Arch Madness

I've always been a huge basketball fan, whether that is watching or playing. This year, Matt and I had the opportunity to go to Indiana State's Men's Basketball conference tournament, Arch Madness, in St. Louis. It was a little crazy that neither of us had ever been to the tournament before!

We had a packed car! Matt's uncle sat in a lawn chair in the middle of the van.

Awesome view of the Arch from the bar at the top of our hotel.

ISU was seeded second behind Wichita State in the tournament. I was responsible for planning the pre and post game activities for the Alumni Association, so I had a few work responsibilities mixed in with the fun. We left Terre Haute Friday morning and got to St. Louis in time for lunch then for me to head to our pregame reception. We had around 300 alumni and friends attend! ISU won Friday night against Loyola, but only by two points! We had pizza for dinner choosing the STL staple Imo's. I love all kinds of pizza, it is one of my favorite foods, but there is something about the ultra thin crust and Provel cheese that makes this one exceptional!

Team send off the hotel! Tons of Sycamore Fans!

Saturday Matt and I got up and ventured out for breakfast. While I was getting ready, he was charged to figure out where we were going to go. He found a place called Rooster that had great reviews, so we headed there. It had great reviews for a reason! They are know for their crepes and oh my, were they delicious! I had a brie, arugula, and cranberry chutney crepe - wow! It was one of the best breakfast that I have ever had.

ISU won again on Saturday, beating Southern Illinois by five points. After the game, we went to another STL staple, Charlie Gitto's.

Sunday, ISU played Wichita State in the Missouri Valley Conference championship game. We of course had played them twice earlier in the season. They beat us both times, but the game at home was a barn burner. I wasn't sure ISU could win as Wichita State is tough. There was a lot on the line for the game, Wichita State's perfect record, the conference championship and the winner getting a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Well we all know how it played out, Wichita State won. The guys played really well, but let me tell you, Wichita's fans travel! It was almost like a home game for them. The Shocker fans out numbered the Sycamore fans hand over fist.

Sycamores v. Shockers - tip off.

It was such a fun weekend! The atmosphere in St. Louis with all the fans from all the different schools was really remarkable. I will would definitely like to go back in future years and maybe see a Sycamore victory!