And the Madness Begins Part I

Somewhere, the term 'March Madness' got hitched with the NCAA Tournament. Not that it's a bad thing. However, as only Illinoisans will probably know, our state was the first to lay claim to this term. Now, I have no argument about who gets to use 'March Madness'. I simply believe that 'March Madness' is just the door that gives way to 'Spring Shenanigans'. Yes, I used the word shenanigans and here's why....


MARCH (madness):

1) Unofficial St. Patricks Day- not a real holiday, but one celebrated like New Years Eve to college students across the state of Illinois.
2) High School Basketball Tournaments- unlike the NCAA, every team in high school has a chance to win a state title without having to first win a conference tournament. In my opinion, Illinois has greatly diluted what a title means by creating 2 more classes.
3) Conference Basketball Tournaments of NCAA- this is really the opening act of the big dance. Bubbles burst and possible Cinderella's are born.
4) NCAA Tournament- see #3...and if you don't know the terms 'bubble' or 'Cinderella' what the hell are you doing reading my blog?!
5) St. Patricks Day- the real holiday, but celebrated like it's MLK Day (unless of course it happens on the weekend; that's a different story).
6) MLB Spring Training- this technically starts in February, but it's in full swing by the time March rolls around. Add to that the World Baseball Classic this year, and baseball has a bit more meaning this March.
7) College Spring Break- self explanatory

That's a pretty solid list if you ask me. But it opens up to the month of April. That's when all the important things happen...

APRIL (awesome):

1) NCAA Final Four- by April, the Madness has ended (unless you are 2006 George Mason, 1985 Villanova, or the Jim Valvano led NC State Wolfpack of 1983). The Cinderella's of the year are gone and the term 'March Madness' just morphs into 'Final Four'. It is in April that champions are crowned.
2) The Masters- 'A Tradition Unlike Any Other'. This is the single most important golf event of the year. It is the only major that isn't ''open'' to any simpleton. Pimento cheese sandwiches, a green jacket, and azalea's are unknown except during this week. The waiting list to simply acquire tickets to the opening round is nearly 10 years. I don't think I need to say more.
3) MLB Opening Day- When baseball season begins, there is no ivy on the walls of Wrigley Stadium...just 40,000+ fans inside the gates saying "Next Year is Here."
4) Easter- I don't think it needs any explanation either.


So, what I've ended with is that March has 7 pretty important events. To be fair to the general population, I'll take out Unofficial. This leaves the final 'score' at 6-4. However, April holds the crowning of two major champions in Men's Basketball and at The Masters. But, if you don't like Jim Nantz, this isn't your month since he does play-by-play for both.



All of that simply adds up to this:

March Madness + Awesome April = Spring Shenanigans...a time for all to enjoy.