Being A Tar Heel Is Different
Start writing a post
Sports

Exactly What It Was Like To Be A Tar Heel On March 9th

From a girl who was Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred.

133
Exactly What It Was Like To Be A Tar Heel On March 9th
Laken Pritchard

Do you know what it's like watching the clock count down ten…nine…eight…knowing that you're about to win against your rival team for the second time? Do you know what it's like, knowing that this win is going to give you another ACC Regular Season Champion title?

Well, if you're a fan of any sports team, you've probably had similar feelings at some point or another.

But, if you were a fan of the Tar Heels on the night of March 9th, it was different.

The UNC boys battled hard for their 79-70 win against the Duke Blue Devils, a rivalry born almost 100 years ago (their first meeting on January 24th, 1920). The Tar Heels also beat Duke at their home court in Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 20th, with the score 88-72.

Now, being born and raised in a household where you praise the Lord above and always root for UNC, this was the night of all nights.

My Uncle Lee played for—now head coach—Roy Williams when he first taught the JV team at the university. He still talks about how passionate Williams was about the game, not only about winning but the game as a whole.

My dad had been to Coach Williams' basketball camps when he was younger; after all, learning tips from the greatest coach of all time could only help you improve. He loves to tell the story from one of the years he attended the camp:

My dad had tried to pass the ball behind his back to another player, who justmissed it. Coach Williams yelled at my dad for the pass, to which my dad replied, "But Coach, it was right in his hands!" A whistle was blown and Coach Williams yelled for my dad to get outside. After what seemed like forever, the door opened and the two talked about what happened. "You only make a pass that your teammate can catch. You've got to play to the ability of who's on your team." Williams told my dad, and he never forgot it.

"The cool part about the story was that after playing time was over, we all circled back up and Coach Williams actually apologized to me," My dad says, "He was sorry for yelling at me in front of everybody."

If that doesn't show Coach Williams' character, I don't know what does.

In 2017, I watched from the stands in the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as Justin Jackson made the layup securing our spot as the National Champions.

I'll never forget the tears of happiness running down my face as my cousins and I ran through the stadium chanting: "TAR!" And other fans screaming back to us: "HEELS!"

It was the greatest night of my whole life—and I'm not exaggerating this time.

As you can see, I've grown up in a family who are die-hard fans of Carolina Basketball; we have Carolina blue blood running through our veins, we know all of the players by name, and we have a passionate hatred for Coach K and his Duke basketball players.

So, yes, the night of March 9th was different for you if you're a fan of the Tar Heels. Being a part of this fan base means you put your blood, sweat, and tears into cheering for those boys—just as they put their blood, sweat, and tears into playing.

March 9th was different for the Tar Heels and their fans.

Being a Tar Heel fan is different, too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89707
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62061
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments