W took a trip to the zoo today. We meant to arrive around 3PM, but my refusal to look for directions or listen to the GPS system ended up making it 4PM, so we had 2 hours.

I have nicknamed the GPS “Trish” and they find it funny that a computer with the voice of a girl is telling me where to go.

The zoo was crowded with little kids, which made it somewhat annoying.  The bears were the only animals that were a let down. It seemed every breed was in their cave sleeping, you couldn’t even see them. We got really close to an 18 ft salt water crocodile . . . I could have easily touched it. 

I was joking that it would be awesome to jump in and try to tackle it. But, I would probably end up dying. Jess was alright with it as long as I gave her the keys to the Vibe. But I could see the headlines now, “UNC student kills himself over basketball loss by jumping on a croc”. The the Florida Gators message boards would have a field day with that headline.

Oh well, we’re about to head back downtown for dinner. Check out the pics from the zoo.

Yesterday was a blast. Our hopes were limitless as we walked through Hoop City. We had our photo taken with the National Championship trophy and visited many, many sponsor stands. The city was full of Memphis, UCLA, Kansas, and Carolina. You could sense the nervousness in the air with the anticipation of the upcoming games.  When walking to the convention center, we heard “She f*cking hates me” by Puddle of Mudd. Yes, they chose this band for “family entertainment”. Even better, Kid Rock was up next. He opened with bawitdaba, which is one of the few songs I have heard from him. There was a plentiful assortment of mullets to be found here.

After this we went to the pregame meal. In order to reach it, you had to walk about 15 minutes through the convention center, through scantily dressed women, Kansas fans, free beer and food, and into an empty room. We had a tex-mex place cater, and an open bar. Here we met up with the rest of the UNC students.

After this, we took the long walk to the Alamo Dome. We chanted “Tar Heels” and angered Kansas fans the whole way there. Upon reaching our seats, that’s where the problem arrived. Instead of lower level seats like Kansas, Memphis, and UCLA students, we were stuck in the corner of the upper level. The view wasn’t that bad, but we felt helpless when cheering on our Heels.

The Memphis crowd was loud. The UCLA atmosphere was rowdy. The Kansas students, it’s self explanatory by what you saw on TV. The UNC crowd was virtually non-existent. The only people standing up in the entire Alamo Dome for our Heels was the small group of merely 120 students tucked away in the back upper corner of the Dome. We watched hopelessly in the first half as our boys took a beating, but we never gave up hope. The cheer “wake up Ram’s Club” echoed throughout the Alamo Dome, but it did no good. Sure, they may donate thousands to the school and have “earned” their tickets, but making the trip for them is pocket change and they have probably done it several times. For us, it’s once in a lifetime. I am glad I was there, in the presence of the game, but when you leave a Final Four game early, that speaks tons on behalf of your pride and passion for Carolina. Maybe they’ll give us their seats for Monday’s game, we just want the chance to get up close, that’s all. Every other school gave their students a chance to do so.

During the second half, we still had hope. We watched as Roy’s boys chewed away at the deficit. Getting passed the 10 point mark seemed like an eternity. Finally, we got it under 5 points. The crowd was on their feet, briefly. Our corner was loud, like the riser section after Tyler dunks over a 7′7” giant. The excitement was in the air, we knew we could do it. The rest of the crowd sat back down in their expensive seats that our rears never touched. The game remained close, until we began to turn the ball over again. Just like that, our dreams were shattered. With 3 minutes to go, we saw a site that’s very similar to Chapel Hill, “beating the traffic”. We stayed and watched as Kansas took the victory, then like every other game we sang the alma mater. 

After the game, we returned to the player hotel to greet the team. They may have lost, but they showed heart in that second half. We were proud of them for making it this far. After this, we went to the local piano bar that had dubbed themselves the UNC bar so we could avoid the annoying Kansas fans. They played our fight song, Carolina girls . . . then the Kansas hogs of women arrived. SO annoying.

But, our trip hasn’t ended yet. Today we’re going to visit the zoo and hopefully go pick up some Memphis gear. Anyone in San Antonio will tell you, after you’ve encountered the Kansas fan base, you’ll hate them. Anyone that tells me Roy Williams is trash deserves to be beat down. 

Today will be fun, but tomorrow will be better as we watch the Tigers take the title. So sweet.

The problem:

Parking is ridiculous around the Alamo Dome. The prices are anywhere between $40 and $100 just to park within 10 blocks of the Dome.

Solution:

We found a cheap shuttle service called MacTrans, INC that will transport us to and from for only $10. That’s a steal.

So what are we wearing? Between the two of us there are five jerseys. Alex, Weezy, Greg Little (former Noel), Marc Campbell, and Psycho T.

