Going to college in the south, football is a big deal. Unfortunately, when concerning Kentucky's football team, we don't have much to get excited about. In fact, constantly hearing from your friends who go to school at Alabama, LSU, Auburn and etc. gets old. We know…we're not that good. Even with that being said, Kentucky still knows how to throw down during tailgates, something we'll never lose at. We still get to experience exciting SEC action from time to time and who knows maybe one day we'll be competitive within the conference on a regular basis, thanks to Coach Stoops and his future recruits. In short, as students of Kentucky, we still get to take part in everything that is great about SEC football.
What happens though when the leaves finally fall off all the trees and football season is over? What do other colleges in the SEC have to look forward too? This is where the Kentucky Experience comes into play. Fortunately enough for us in Lexington, we have basketball season. During the colder months of the year, UK comes alive with an excitement and passion unmatched by any other college town in the south.
March Madness is a magical time of year here in Lexington. It's the time of the year where Kentucky takes its rightful place as the center of attention in the sports world. As this piece is being written right now, the madness is well underway and the Wildcats led by Coach John Calipari, are only two wins away from achieving the unthinkable.
Drive around through and just outside of campus and you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about. Banners with cleverly written statements and creatively drawn images of players such as Devin Booker and Willie Cauley-Stein line the porches and fronts of numerous houses.
Game day events start well before tip-off as houses become packed full of fans anxious to see Kentucky pull out another W. Darties consume the hours up until the Cats take the court. Cold beer accompanied by a yard/house full of your good friends is quite the get together when the primary reason for gathering is based around Kentucky basketball.
As game time arrives, an overwhelming adrenaline rush takes control of your body. The nerves of everyone at the watch party are as equally high as the stakes on the table. Each game during the tournament is an emotional roller coaster, just ask anyone in blue. UK students live or die with this team; winning meaning the party can continue, while a loss brings devastation and depression all-across campus.
Again, ask any individual wearing blue what it's like to rush down State Street when it's packed with thousands of other people. The feeling is hard to describe, but could be considered pure bliss. Couches burning alongside Lexington Police gathered in large numbers add to what is quite the scene. I for one can easily say that the memories I have made during the months of March and April during my college tenure are some of the greatest of my entire life. No football game could ever compare to the experience Kentucky Basketball has brought into the lives of everyone who attends college here. It's something that all of us can be proud of and hold on to for the rest of our lives.Thank you, basketball.
