2012 Division III NCAA Tournament

[Pat Coleman]

That would be funny, though.

[Greek Tragedy]

Sir Coleman,

I think you forgot to inform me that I won the VIP Final Four Package. 

and the Power Ball officials got it wrong, I did not buy the winning ticket in West Virginia

That is my round about way of finding out who won...oh well.

[Gregory Sager]

Well said, O-Bob!

[John Gleich]

I agree with you guys too.  I much more prefer the genuine surprise from people like Eddie Fogler, who did the broadcasts for CSTV in 03-04 and 04-05 (and maybe beyond, though I'm not sure), who admitted he came in with slightly limited expectations, but was absolutely blown away by the play in Salem.

Check out some mention of Fogler's comments from the 05 wrap-up  His comments on the broadcast during 03-04 were glowing, to say the least, as well.

When we get a genuine outburst of kudos for the quality that we know is here in DIII by someone in the DI spotlight (or formerly in the DI spotlight?), I think THIS is the best coverage that we can get.  Unfortunately, it came to an audience that already knew what we've got, but...

[frank uible]

The number of people who misunderstand DIII are like the leaves on the trees. To try try to reply (much less correct) even a relatively small number of them is hopeless. Move on.

[Pat Coleman]

The number of people who misunderstand DIII are like the leaves on the trees. To try try to reply (much less correct) even a relatively small number of them is hopeless. Move on.

I'd agree with you to a point but when one of those people reaches a great many people I'd think it's worth making an effort.

[y_jack_lok]

I've just finished reading the three pages of back and forth about Bryan Burwell's column and the D3 vs D1 question. Some very intersting perceptions on both sides of the argument. I'm not going to prolong that specific discussion. I do want to share, however, that last night the local NBC affiliate in St. Louis did a short piece on Wash U going to the Final Four. It was mostly fine but, once again, facts were not properly checked. The sportscaster, Frank Cusamano, reported that Wash U was playing Hope (correct) and that they had lost to Hope in the Final Four last year (Ooops). Oh well.

I was sitting in the lunch room at work yesterday talking with a young colleague (in his late 20s) who went to Missouri State (formerly Southwest Missouri State) for his freshman year of college. He had played baseball in high school and tried out for their team as a walk on. That experience didn't last long. He also plays some recreational basketball. He transferred to Mizzou for his final 3 years. We talk sports sometimes. He is a big Mizzou fan and knows I am a big D3 fan. I asked him if he had filled out ihis brackets yet for the D1 tournament. He said yes. I then told him I was going to the Final Four. He gave a knowing smile and asked "Where are you going?" I told him Salem, VA. He gave this little smirk and chuckle that made me feel like he thought I was going to a kindergarten tournament. I was annoyed, but kept my cool. But I wasn't quick enough to suggest he might get into a pick-up game with some of the local D3 players so he could know what it feels like to get his butt kicked by the players he appears to think so little of. I'll do that after the touurnament.

[HopeConvert]

I've just finished reading the three pages of back and forth about Bryan Burwell's column and the D3 vs D1 question. Some very intersting perceptions on both sides of the argument. I'm not going to prolong that specific discussion. I do want to share, however, that last night the local NBC affiliate in St. Louis did a short piece on Wash U going to the Final Four. It was mostly fine but, once again, facts were not properly checked. The sportscaster, Frank Cusamano, reported that Wash U was playing Hope (correct) and that they had lost to Hope in the Final Four last year (Ooops). Oh well.

Shhhh. Don't tell the Hope players that. They've been using the loss to WashU in the Elite Eight last year as motivation. 

[NW Hope Fan]

I don't think so but we might catch up with them in Salem.

Maybe, maybe not... I heard from the winner's "camp" and was asked to possibly come along as a guest/aid, as this might be the only way the winner would be able to attend. From Washington this would have been difficult, and more expensive than the allotted travel money would have covered. So at least as of this morning it was up in the air... Too bad! I hope the winner is able to figure out how to make it as he is a HUGE Hope fan!

[Pat Coleman]

No doubt -- the prize package is great as a bonus for someone who is already going to Salem, or to entice someone into coming who is on the fence. Many people who entered already are, obviously.

I don't know more than that -- we only administer the contest and give a winner's name and a few alternates to the Salem people. It's in their hands after that.

[NW Hope Fan]

On the other hand of course I would have made the trip directly from Washington had I won, just couldn't make a trip to Michigan first...

[njachoopsfan]

We're one day away from the Final Four, who do think will win.   Cast your vote at ;

www.tobannounced.com

[monsoon]

I don't think so but we might catch up with them in Salem.

Maybe, maybe not... I heard from the winner's "camp" and was asked to possibly come along as a guest/aid, as this might be the only way the winner would be able to attend. From Washington this would have been difficult, and more expensive than the allotted travel money would have covered. So at least as of this morning it was up in the air... Too bad! I hope the winner is able to figure out how to make it as he is a HUGE Hope fan!

Have no fear, NWHF...   I heard this afternoon (from a very reliable source) that the winner found the needed companion and is en route to Salem.  Can't think of a better winner, either.

[njachoopsfan]

Here is how the voting is going so far and there is no runaway winner yet.   Hopefully the games will be as close as the voting.   If Amherst stays hot from the 3 I think they will advance to the finals.  As far as the other game, I haven't seen either team but I have a strange feeling that Washington might be playing for the championship.

Who will win the 2008 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship

                                   Votes     
#3 Amherst (26-3)            7   36.8%   
#16 Ursinus (29-2)            2   10.5%   
#11 Washington (23-6)      4   21.1%   
#1 Hope (27-3)                 6   31.6%   

vote @ www.tobannounced.com

[Mr. Ypsi]

Considering that's only 19 votes while the front page question has almost 1400, the results are remarkably similar!