The MCTC Marauders (Mavericks, whatever) last regular season home game was last Wednesday night.  We played Riverland Community and Technical College.  Several years ago the MCAC changed the names of all the schools from reasonable, descriptive names like "Wilmer" CTC and "Worthingon" that actually told one what and where the school was, to meaningless names like Riverland, Ridgewater, Central Lakes etc...Who made such a silly decision?  Someone who works for the state; government service is the only place where you can get away with such nonsense.  How long do you think a person making such a decision would last in the private sector?  As long as a vampire would last in a Baptismal font is about right.

The gym on Wednesday night held a good crowd of die hard fans.  There were students, faculty, family and friends of the players and coaches and several team alumni in attendance.  I could hardly believe my eyes when I turned to take off my coat and saw, sitting near the exit, the Man Who's Infinite Wisdom it was to drop the MCTC basketball program.  There he was, sitting all by himself as though he were a fan.

"Holy cow, Phil Davis is here!" I said to my folks.

"Where?" my mom demanded "I want to talk to him!"

"Sit down."  I told her  "I'm not going to tell you which one he is."   I really didn't want my  mom to go getting in the president's face.  She would, too.  She may be 5 foot nothin', white haired and 75 years old but the woman raised nine kids and is perfectly capable of throwing him down the bleacher stairs.  It's not that I'd object to that, but I was afraid my Dad would laugh so hard he'd pass out. 

We were sitting next to a large crowd of teachers, including most of the science department.  They had cheers prepared, which my Mom quickly learned and joined in.  A big crowd of Jay's high school buddies were in our section too.   Several of them come to a lot of games but they like to come as a crowd to at least one game a year.  It's always a blast to see them.  The section next to us was packed with Pivecs.  They didn't have any cheers worked out.

The school choir sang the National Anthem and did a beautiful job.

The game was a raucous good time!  We jumped out to lead in the first few minutes and the outcome of the game was never in doubt.   Every member of the team got to play and they all played well.  I think everyone scored, in fact.  In the end the Marauders won by 36 points.  Josie and Mary Pivec had a deal with Zack that if we won by exactly 40 points, he'd have to streak the gym afterward.  So it's a very good thing we only won by 36.

I heard afterward that during the game one of the faculty went over to Davis and said something to the affect of isn't this fun?  Is there any chance you may change your mind?  To which he replied "NO."  He left at half time.

I hope that story isn't true. 

There was a gym full of people of all ages, all demographics, with a multitude of backgrounds and life experiences, sharing  something in common; a basketball game.  Everyone had a terrific time and when it was over the two teams shook hands and patted each other on the back.  The world is sad, hard and cold but for two and a half hours that gym was a hot, noisy, joyful place.

What kind of a person sees no value in that?

It must really hurt when your heart is two sizes too small.  
 

 

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