The Ball State Daily News
The atmosphere of Cleveland’s Gund Arena was electric following the Cardinals 61-58 victory over Miami of Ohio in the MAC tournament final.
The Cardinal faithful celebrated the final moments of the game with loud roars of approval before a group of fanatic fans rushed the floor, relishing the victory with the team on the court.
“We’re going baby,” exclaimed sophomore Ross Fields as he ran across the court.
Many students made the journey during spring break week, some by car, some by bus. Either way, the victory was oh so sweet!
The environment of Gund Arena was amazing, considering most students were on spring break and the distance the site was from the Ball State.
ESPN broadcast the game nationally, which intensified the “nuttiness” of the crowd. Many banners were displayed during timeouts, hopes of Sports Center debuts were in everyones minds.
After the final buzzer sounded many fans made their way to center court, it was absolutely crazy. It had been five years since the Cardinals were last in the Dance, and many were looking to make the best of this opportunity.
“You got to love it!,” Fields said after the celebration, “It’s great to have the opportunity to take part in something like this.
The celebration continued on the court for quite an extensive amount of time. After the initial frenzy many fans were sectioned off of the court, leaving room for the team to display the MAC championship trophy and cut down the nets.
The lights were out, the spot lights were on the goals and the music of Queen’s “We Are The Champions” filled Gund Arena as the team cut into the nets. The Cardinal fans were estatic at this point. The band began to play the school fight song. Everyone instantly began to clap and sing along.
That’s when junior basketball manager Nick Middleton brought out the first round of MAC championship t-shirts for the players.
Immediately, fans flocked to the suveneir booths in the concourse halls for the shirts.
The team celebrated with jubiant glee, most noteably tournament MVP Duane Clemens. Clemens ran from camera to camera holding a sign the read: Clemens for Prez.
And how could the fans forget little Ray Jr.’s dance on the court with the team huddled around him chanting.
I was certainly proud to be a part of the festivities in Cleveland. I had the pleasure of meeting many fans, parents and members of the Ball State Community. I also had the pleasure of looking like a crazed lunatic on national television as I ran into the sea of celebration on the court after the game.
A special thanks to the fans, the cheerleaders, the band and the 1999-200 Mid-American Conference Champions Ball State Cardinals for a superb job of making us expect the unexpected, a trip to the big dance baby!
Write to Scott at scottswain1@hotmail.com
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