
I have been waiting. For 17 years, I have been waiting for tonight. Nervous all day. Kansas had been there before but never with a win in the last 19 years. Maybe this year would be different.
I went over to Margene’s for our annual National Championship game. Tip off and the game I have been waiting began. I screaming, yelling, jumping up and down and sometimes about to cry. At halftime we are up by 5. I am getting even more worked up because I know Memphis will make a run in the second half. Second half begins and sure enough Memphis comes out tough. Fast forward through some more yelling, screaming, jumping up and down and more nervousness, we are down with 2 minutes to go and I am beginning to feel that sinking feeling. I will be waiting for another year to come. Then what has plagued Memphis all year happens–poor free throw shooting. CDR misses 3 of 4 and Rose misses 1 of 2. 10 seconds left and we are down by only 3. It could happen! Collins brings the ball up the court. . .stumbles. . .passes the ball to Chalmers for a 3 pointer. . .and. . .(remember to breathe Matt!) it goes in. I jump up and hit the ceiling fan! The whole room jumps in jubilation!
Overtime. . .
Kansas settled into their normal quality game. 3. . .2. . .1. . .0 Yes! They did it! We won! Finally the championship has come. 17 years of being a die hard fan and I can sleep tonight with a smile on my face. One of the best basketball games I have ever seen in my life! Memphis played a fabulous game! They just missed some free throws at a crucial time.
Here is to Chalmers, Rush, Arthur, Robinson, Jackson, Kahn, Collins, Aldrich and the rest. Congratulations on being the best in the nation! The national championship trophy comes home!
Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU!!!!!!
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