I have a great idea. I believe that the jersey I wear gives the player positive MoJo. It’s not that I am good luck or anything, but I just like believing there’s a connection. So I’m going with the Wayne Mane. We need the perimeter shooting tonight when Tyler is sure to take a beating from the Kansas big men. If Wayne pulls a Houdini, I’ll be wearing my Alex jersey right underneath that it. I think we all can agree that an Alex playing smart, hard and tough basketball is quite a scary thing. If I don’t have to pull off either of those two jerseys, by the 3 minute mark hopefully I’ll be donning the Greg Little jersey (assuming he made the trip, I haven’t seen him in open gym or at the hotel). 

And to go back to that annoying “Kansas : The Birthplace of Carolina Basketball” . . . I think it will be fun to throw a Carolina blue placenta at their face, or maybe mail one to them. Either way that shirt still gets under my ashy-from-the-sulfur-in-this-Texas-water skin.  So today we’re heading to Hoop City at the Convention Center, then the Official UNC Hospitality get together. Be sure to check back later tonight when I’ll post some more pictures and videos of the sites and sounds. 

It’s time to roll. Send me some pics from Franklin Street.  

After a night on Riverwalk, we came to one conclusion.

First of all, Memphis fans do not exist. At most, we saw maybe three or four Tigers roaming the streets. Secondly, UCLA fans are pretty respectful and keep to themselves. I had a great conversation about K Love at the local pub with a Bruins fan without the whole “Hansbrough overshadows Love” argument coming up. And finally, we realized that Kansas fans, by far are the most annoying fans in San Antonio.

They really didn’t bother me, although they outnumbered the UNC fans 2 to 1 on Riverwalk tonight. The Kansas fans are loud, raucous, and full of pride at this moment (it’s about midnight here in San Antonio). However, one thing that really chapped my hindparts was a t-shirt that a Kansas fan was wearing. Yes, UNC boasts many shirts putting down dook, but never have I seen anything that rivaled this. The front of the shirt said “Kansas”. Simple shirt, I like that! However, the back read ” . . . The Birthplace of North Carolina Basketball”. The slogan of the shirt completely explained why the kid looked mentally handicapped, because it was obvious he had no idea what kind of repercussions his shirt held.

Other than the Kansas fans being obnoxious, the food here is great. Tonight we ate at Joe’s Crab Shack. Our appetizer of garlic muscles was amazing, I think we had them finished in nearly 3 minutes. I had the broiled seafood platter with tilapia, crab cakes, shrimp and rice, and steamed vegetables. It was by far one of the best seafood dishes I have had in a long time. Jessica went for the heart-attack on the plate. She had the deep fried fish and chips, and didn’t find it too appetizing. The fish was overcooked and the grease was nearly unbearable. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. However, the Shiner and Dos Equis on tap on Riverwalk can quench anyone’s thirst. 

Tomorrow we wake up early to get to the Alamo Dome. We have passes to the pregame meal and gathering in the convention center, so I will be sure to let everyone know how that goes. 

Okay, here is the challenge:

Me and all the UNC students attending the game tomorrow need some fresh, creative ideas for signs to take to the Alamo Dome. Whatever we deem as “worthy” will be created and shoved in ever rock chalkin jay hawkin fan.

Let the suggestions begin! 

For right now, my photos will be found at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/25351508@N04/

I will upload them throughout the day, so be sure to keep checking back. 

We finally arrived in San Antonio around 3:00 today. We made our way straight into the city to pick up our basketball tickets, and we also received pregame passes with the rest of the Ram’s Club. On the way out, the team was entering the hotel and I snapped a few photos. They are blurry because are like bigfoot . . . just unbelievable. 

Getting to the airport at 4 AM was probably the most difficult task in my college career. This was only the 2nd time I have flown in my life, and honestly had no clue what was going on. Removing my shoes revealed a horrible odor, but it’s all good. I counted 28 of the 64 people on the flight to be wearing Carolina apparel. At our stop in Nashville, 3 Memphis fans entered the better shade of blue Hell. They might have a good basketball team, but it’s not far from a straight up penal institution. Maybe 2 of their starting 5 would even be considered to be on a team in the ACC. 

On the stop in New Orleans, four Kansas fans entered . . . . I began to feel the excitement that will be in the air tomorrow. Four of the top college teams in the nation gathered in the same location. 

We managed to rent a 2008 white Pontiac Vibe for the trip. We made a 3 hour drive from Houston to San Antonio, where we ran into some very serious weather and storms. Everything ended up just fine, however. 

As for now, I haven’t slept in nearly 48 hours. But future posts include “Why Houston is America’s Worst City”, my disappointment with the Alamo, and a review of the places I choose to dine tonight.

The challenge:

This is a real fan’s dilemma. I have one suitcase, one backpack, and so many outfits I can choose from to wear to San Antonio. Finally, I have made my decision. I now feel like the opposite sex, but my wardrobe has been painstakingly planned.

First, the book bag.

