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(Erick's note: For the third year in a row the Big Blue faithful asssembled in Rupp Arena one day after the national championship game to thank their beloved Wildcats. For those who couldn't be there, or who were and simply don't want it to end, here is a verbatim account of the celebration.
As you would expect, tremendous applause greeted the team and entourage as the bus made its way inside Rupp Arena. First to step off were coach Tubby Smith and his wife Donna, followed by the staff and players.
With Thin Lizzie's "The Boys Are Back In Town" blasting
out from Big Bertha, each person in turn
waved to the fans. The noise reached its
zenith as Scott Padgett lifted
the NCAA championship
trophy aloft for all to see.
The team and staff settled into their
chairs at
center court, and Director
of Athletics C.M. Newton took the microphone. With
a smile a mile wide,
Coach Newton tried to address the crowd. Several times
he spoke a word
or two. Each time he broke into a smile,
realizing he'd have to wait a bit longer
for the cheers to subside.
He didn't seem to mind.
