. Finally, and most selfishly, a Tiger trip to the Final Four would be a huge uplift for the City of Memphis and it would be fun to live amidst the excitement in the coming week.
Here's the prediction: I have no idea what will happen. Either team could win. I will be very excited.
I'm sorry that one will have to eliminate the other, but I'm thrilled that one of these teams will advance. Good luck to both and to ZiggyBackRiders (and their favorite teams) everywhere. Check back soon for "Golden Ticket 5: Grandpa Joe or Grandma Josephine?"
What's a Ziggy to do?
I have considered thoroughly and been asked by many who I want to win this game. Will I root for the Longhorns - the team representing The University I love and of which I am a proud graduate (and to which my parents paid a fair amount of tuition)... the team that has a chance to get to its 2nd Final Four this decade and cement its place amongst the perennial powers of college basketball... the team that wears the color I figuratively bleed and literally eat on game days? Or will I root for the Tigers - the team I grew up idolizing and imitating on the family driveway/basketball court... the team that is and has long been the sports focal point of the city where I grew up and currently live... the team that has been overlooked by the major conferences, but who has nonetheless reached the Elite 8 for the third straight year and has the chance to get to the next level?
Here's the answer: I will be rooting for the Memphis Tigers (but will be hoping for both teams to play well and will be happy for whichever team wins and sad for the loser).
Here's the reasoning: Tiger basketball runs deep within me. I love playing, watching, and coaching basketball and that was all fed by my experience as a Tiger fan, during and since my childhood. I went to The University of Texas a huge college basketball fan and Texas basketball, at the time, did not consume me like it did in Memphis. Partly because basketball at Texas wasn't all that great, and partly because so many other things were. Basketball is THE chance Memphis has to achieve greatness in sports. Texas wins everything! UT has won a football national championship and a College World Series in the last few years, and was in the Final Four in 2003. As a matter of fact, the Texas Swimming and Diving team is in the middle of competing for its 10th National championship this weekend. In short, Texas will have other chances. Finally, and most selfishly, a Tiger trip to the Final Four would be a huge uplift for the City of Memphis and it would be fun to live amidst the excitement in the coming week.
Here's the prediction: I have no idea what will happen. Either team could win. I will be very excited.
I'm sorry that one will have to eliminate the other, but I'm thrilled that one of these teams will advance. Good luck to both and to ZiggyBackRiders (and their favorite teams) everywhere. Check back soon for "Golden Ticket 5: Grandpa Joe or Grandma Josephine?"
Friday, March 28, 2008
Golden Ticket 3: On Down To San Antone*
They've done it. It's done.
Texas and Memphis will meet Sunday at 1:20 p.m. Central time (Eastern is for suckers) for a spot in the Final Four in San Antonio.
Memphis let it get a little more exciting than I would have liked in the 2nd half, though the lead never got below 14 or 15. It would have been nice to keep it close to 30 and be able to rest more players, though, as Memphis will enjoy the shortest rest of all the remaining teams between Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games - 7 or 8 hours shorter than one of last night's teams. That's a full night's sleep!
Check back tomorrow for Golden Ticket 4: What's a Ziggy To Do? in which the staff here will discuss plans for game watching, predictions, what we'll eat and wear and, ultimately, who ZiggyBackRide will be rooting for.
* Lyric from Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues"
Texas and Memphis will meet Sunday at 1:20 p.m. Central time (Eastern is for suckers) for a spot in the Final Four in San Antonio.
Memphis let it get a little more exciting than I would have liked in the 2nd half, though the lead never got below 14 or 15. It would have been nice to keep it close to 30 and be able to rest more players, though, as Memphis will enjoy the shortest rest of all the remaining teams between Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games - 7 or 8 hours shorter than one of last night's teams. That's a full night's sleep!
Check back tomorrow for Golden Ticket 4: What's a Ziggy To Do? in which the staff here will discuss plans for game watching, predictions, what we'll eat and wear and, ultimately, who ZiggyBackRide will be rooting for.
* Lyric from Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues"
Golden Ticket 2: For What It's Worth
It's halftime of the Memphis/Michigan State game and Memphis leads 50-20.
50-20!
