I had the good fortune to be able to be in DC this past weekend with enough time to sneak up to AU's campus and take in a critical regular season Patriot League basketball game between the first place Eagles and the second place Holy Cross Crusaders. It was my first basketball game of the season, and I must say the atmosphere was electric.
Let's face it: AU has never really been known as a sports school. Sure, there have been some good programs and talented individuals, but only successful major programs like basketball, football, and hockey tend to get widespread media recognition. Last year's NCAA tournament bid drew renewed attention to the basketball team.
And it really showed on Saturday. More than 3000 people turned out for a regular season game at Bender Arena -- something I never recall seeing 15+ years ago when I was a student. Just as interesting, as I walked around campus before the game, students were buzzing about the team and the game. When I was there, my friends and I often didn't even know when a game was being played, let alone who was playing and what the game meant.
The core of any university ought to be learning, but the benefit of a credible athletic program is undeniable. It is something that can unify students and alumni around something fun. I am reminded of this regularly whenever I attend UNH Wildcat hockey games here in the Granite State and see thousands of fans packing the arena and rabidly following the team.
As the Eagles locked down the victory in the waning seconds of the game, the crowd rose to its feet in appreciation. My new friend and fellow AU Alumni Board member Boots Nissenbaum leapt out of his seat at courtside and pumped his fist in the air. That pretty much summed up how everyone felt and the optimism many have for the prospects of a return to March Madness.
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