Big Red basketball

The Cornell basketball team was retired from the Big Dance Thursday night. Kentucky had a stifling perimeter defense and the Red couldn't make most of the outside shots they needed to stay in the game. Now Kentucky, who looked invincible against Cornell, has been ejected from the tournament by West Virginia.

We went to Uncle Joe's sports bar to watch the game. I had also watched the Cornell-Wisconsin game there the previous weekend. It was a lot of fun being with a big group of sports fans yelling and carrying on during the game.

It was hard to see the team lose. The good part was getting so far along in the tournament--the Sweet Sixteen. It was the first time an Ivy League team had gotten that far since Pennsylvania went to the Final Four in 1979.

Friday noontime I had the chance to greet the returning team on campus. I enjoyed seeing the big guys piling off the charter bus in front of Day Hall. The core of the team is seniors, so this was their last dance. With many a tear, we sent them off to their futures, not as NBA basketball players, but probably as financiers. I'm sure they will remember their unselfish team play. Perhaps it will affect their work in the world in a positive way. I hope so.