March Madness: Game 2 - Villanova

I knew we would win.

I didn't want to say anything because 1.) I didn't want to jinx it and 2.) all of the band members, cheerleaders, and alums in hotel and stands were pretty darn nervous. But I knew it.

We were taking Villanova from the big, bad Big East.

The best moments: Frosh Matthew Delladova slips and keeps his dribble and nails a 3 (1:30), Freshmen on the bench praying for made FTs (1:45), Mickey McConnell with a huge 3 off the glass (1:50).




After the game there were some priceless soundbites, which I'll be posting in the look-back next weekend.

We didn't have much time to savor the win, we flew out of Providence that night. We were welcomed back by something unreal, late at night Saturday night. I'll be showing that video on Sunday.

But before we left there was some lobby partying.

March Madness: Game 1 - Richmond

The Dunk was filled. Adrenaline was pumping. Game 1. Ten seed Gaels taking on the big, bad Seven-seed Spiders from Richmond.

I knew we had it in the bag. I could feel it.

There's a pageantry about a NCAA Tourny game you can't feel unless it's actually happening. Maybe it's the black and blue floors. Maybe it's the esteemed announcers. Maybe it's the feeling that there's seven other teams in the stadium hoping the same exact thing as your team and knowing seven other cities are seeing the same exact thing. You're one of 64.

It only takes six wins to be the champion. But only team can win it all.

It starts with one.




The Associated Press snapped this winner of a picture that made it to the New York Times. I think that was the highest that Omar's ever jumped in his life. And I'm ok with that.

March Madness: Shootaround

First full day in Providence, Rhode Island.

It started relatively early. 11:00AM. Ok, ok. I know 11 sounds really late. But let me put it this way: It was 11 Eastern. 8 Pacific. This is right after springing forward the weekend before. So really, it's 7:00 according to my body. Also, I was a college senior so I don't typically wake up until noon anyway. That was an exaggeration.

There's no real artistry, structure, or story to the video below. It's a mix of some of my favorite shots and moments from the shootaround.

Shootaround is a public "practice." About a hundred people and a huge group of elementary-aged kids were in the stands. An ESPN Australia crews was on scene, interviewing and shooting promos with our Aussie players and coach.

But I think my favorite part of this video is in the first shot. Look at the eyes and faces of the players as they enter The Dunkin' Donuts Center (The Dunk). You see them soaking it in. It's way bigger than our McKeon Pavillion. They can't help but let smiles overcome their faces. Their eyes light up. Someone says, "You can fit 10,000 people in here." Even Randy Bennett can't help biting his lips to hide a smile.

That's what this tournament is all about. Giving every team the opportunity to win it all. It all starts here...

March Madness: Arriving in Providence, RI

Plane ticket in hand, I sit at OAK waiting for our charter flight. Sweet!

We left before sunrise Tuesday morning and finally landed a little before sunset Eastern time. Big change. But not insurmountable.

A half hour after arriving in Rhode Island, the team headed out for a quick practice. I tagged along and shot a little video.



Nothing too crazy. I was directed to "take it easy" this evening. I stayed upstairs for most of the evening, soaking it all in and convincing myself it was all real.

It was.
And it was just beginning.

March Madness: Starting Off

In 2010, March was madness.

Saint Mary's went to dancing. We won the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. We were part of March Madness.
I was part of March Madness.

I was able to convince the powers-that-be in the Athletic Department that they needed to bring me with the team. I would document the trip, create videos for the team and staff, and post them to the web.

I knew this was going to be awesome.
It was.



It started one year ago today, Monday. For the next two weeks or so, I'm going to take you back in time with me. Each day I'll recap what happened one year ago ago.

Here's a rundown of what you can expect:
Tuesday: Arriving in Providence, RI
Wednesday: Media Day
Thursday: Round 1 win over Richmond
Saturday: Round 2 win over Villanova
Sunday: Return to Campus
Wednesday: Travel to Houston
Thursday: Media Day
Friday: Losing to Baylor
Saturday: Coming back to SMC
Sunday: A Look Back

There will be tons of videos, a handful of pictures, a couple of songs, and lots of memories.

I've been busy

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Weekdays have kept me busy (10+ hour work days) and weekends have been filled with fun (sledding, skiing, and friends).

Here's a quick picturesque run-through of the past few weekends (sledding in Union Creek, skiing Mt. Ashland, and drinks and dancing on Saturdays)

It's not that I dislike blogging, writing, and updating my friends and family about what I'm doing. I just am having a lot of fun taking adventures. Like this weekend, I'm heading to Portland for the Shamrock Run 5K.

Sadly, no new posts in the very near future... but there's a lot of stuff brewing...

Including, why this time last year was one of the best stretches of my life, some general and specific thoughts about journalism, and a look back 2010 (I know I've promised that one for a while, but it's coming, Grandpa).

It's coming... just not right now.

I got boo-ed today

At NewsWatch 12, our tagline is "Watching Out for You." We are a community partner. We partner with the community. We serve the community. Or at least we try to.

Tuesday, there was a Senior Fair. Seniors had the chance to get free health screenings, information about social services, and free giveaways.

There's also Free Bingo. With celebrity callers. Minor celebrities
Minor celebrities meaning NewsWatch 12 personalities.

Kaylin Krashesky, Erin Maxson, Me, Chris Leone, and Kristin Ketchell

I called Bingo from 10a-11a. It was really fun. Made some jokes (B-4, and after) and told them my theory that B-13 would be a winning number.
I felt like things were going well.

Until I called the wrong number.

The Ball was G-54, I looked too quickly, and it said G-55.
Krisin saw the mistake and corrected me.

I got booed. By a few dozen seniors.

If that weren't enough, there's video evidence of all of this.
Kaylin was in the room, shooting a story on the fair and our involvement. She happened to be rolling, when the mistake was made and the boo-birds came out.




It got quite the laugh in the newsroom.

Some nuggets you might want to listen for:
Senior saying: Come on!
Me saying: My contacts are a little blurry today.
Kristin: You can't send a man to do a woman's job

I like to think the crowd was booing, because we had such a good relationship.
Yeah, that's what it was.