WE WON!!!

Just returned home after watching one of the most exciting sporting contests I've ever seen. George Mason, the little engine that could, knocked off one of the most talented and intimidating teams in the country. The last 10-15 minutes of the game were agonizing, as I was just sure Rudy Gay was going to come alive and start unleashing some UConn fury. Connecticut did play well, but in the end they came up short.
My vantage point for much of the second half was in between the arms, legs, and hot bodies of 31 college students who packed a house next to campus. I was sitting on a couch in the middle of the room, and any time anything happened, they would start cheering and gang tackling each other. I got plowed in the kidney once, but overall it was a lot of fun. As soon as it was over (really over, not just regulation), most of them ran outside and jumped into vehicles, loading far too many bright minds into the cabin of a minivan, taking off down the street to celebrate with the rest of Fairfax County. Fireworks were going off next door. Hundreds of people were out in their yards, cup in hand, toasting the good cheer of this unbelievable day.

I don't know how we won. There is not a single legitimate source that picked Mason to have a realistic chance. This is every bit as good as Rudy, Hoosiers, and Remember the Titans all in one. How can we not but remember this for a long time?

Well we already have plans for a big party next Saturday: showing the game on a large screen projector and serving tons of great food. Students, success, and food, all with the ever-present reminder that hope lives in the hearts of those who choose to see beyond circumstances --sounds like a place I want to be.

Congrats Mason. You make me proud that I didn't go to JMU.