I Bleed Orange

I'm not one for pro basketball, but boy do I love college basketball! As a high school track runner, I spent a lot of time doing lung burning intervals on the indoor track at Manley Field House on the Syracuse University campus. Coach Love had season tickets for SU men's basketball games would often treat me to a Syracuse basketball game after an evening's track workout. Back in those days it was Sherman "the General" Douglas, Dwayne "the Pearl" Washington and Rony Seikely. The sparks of a love affair with Syracuse basketball were in full flame.

A few years later I would end up enrolling at Syracuse University and matriculating as a student. Growing up in Central New York I already had an affinity for all things orange (including the mascot Otto), but my orange affliction grew with each passing academic year.
There are so many emotions linked to that glorious big bubble perched atop the Syracuse hill. I love watching basketball games contested in the Carrier Dome. The rituals, the sounds and the roar of the crowd. Aside from SU ball, I have many layers of personal history tied to the Dome. I ran the 1000 meters in the National Indoor Scholastic Track and Field Championships in the Dome. Underneath the turf is a 200m track! I was a member of the Central Square High School Marching Redmen and played my sax in the band at the NY State Field Band Championships. (yup, I tooted my horn in marching band!). I've watched (and worked) countless entertainment and sporting events in the Dome, too. As part of the work study program, I worked in catering. One year there was a stars on ice production and I had the opportunity to serve potatoes to figure skating greats like Oksana Bauil. In 1996 I earned my bachelors degree and graduated in the Dome while it snowed outside. (By the way it was mothers day - May!). The list goes on.

Like legions of Syracuse Orange fans, I am over the moon with the men's basketball team's current #1 national ranking. (and the women's team is rockin' it, too) As I get ready to travel to Syracuse this week, you better believe I will be rooting for the Orange during Saturday's game vs Louisville. Alas, it will be from a local watering hole as the Orange aren't playing at home this week. At least I will be able to see the Dome from the hotel.
Go Orange!