Growing up, I always preferred watching basketball to football. It might have had to do with the fact that I went to my brother's games for multiple years and had grown fond of it over time. Regardless, basketball is so exciting to watch. I remember one of the first Marshall basketball games I went to with my family. The entire atmosphere was so much fun! There was a full house at the Cam Henderson Center, and the band sounded great. I cannot remember who won, but the biggest takeaway from the game was the impression the entire experience had left on me. It was exciting to be on Marshall University's campus in general, but the "Herd Country" atmosphere was exciting in itself.

Flash forward to my freshman year of college in pep band. It was the beginning of the Dan D'Antoni coaching era, so it was a very exciting time to be watching the men's basketball team. D'Antoni was a standout player for Marshall as a student, and I thought it was neat that he had the opportunity to come back to his alma mater and coach.

The last three seasons had its ups and downs. Some games I was shouting with excitement and others I was hoping D'Antoni would grill the team the second they walked into the locker room. Nonetheless, it was very encouraging to see how much he appreciated the "Sixth Man Band." He would come and talk to us at the beginning of every season, plus at the end of every game the players and Coach D'Antoni would come near the band stands and clap along as we played "Sons of Marshall." I have always thought that to be really neat, because it felt like any borders that existed between the band and athletes were broken down. Not all schools are like this, and I've been very blessed to have gone to a school that has such a family atmosphere.

I remember last year when Marshall had gotten so far in the Conference USA tournament. It was sad when they lost, but much progress had been made from the previous season. The same can very much be said from this season.

I was watching the conference game in Texas with my family. Oh. my. gosh. It was one of the craziest games I had seen. We were ahead, behind, and things got down to the wire super fast. My Marshall alumni dad, who originally said he did not want to watch the tournament for fear of what could happen, was completely invested the last 10 minutes. I remember how excited I felt my freshman year when the football team had won the Conference USA championship game against Louisiana Tech. I wondered, How exciting would that be for it to happen again?

As the score got closer, I could see my wishes and wonders begin to disintegrate. Then, Marshall pulled it out. 67-66 VICTORY against Western Kentucky!! I remember back to my freshman year when Marshall fans looked at the score with disgrace against Western Kentucky in football. One of my Facebook friends had actually mentioned that. Based on past blood, having that victory over a rival school was just icing on the cake to going to the NCAA tournament.

Overall, I am so proud of those boys. They are putting Marshall basketball back on the map by leading all the way to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 31 years. I can only imagine how Coach D'Antoni feels. He played in a couple prestigious tournaments for Marshall as a student, and now he's coaching his alma mater in March Madness. He's brought the team a long way, and there is much for him to be proud of. No matter what the score in San Diego ends up being, this is a huge milestone in Marshall basketball. Until next time, WE ARE...