Final Four Thoughts

First Thought: For Bo's boys - it's always about the next game, the next 40 minutes. Each game is important and can't be repeated.  Rather like our days at work or school or at home.

 Do we approach each day like it's all we should be thinking about?  Not dreaming about tomorrow or pining for days gone by?

Probably not, as we are human and prone to lapses in concentration and directed energy toward the task in front of us.

Most of the time, that's not a significant consequence as we can put on our dress shoes tomorrow and go in to try again.

Sometimes, it might be the only opportunity. 

Practice, prepare, and perform - go win the day!

Second Thought:

While in Indianapolis, I volunteered at the Men's Final Four in 2010 and the Women's Final Four in 2011, both were a great time to see the off the court side of things up close.

One assignment was the Duke hotel downtown working the Indiana Sports Corp's information desk with helpful Chamber of Commerce maps and being prepared to offer tips and ideas on places to eat or things to do when there was time before the next game.

It was eye-opening to see Coach K and his players interacting with families in the lobby after practice and struck to see the normalcy of the occasion, even though they would be fighting for a title just a few nights later.

These teams are made of college kids - with hopes, dreams, worries, fears, and more than a few pterodactyl size butterflies.

Cheer on your team, but avoid the curses and catcalls when they make mistakes... sure, it's big time competition, but a fan's job is supporting not tearing down.

Third Thought:

In 2010, I took the time to attend the practice session open to the public on Friday afternoon.

If you are close to one of these events and have the opportunity, I encourage you to go see it if you can and couldn't score tickets to the actual game.

In Lucas Oil Stadium, the basketball court sits at the center of the football field with seats climbing from each side of the court toward the rafters.

It's an amazing sight to see and worth the trip.

Fourth Thought:

I want the Badgers to win this weekend - whether they do or not - it's been a supremely fun ride this season.

One of the things Coach Ryan said at the Kohl Center Pep Rally that welcomed the team home from Anaheim on Sunday was how amazing, "how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit."

True on the court and in our lives.

While watching that welcome home rally, I was struck by the looks on the faces on the team - joy and expectation and hope and excitement - feelings they will always remember.

The reason I'm a fan, the reason most of us are fans, is getting to share that experience vicariously - living and dying moment to moment with our teams.

Go Badgers - On, Wisconsin!