I do not, in any way, believe that this game is over. If anything, all the pressure is now off Michigan St. and they can come out after the half, play loose and hope to do something amazing (and if they should do it, amazing would be a severe understatement).
Whatever happens, this was one of the most fun and exciting* halves of basketball I have ever witnessed. Go Tigers!
* Only if you like Memphis, I presume. It probably did not have casual viewers on the edges of their seats.
50-20!
I do not, in any way, believe that this game is over. If anything, all the pressure is now off Michigan St. and they can come out after the half, play loose and hope to do something amazing (and if they should do it, amazing would be a severe understatement).
Whatever happens, this was one of the most fun and exciting* halves of basketball I have ever witnessed. Go Tigers!
* Only if you like Memphis, I presume. It probably did not have casual viewers on the edges of their seats.
Golden Ticket 1: Texas Does Its Part
Today's the day that I can get a team in the Final Four. I wrote after the NCAA Tournament bracket was originally released about the horror of having both my championship-contender teams (Memphis and Texas) in the same region, meaning only one could advance to the Final Four. Since that time, I have computed and recomputed every possible eventuality and considered every possible scenario to find the one that best suited me and my teams.
In the end, the obvious choice of both teams winning as many games as possible and facing each other became the clearly desirable situation. That way, I would be assured of one of my teams making it to the tournament's final weekend with a chance to be a champion. That is the upside of both teams being assigned to the same region.
Texas has done its part. The Longhorns just finished off a twenty-point win over Stanford to advance to the Elite 8. Well done, 'Horns! Can Memphis uphold its end of the bargain and secure its third consecutive trip to the next round and, more importantly*, satisfy - a round early - my desire to see one of my teams back in the Final Four? We shall soon see. I'm off to change out of my burnt orange shirt into the royal blue of Memphis, and say goodbye for now to the Longhorn Band in iTunes and click over to the Mighty Sound of the South, the Memphis band, for some Tiger tunes.
* To me.
In the end, the obvious choice of both teams winning as many games as possible and facing each other became the clearly desirable situation. That way, I would be assured of one of my teams making it to the tournament's final weekend with a chance to be a champion. That is the upside of both teams being assigned to the same region.
Texas has done its part. The Longhorns just finished off a twenty-point win over Stanford to advance to the Elite 8. Well done, 'Horns! Can Memphis uphold its end of the bargain and secure its third consecutive trip to the next round and, more importantly*, satisfy - a round early - my desire to see one of my teams back in the Final Four? We shall soon see. I'm off to change out of my burnt orange shirt into the royal blue of Memphis, and say goodbye for now to the Longhorn Band in iTunes and click over to the Mighty Sound of the South, the Memphis band, for some Tiger tunes.
* To me.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Question of the Day
Why me?
That is today's question and, truthfully, the one I've been asking myself since Sunday evening when my worst 2008 college basketball fear* became reality. As I predicted in the last post, Memphis and Texas were, indeed, placed in the same region of the NCAA tournament, making it impossible for both to make it to the Final Four and making Memphis play the lower-seeded Longhorns in Houston, a virtual home game for the 'Horns**.
I can only assume that I have been personally targeted by the Tournament selection committee. How else can this be explained? The task now at hand is to go committee member by committee member until it becomes clear which had the clearest motive to strike out at me in this manner. Did I - knowingly or unknowingly - wrong one of them? Did I run over someone's dog?*** Spill a beverage on a selector? Prank call one of their houses as a mischievous child? Oh, I'll get to the bottom of this, believe you me.
Upon finding the culprit, however, I will be merciful, as the perpetrator of this heinous 2008 college basketball crime - in what I can only assume was a last minute fit of conscience - clearly endeavored to soften the blow by scheduling both teams' first and second round games in Little Rock, AR. They tried to make it okay by making it possible for me to see my two beloved teams in early action, a short drive from Memphis. I don't know if I'll make it to the games, but the fact that the person or persons who harmed me sought to make it right in some way will not be forgotten.
In short, I don't think the selection committee chambers is the place to be acting on old grudges, but maybe that's just me. If others agree, though, then perhaps that little guideline could be shared with future committees and uncomfortable, unfortunate situations like this may be avoidable in future years.
