Final Four

Today in Phoenix is the Final Four, the culmination of the March Madness NCAA college basketball tournament. At the same time in Dallas the women are holding their final four. This tournament has produced some of the most memorable games, the greatest upsets of all time.

This year in the women's tournament produced the greatest upset of al time. University of Connecticut had won 111 consecutive games until yesterday. Mississippi State beat them 66-64.  The streak dated back to 2014 and included a victory by 60 points over the same team at last years tournament.

In my days with the basketball team we lost a lot of games never by more than 30-40 points. I can't even fathom a loss of such magnitude. However, for that team it galvanized and became a rallying point for them ultimately paying off in their victory yesterday.

All streaks do come to an end. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series after 108 years, Detroit Red Wings have failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 27 years.  Oregon Ducks are playing today in their first final four in 78 years. Edmonton Oilers are in the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

Last year the city of Cleveland, often referred to as the mistake by the lake, won 2 sports championships and nearly a third for the first time since 1954. Earlier this year it looked like Atlanta would break through with the Falcons, however, sports proved that it is never over until it is over, especially when you have a great player like Tom Brady.

Sports brings out the best and the worst in people. The suicide rate increases in Brazil for a couple of weeks every time the soccer team is eliminated before winning the World Cup. The streak is now at 15 years and counting. I used to take losses personally and cheer for teams to lose. Now I cheers good plays and effort on both sides. I have my favourites Liverpool, Australia, University of Manitoba, San Diego Chargers. I also have teams that I take great pride in when they lose Manchester United, New Zealand. I remember seeing a sign at a World Cup rugby game in Melbourne in 2003 between Canada and New Zealand which said. We cheer for two teams Australia and anyone New Zealand is playing against.

I love all aspects of sports. It produces great drama and back stories, unsung heroes emerge, great players shine and under dogs prevail. Unlikely champions often prevail like Leicester City last year in English Football, NC State and Villanova in the 1980's ncaa college basketball, LA Kings 2013 NHL, Greece 2004 Euro's.

That is why I will be watching the final four this evening and cheering for the underdogs or the teams that have never won. Go Gonzaga.