I went to a college that didn't have a lot of popular sports teams. We didn't/don't have a football team so there was never any tailgating. It was mainly a commuter school so there wasn't much camaraderie on campus.
However, when I got my first office job back in 2007, I fell deeply and madly in love with March Madness. Why? I have no idea. It's not like my college team consistently participates in the tournament (they did make it to the tournament when I was attending college there but they were eliminated in the first round). I can't really explain my love of the tournament, but it is something I always look forward to in spring. I have shirts for some of my favorite college teams (as a result of the tournament). I always pick Butler to go one round too far. I oust my least favorite teams too early (a 7 seed doesn't often beat a 2 seed in the second round).. But it is March Madness. Anything is possible!!
One year, I chose my bracket solely based on who's mascot would win in a fight (that didn't work out so well but it was still a fun tactic). It doesn't matter how well you know or don't know about college basketball, it is always fun to watch the fast paced games. In fact, in the first few days of the tournament (which actually started yesterday), there are multiple games going on at once so you can switch back and forth.
Do you partake in these lovely festivities? If not, I recommend it for a fun time, even if you aren't a huge basketball fan. Although, by the time this post goes up, the tournament will have already started. However, here are some handy dandy tips to use for next year:
2) Pick teams you're familiar with. Have a friend that lives in Nashville, close to Vanderbuilt? Why not pick them?! Vacationed in Colorado and had a great experience, pick them! A school that one of your favorite runners attended? Go ahead! The sky is the limit to the reasons you can come up with to chose a team!
3) In the second and third rounds, go ahead and take some risks on the suggested upsets (a high# seed beating a low# seed). If you're right, the payoff will be huge. If you're wrong, let's hope you're not wrong too many times. :)
4) If you're unsure on which team to pick, chose which mascot will win in a fight.
I have yet to win a bracket and I've been participating in March Madness pools since that first lowly office pool back in 2007. So my tips are definitely not foolproof, but the do lead to a fun time during the tournament. Who do you have winning this year? I picked Louisville. Why? We always drive through there on our way to Nashville. Everyone always seems so friendly and the restaurants are delicious. Go Cardinals!