* In the grand scheme of things, this isn't that big a deal. That's why the very specific category of worst fear was necessary. I mean, it's not like I'm crazy! Or paranoid.
** This all assumes that both teams advance to the Elite 8, which is not a given. They both have difficult games to play to get there and nothing is being taken for granted. It's just that according to seeding, they are the two teams most likely to make it to that game.
*** Not likely. Otherwise, I'm certain the staff here at ZiggyBackRide would have uncovered and reported that story in the "Me and My Purple Car" series of posts from October of 2007.
That is today's question and, truthfully, the one I've been asking myself since Sunday evening when my worst 2008 college basketball fear* became reality. As I predicted in the last post, Memphis and Texas were, indeed, placed in the same region of the NCAA tournament, making it impossible for both to make it to the Final Four and making Memphis play the lower-seeded Longhorns in Houston, a virtual home game for the 'Horns**.
I can only assume that I have been personally targeted by the Tournament selection committee. How else can this be explained? The task now at hand is to go committee member by committee member until it becomes clear which had the clearest motive to strike out at me in this manner. Did I - knowingly or unknowingly - wrong one of them? Did I run over someone's dog?*** Spill a beverage on a selector? Prank call one of their houses as a mischievous child? Oh, I'll get to the bottom of this, believe you me.
Upon finding the culprit, however, I will be merciful, as the perpetrator of this heinous 2008 college basketball crime - in what I can only assume was a last minute fit of conscience - clearly endeavored to soften the blow by scheduling both teams' first and second round games in Little Rock, AR. They tried to make it okay by making it possible for me to see my two beloved teams in early action, a short drive from Memphis. I don't know if I'll make it to the games, but the fact that the person or persons who harmed me sought to make it right in some way will not be forgotten.
In short, I don't think the selection committee chambers is the place to be acting on old grudges, but maybe that's just me. If others agree, though, then perhaps that little guideline could be shared with future committees and uncomfortable, unfortunate situations like this may be avoidable in future years.
* In the grand scheme of things, this isn't that big a deal. That's why the very specific category of worst fear was necessary. I mean, it's not like I'm crazy! Or paranoid.
** This all assumes that both teams advance to the Elite 8, which is not a given. They both have difficult games to play to get there and nothing is being taken for granted. It's just that according to seeding, they are the two teams most likely to make it to that game.
*** Not likely. Otherwise, I'm certain the staff here at ZiggyBackRide would have uncovered and reported that story in the "Me and My Purple Car" series of posts from October of 2007.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Agony And The Ecstasy
A:Yesterday, Southwest Airlines lost my luggage on my way to a wedding.
E:The bag was found and was just delivered to my hotel in time for me to be properly dressed and on time to tonight's ceremony (provided I compose this quickly!)
A:I shopped at Wal-Mart yesterday afternoon for a last-minute rehearsal dinner outfit.
E:I've never looked so good for $21.
A:I was on an unneccesary shopping trip at Wal-Mart, spending money I hadn't planned to spend, buying clothes I shouldn't have needed.
E:The Wal-Mart happened to be located in Austin, TX and happened to carry an extensive line of low-priced Texas Longhorns apparel.
A:Texas lost in basketball today, at the last second, to Wisconsin. It was a game the Horns should have/could have won.
E:I was there!
A:I have eaten migas* twice in less than 24 hours.
E:I have eaten migas* twice in lees than 24 hours.
*Migas are a tex-mex breakfast dish consisting of eggs, cheese, tortillas, onions, and tomatoes (depending on recipe). They are tasty. I'm not completely convinced they're good for you.
E:The bag was found and was just delivered to my hotel in time for me to be properly dressed and on time to tonight's ceremony (provided I compose this quickly!)
A:I shopped at Wal-Mart yesterday afternoon for a last-minute rehearsal dinner outfit.
E:I've never looked so good for $21.
A:I was on an unneccesary shopping trip at Wal-Mart, spending money I hadn't planned to spend, buying clothes I shouldn't have needed.
E:The Wal-Mart happened to be located in Austin, TX and happened to carry an extensive line of low-priced Texas Longhorns apparel.
A:Texas lost in basketball today, at the last second, to Wisconsin. It was a game the Horns should have/could have won.
E:I was there!
A:I have eaten migas* twice in less than 24 hours.
