Elite 8! Go DAWGS!

 

The Butler Warsong

I've mentioned before that I'm from Indiana, a place were basketball reigns supreme in the sports world. I've also mentioned that I went to Butler. Butler University: enrollment ~4000. In the heart of Indianapolis. A small liberal arts school that happens to have a College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. I received my degree there nearly 12 years ago. But 12 years seem to melt away and it seems like yesterday when I watch a basketball game on my television. My television that is tuned into the NCAA tournament where my alma mater is playing in the Sweet 16. I see a former classmate sitting on the bench as an assistant coach. I recall sitting in Chemistry 101 next to him. I was a freshman. And it all comes back like it was yesterday. The smell of Hinkle Fieldhouse. The thrill of sitting next to my friends in such a historic building watching my team play. The DAWG Pound. The pep band playing the fight song. The drafts that waft through the windows. The indoor track, the tiny classrooms, the cement bulldog greeting you at the entrance. Of course I also have to add in the complaining of trekking all the way to Hinkle for this and that, which on a campus as small as Butler is laughable.

It's amazing the comraderie in such a small school. I watched my Facebook page "blow up" this evening as all my friends that are former alums "liked" each others' statuses and made comments about downing the Big East #1 seed Syracuse Orange. It's also amazing how the fundamentals of basketball and teamwork truly are a major portion of why Butler's team is so amazing. No show gunners. No hot shots. Just good old fashion teamwork and guts. All heart. And they leave it on the court. And even though I don't personally know the players on the floor anymore, I know that they are the same quality of individuals that played when I went there. Friends, down to earth guys who play because they love the game. Guys who went to Butler for the history and love of the game, not because they wanted to be big shots. And coaches like Brad Stevens and his staff who are humble and grateful for every moment. Every win. And yet find good in adversity, too.

Tonight, I am super proud to be a Butler Bulldog! Saturday is another game and I'm sure that no matter what the outcome, the Bulldog nation will come together and support the team and sing the Butler Warsong! BULLDOGS EVER DO OR DIE!!!