Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v08n15)
Poetic Thoughts - A Memorable Loss - by C.W. Pruitt II
posted: Jul. 22, 2011
A Memorable Loss
I have never left disappointed after a Butler Bulldog basketball game at Hinkle Fieldhouse. I tend to get a little rowdy at the games, but I always leave happy. The effort and execution of the Dawgs is unparalleled. Their selfless play exemplifies The Butler Way. And to watch games in the Taj Mahal of basketball (meant to rhyme) is always a good time.
On the day of the National Championship between Butler and Duke, I received a call from my brother Jim. Jim (a ticket broker) had hooked me up large for tickets in the past, but nothing this large. My heart seemed to jump out of my chest as I heard the news. I would be attending the game with my brother-in-law Dean and my nephew Sam.
Once seated at Lucas Oil Stadium we were at a distance catty-cornered from the court. Four Duke students sat behind us. They were as nice as could be. Nephew Sam was on my left.
CW and his nephew Sam Mourfield at the Butler game.
image courtesy of C.W. Pruitt II
CW's chest-pounding friend at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
image courtesy of C.W. Pruitt II
Seated to my right was the loudest, most boisterous Butler fan ever. And I thought I was loud. This guy was like an angry mountain gorilla. As this intense game went back-and-forth I would punch him in the chest. At one point, I turned to Sam and said, "I don't even know this guy, and I just punched him as hard as I could in his chest."
Sam said, "Yeah, you guys are really excited."
Fortunately the guy had a chest like a mountain gorilla.
Despite a valiant effort from The Dawgs, they lost on a close half-court heave by Gordon Hayward. We had the perfect angle on one of the most famous near misses in American sports history. So close. So close. And so very worth it.
Go Dawgs!
image courtesy of C.W. Pruitt II
cw@broadripplegazette.com