Day 340

This past summer, I played in a volleyball tournament and won a raffle. The prize was 4 tickets to a basketball game at the University of Dayton, otherwise known as UD. Five months later, we got to put those tickets to good use.

Yes, we were in the nosebleed section, but in all honesty we could still see the game just fine. Once I stopped breathing heavy from all that climbing that is...

It's been a long time since I've been to a college sports event, but I was happy to see that things haven't changed much. There's still a group of crazy college kids down by the floor who have painted their entire bodies red and blue, and lead a throng of students in such eloquent chants as, "DE-FENSE" and  "YOU SUCK". By the end of the game, the 11-year old and his friend were following along from up above, holding their hands high above their heads when someone was making a free throw, and gladly shouting, "You Suck" at the referees while they grinned like idiots.

There were cheerleaders, who were amazing t to watch as they got flipped in the air and stood on their partner's shoulders. I could tell  that I am older though because all I could think about when one of the guys would wobble a little underneath a girl is that someone is just going to get hurt and won't that be a shame...

There was concession stand food, lines at the restroom, and a really cool half-time show where two guys did crazy stunts on a trampoline.We drank sodas, ate pretzels, nachos, and roasted almonds. We cheered when "Scootchie" made a basket, and rolled our eyes with the rest of the crowd when #25 missed his eighth free throw of the night.

In short, we had a great time. The boys got to go onto the court after the game and shoot baskets, and the 11-year old loved being able to watch some of the guys who helped at his summer camp last year actually play in the stadium. I was impressed with how full the place was, and with every age group out there. A sea of red and blue fans spurred the college boys on to win a close game against Eastern Michigan, despite a first period in which only about 1 out of every 4 shots actually made it through the hoop.

Tonight's picture represents college sports, and the infectious spirit and instant camaraderie with strangers that goes with it. The boys had a blast, and I look forward to hopefully purchasing some more tickets to slip in a Christmas stocking- but ones that have seating which don't require a breathing treatment once you get there.