David's March Madness

I think the most intriguing aspect of the annual NCAA basketball tournament is there alway is room for a David amongst the Goliaths. UVM was a shining example of the premise last year when they knocked off perennial powerhouse, Syracuse. It was the greatest moment in Vermont sports history bar none.

This year Vermont was hoping to find its way back to the NCAA tournament by winning the America East Conference Championship. The Cats came into the game v. University at Albany a decided underdog with a record of 13-16, but the very young team had upset the #2 and #3 seeds to reach the finals. A victory would have put UVM in the NCAA's for the 4th consecutive year.

It didn't happen. The Great Danes came out of the gate fast and had Vermont down 8-0 within the first minute and a half. Two 3-point bombs sent the RACC (Albany gym) into a frenzy and it was lights out for UVM. The final score was Albany 80 UVM 67, but there were moments when the lead was as high as 24 points. The game was never in doubt.

Not only did UVM get shelled on the court, we lost the battle of the cheerleaders and dance teams too. Albany's spirit squad was incredibly acrobatic and while we were doing backflips, they were rocketing girls 20 feet into the air.

Our dance team got jeered and then booed. The Great Danes Golden Dance Team blew away the crowd with their enthusiasm and well choreographed moves. The UVM squad always had one girl who was standing when the rest were sitting. The poor kids; I don't think anyone prepped them about the hostility 4,000 Albany students would be packing.

Final score when it was all said and done - University at Albany 3 Vermont 0. I still had a great day and it was fun to be among the UVM faithful on the visitor's turf. Buck came down from Vermont with the tickets.

Kevin Cieplicki and his wife Lil were there to cheer on their son Kyle - one of UVM's young rising stars. It was wonderful to see them again. They are such nice folks. Watching Kyle's on court demeanor you can tell they did a nice job raising him. (Click on the link or title to see a few action shots of Kyle.)

I got a chance to wear my UVM Alumni hat and trade barbs with a few Great Dane fans. There is nothing like a little competition to get the blood roiling again.

As we were walking up the stands to take our seat, one exuberant Albany scholar yelled at me, "UVM SUCKS". I flipped him the bird.

Go, Cats, Go!

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