The last time UNCW was in the NCAA was about a decade ago. Most of the current UNCW students, at that time, were all still in elementary school. But, somehow, the UNCW basketball team were able to pull out enough wins for us that we are on our way to March Madness!
It's an exciting time to be a Seahawk for sure. Usually, we are just known for our great location by the beach or our all around chill vibes, but now we get to finally support a team we love and show off some of our school spirit. Sports at UNCW are often forgotten about, and finally, UNCW basketball is in the spotlight.
Now that the word is out, the whole school is buzzing about the upcoming match up against our NC neighbors, Duke. We are ready to paint on that teal war paint, throw some great game day parties, and cheer on our guys. UNCW students are ready to embrace our five minutes of sports fame.
Even though we are all pumped, this also came to a huge shock for most of us. So, here are six questions we all asked ourselves when we finally heard the big news:
1. It's basketball season?
I'm sure a lot of students do follow our basketball team and have followed them from the beginning, but for every big win there will be a load of bandwagon followers. I am not ashamed to say that I will be watching our March Madness throw down knowing it is the first game I've seen all season, due mostly to not even knowing we were in the middle of basketball season. Fans cheer loud, but bandwagon fans, trying to prove themselves, cheer even louder.
2. What is this big dance and why is UNCW invited?
I get March Madness. I've heard of that forever from all the brackets I've unsuccessfully made and all the money lost to my more sports-minded friends. But what is this big dance? It says it's always been called that, but I swear I've never heard of it. Call me crazy, but it looks like they're running to me…
3. Can I keep the cool FB profile pic filter if we lose?
Nothing makes me feel better than a cool filter that only UNCW students can have. First of all, it's exclusive. Everyone likes exclusive shit. Second, it makes me seem super sporty. Sure, I support my team, I watch them all the time. Go team go! Touchdown?!
4. Do we really have to play Duke?
Come on, NCAA. We're the underdog, the new kid in town, the team that is trying to make a name for itself. Did you really have to stick us with a team like Duke? Why not another 13 seed? Let us pick on someone or own size.
5. Can I hate Duke as much as Chapel Hill kids do?
I'm not trying to steal their rivalry or anything, but I think some of that old school rage they've built up is something we could definitely use to our advantage. Tips welcome, Chapel Hill. We're all in the UNC system anyway. From my extensive research it seems that spelling Duke like "DOOK" really seems to piss people off. So let's do that. So many possibilities: UNCW Takes A DOOKie, Wings Up Duke Down, dare to be a SOAR loser @Duke… Yeah, this list needs help...
6. Beach bars win or lose?
Our clever friends at the NCAA made the Duke/Wilmington match up on thirsty Thursday, and it might be the best thing that's happened all year. Heading to MAW for some basketball and mojitos, checking out Jerry's for a pitcher while we watch our boys, or maybe even attending a darty hosted by one of the fabulous UNCW fraternities so I can show my school spirit because what goes better with sports than alcohol? Nothing. And I'm just gonna go on the record and say that everyone should celebrate at the beach bars after wearing teal, of course! Because win or lose, UNCW rocks.
See y'all there.
