I grew up in Indiana, where Hoosier Hysteria is a common condition among the residents. We take basketball very seriously. After all, Hollywood immortalized the state in the iconic sports movie Hoosiers.
I went to Indiana University for my undergraduate degree when legendary coach Bobby Knight was leading the men's basketball team. Over the years, the IU basketball program produced such greats as Steve Alford, Damon Bailey, Calbert Cheaney, among many others.
So when I decided to enroll at Gonzaga University for my master's degree, it was quite the coincidence. Here I was about to study at another school with a renowned basketball program.
Under head coach Mark Few, the Zags have amassed a very successful record, advancing to the national championship game in 2017.
When I called my dad and told him I was going to Gonzaga, he said, "You're a Bulldog again!"
I hadn't made the connection, but he was right. My high school mascot was the Columbus North Bulldogs. My past was connecting to my present. Life has a funny way of doing that.