March Madness

Its March! The time of year where millions of people rush to fill out their tournament brackets for a shot at the mere impossible chance of making the perfect selections. Its a time where college teams from across the country dig deep as they prepare for potential tournament runs. With Selection Sunday behind us the field has already been set. For the teams that didn't make the cut its farewell but for those in, the party's just getting started. The 64 teams that solidified their spot with hard work and success in the regular season now hope to bring the Wooden NCAA National Championship trophy back to their respected school, to be called national champs until next March. However anything can happen and the tournament shows no mercy to those unprepared. Upsets rain in like monsoons and the pressure sets in on teams expected to excel. Sports fans like to say, "anything can happen in March" and over the past few years that has held true. In last years tournament, Syracuse was predicted by many not to make it in, but a surprising decision by the tournament committee had them dancing with the other schools. Even after defying odds, people still doubted their chances of a tournament run and for those who dont know how it plays out, Syracuse went on to win four straight and be the first ten seed ever to make the final four. Along the way they made fourth quarter comeback wins against top ranked Gonzaga and number one seeded Virgina before being beat by North Carolina in the semifinals. They represent what college basketball is all about and their Cinderella story is one of many to come in the future. Aside from the upsets, the tournament also entitles close games and some of the greatest moments in sports history. Endless amounts of late game pushes and buzzer beaters have heartbroken thousands of fans and brought nothing but jubilation to others. Its something about the setting that elevates the level of play and the star players always rise up to the occasion. Looking at it deeper, march madness is more than just a tournament, It represents a hope to move on and it displays how hard-work really does pay off. Players love March because its a time to show what their made of and fans, like myself, love it just as much.