E:I have eaten migas* twice in lees than 24 hours.
*Migas are a tex-mex breakfast dish consisting of eggs, cheese, tortillas, onions, and tomatoes (depending on recipe). They are tasty. I'm not completely convinced they're good for you.
Monday, December 03, 2007
And Now In Sports...
Welcome to ZiggyBackRide Sports, where you'll hear the ZBR take on major and exceedingly minor happenings in the world of sports. We turn first to Jewish men's league basketball, where Michael "Ziggy" Danziger is on two teams that are headed for the playoffs. Please note: every team makes the playoffs.
In the 30 and over league, my team is the number one seed in the tournament, looking to finish off the year with a championship. Playoffs began Sunday while my team enjoyed a bye week to prepare for our semi-final matchup next week. In the 18 and over league, my team ruined an unblemished record in our final regular season game by picking up our first win of the season. I've been on some very good teams and some very bad ones. This is a new low. Stay tuned for tourney progress.
And now, in college football: pairings for the BCS bowls were announced last night. Never has the case been more plainly stated for a college football playoff or, at least, a plus-one system. I have never really been in favor of a playoff for two main reasons. 1) It is hard to imagine college football being any more enjoyable than it already is. Sure, it's a wacky system, but it's still fantastic and the wackiness may, in fact, be part of the fun. 2) No system is perfect. Anyone who thinks a playoff won't cause controversy and will automatically crown the best team is kidding himself. (I'll concede here that, given two imperfect systems, it may be preferable for the matter to be settled on the field. Score one for the playoff.)
In college basketball, how about those Texas Longhorns? Having sent rookie of the year frontrunner, Kevin Durant, on to the NBA, the Horns are finding out just how much the rest of the team can do. Steadily climbing the rankings, they are undefeated with two wins over top 5 opponents. Maybe this is the year I get to see Texas and Memphis play for the national title. If only there were a BCS equivalent in basketball instead of that stupid tournament!*
And finally, speaking of tournaments, my comedy career has taken a turn for the odd. Or perhaps, I should say "odds." I will be emceeing Grand Casino - Tunica's Championship 100K Slot Tournament series beginning next Saturday. I have no idea how a slot tournament works or why anyone would want to be in one or how I will refrain from making fun of the event and its participants. I'll certainly keep you posted as this unfolds.
*I love the NCAA Basketball tournament. It is one of the greatest things in the world.
In the 30 and over league, my team is the number one seed in the tournament, looking to finish off the year with a championship. Playoffs began Sunday while my team enjoyed a bye week to prepare for our semi-final matchup next week. In the 18 and over league, my team ruined an unblemished record in our final regular season game by picking up our first win of the season. I've been on some very good teams and some very bad ones. This is a new low. Stay tuned for tourney progress.
And now, in college football: pairings for the BCS bowls were announced last night. Never has the case been more plainly stated for a college football playoff or, at least, a plus-one system. I have never really been in favor of a playoff for two main reasons. 1) It is hard to imagine college football being any more enjoyable than it already is. Sure, it's a wacky system, but it's still fantastic and the wackiness may, in fact, be part of the fun. 2) No system is perfect. Anyone who thinks a playoff won't cause controversy and will automatically crown the best team is kidding himself. (I'll concede here that, given two imperfect systems, it may be preferable for the matter to be settled on the field. Score one for the playoff.)
In college basketball, how about those Texas Longhorns? Having sent rookie of the year frontrunner, Kevin Durant, on to the NBA, the Horns are finding out just how much the rest of the team can do. Steadily climbing the rankings, they are undefeated with two wins over top 5 opponents. Maybe this is the year I get to see Texas and Memphis play for the national title. If only there were a BCS equivalent in basketball instead of that stupid tournament!*
And finally, speaking of tournaments, my comedy career has taken a turn for the odd. Or perhaps, I should say "odds." I will be emceeing Grand Casino - Tunica's Championship 100K Slot Tournament series beginning next Saturday. I have no idea how a slot tournament works or why anyone would want to be in one or how I will refrain from making fun of the event and its participants. I'll certainly keep you posted as this unfolds.
*I love the NCAA Basketball tournament. It is one of the greatest things in the world.
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