Blog: Thank You

Look folks, I don’t know stats right now. To be honest, I didn’t even look them up. What I do know is that Middle Tennessee defied the odds and overcame sloppy play, bad officiating and a hostile crowd to move on in the NIT Tournament.

Kermit Davis earned his coach of the year award tonight. His squad finished a road game on a 15-0 run to beat Tennessee for the first time since this writer was two-years old. Congrats to Coach Kermit and thank you - you’ve given fans a season to remember.

Bruce Massey hoisted all of the Blue Raiders’ hopes and dreams on his shoulders as he drove to the basket to put the game out of the reach of the Vols. His extraordinary play earned him much love from the ESPN commentators and the Middle Tennessee faithful alike.

People often say that heroes are defined by their play in March. I don’t know that I necessarily categorize collegiate athletes as heroes, but this bunch worked together in a way that made me at least sense something heroic. The way this team banded together when they were down late in the half is straight out of a heartfelt Disney sports movie. Their refusal to quit is thrilling to every Middle Tennessee fan, alum or casual observer of this game that was much closer than the seven point victory would lead you to believe.

I realize the chances of any of these players actually reading this are slim to none, but if they do: thank you. Not for me, but for the lifelong Blue Raider fans who have come to expect losses in games on the national stage. Thank you for the students who are desperate for some Blue Raider team to cheer for after a rough football season and an early Lady Raider exit from the NCAA Tournament. Thank you for giving Middle Tennessee fans something to believe in again after the Sun Belt Tournament.

All of you are True Blue. Good luck on Wednesday.