My book bag contains my beloved Mac Book Pro and all accessories. In here you will also find the Afam 101 textbook I have failed to read all semester, as well as an “American Landscapes” book that I actually enjoy reading. I also packed an edition of Dean’s Way for the flight. I somehow found room for my newly purchased Carolina flag which will be flying outside my rental car in less than 13 hours.

My duffel bag was quite the challenge. After long debate, I chose to take three jerseys (2 blue, one white). First, my new Weezy jersey, my Greg Little (David Noel), and finally my Alex Sepheson jersey. In the realm of t-shirts, I had to go with the new favorite “Make it Wayne”, as well as with the old schooled “Jackie Has a Posse”. There are also the normal “Heel Yeah!”, “Beat Dook”, and random CAA shirts thrown in there. Finally, the new Julians Old Well polo and the classic NC polo will suffice for nice dinners. I am proud to say my entire wardrobe is Carolina blue for this trip. Don’t worry, I’m wearing pants as well, I just don’t feel like going into the different shades of chinos.

So now, it’s 9:34 PM and my flight leaves at 6:30 AM . . . I guess this calls for 80’s Night at Lucy’s.

HEELS!

Who Am I?

            To most students and administrators at UNC, I don’t exist. You see I fall in that unique gap between having an identity as a student and an administrator. The common name is “student leader”. Over the past 3 years, administrators and my fellow students tended to view me as the guy responsible for basketball tickets. Although I do find myself sad when I look back on the times and memories, I am glad to be a regular student again, even if it is for merely a month. 

            This past Monday, I turned over my post as the Carolina Athletic Association President. Although I loved my job and my position, I can honestly admit the overwhelming pressure and stress involved with the job, particularly basketball games, led to a slight dulling of my Carolina fan hood.

            When I reached Carolina in 2004, my love for the school and athletics was like no other. Every time I saw Marvin Williams, Sean May, Jiwad Williams, or even Damion Grant strolling the campus, my heart fluttered.  For my first basketball game, an exhibition match versus Mt. Olive, I sat outside the Dean Dome for nearly 8 hours just so I could gloat about being the first person through the doors. This picture shows me in the lower left hand corner in the seats I excitedly grabbed. These were the best seats I would ever receive in my college career. My freshman year was also the last year I enjoyed the risers.

            This year, I spent nearly 6 hours before every home game helping students get into the Dean Dome. I never saw a tip off, nor do I regret ever missing it. I loved every minute I spent on those Holy grounds, as nothing was as joyous to me as letting students in the Standby Line into the Dean Dome. I know the “regulars” by a first name basis, and they knew I would find some way to get them into the game. Looking back on it, I don’t think my joy for Carolina basketball didn’t dull, but rather I believe it transformed.

            Unlike my freshman year, my joy in Carolina basketball became helping others enjoy the games and the legacy of our University. If you ever sit down and talk with me, I guarantee you that I will have a laptop out in 5 minutes showing you my favorite UNC dunks. If you can convince me to stop talking about the dunks, I give you the Psycho T glare and unwillingly shut the computer. If you allow me to continue, I will always end with the 1984 Jordan breakaway dunk and how the end of that game in many ways mirrors my life.

            Jordan could have easily thrown the ball in the air, or held the ball until the buzzer in that Maryland game. But no, Jordan gracefully picked the ball out of the air, sprinted down court and delivered a majestic slam that is still talked about 14 years later. When the buzzer sounded against FSU on March 4^th, I could have easily hung up my coat and called my UNC basketball career as a live fan “complete”. But just like every other student, I signed up for Final Four tickets in hopes of receiving them. And like many of those students, I realized the $1,500 flights to San Antonio were too much for me to afford. But during inauguration on Monday night, as I was preparing to hand over my key to the next CAA President, I realized I have one final month to be a “normal” student. I am now just a senior just waiting to graduate and I have one last chance to recreate that excitement that filled me during my first year.

            On Tuesday, I purchased my tickets and told myself I was getting to San Antonio Hell or high water. Over the past three days, I have contacted 8 newspapers, 4 news stations, 3 airline carriers, 2 sports journals, 6 businesses, 2 sets of grandparents, 2 bus services, and even Amtrak. On Wednesday night, I had raised enough money to take the trip of a lifetime. Friday morning, at 3:30 AM I will be flying into Houston then driving to San Antonio. In this blog I will not only be documenting my incredible journey and the barriers I had to overcome to get to San Antonio, but I will also share the journeys of others. Each student has his or her unique way of reaching the Final Four.

            Consider me your eyes and ears in the perspective of a Tar Heel student in San Antonio. A student who has one last chance to see Danny dance, Weezy drain a three, or Tyler do the “Jesus Lizard Celebration” after a buzzer shot.  It is my pleasure to share the sights, sounds, and people with the rest of the Carolina community. My joy is spreading Carolina pride to others, and that’s just what I’m going to do here in San Antonio.