Joe and I started following the playoffs in the hospital, always cheering for the underdog hoping for the ultimate Cinderella story. In the beginning it was our form of hope, but then it became an outlet to pass the tedious hours between treatments. Either way it evolved into a tradition.
Joe would have loved the start of this March Madness, and just maybe University of Northern Iowa will be the Cinderella story.
I remember the first year our hearts were set on Gongzaga simply because Joe liked the name. Obviously we are not college basketball savvy since we never watch a game until March, knew nothing about the teams and usually picked our favorites based on anything but stats. Over the past fours years we would casually select a team, be loyal fans watching every game and console each other when our hopes were dashed. I always looked forward to March and sharing this with Joe.
I had decided early on to cheer for University of Northern Iowa, a little know school amongst the powerhouse basketball teams. Iowa is our college alma mater state, and coupled with good friends who know the coach, I thought these were solid reasons for the selection. UNI made the cut becoming the basketball David and Goliath story. Last night this scrappy team armed with cool, level headed playing; not to mention a guy named Ali who can sink a three pointer in his sleep; knocked off the giant, number one Kansas. Sweet victory!
Joe would have loved the start of this March Madness, and just maybe University of Northern Iowa will be the Cinderella story.
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