GREAT RUN

As a grade schooler and middle schooler, growing up in SW Washington, my father was working towards his PHD in anthropology at Oregon State. As such he had to make many trips to Corvallis to meet with his advisor, etc. Often times I'd get to tag along and while he was in meetings I'd just roam around campus. Most times that meant going to Gill and watching men's basketball practice. I fell in love with Beavers basketball.



When it came time for me to graduate from HS in 1989 I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life but I knew I wanted to watch the Orange Express. So for no other reason than that, I applied and was accepted to Oregon State. My freshman year on campus was 1989. That winter was Payton's senior year and I was there for every home game of that great season. I recall sprinting to a final exam, filling out the multiple choice as fast as I could and sprinting back to my room so I could catch the brutal first round NCAA loss to Ball State.



I've been lucky enough to remain in Corvallis all these years. I've attended probably +90% of all home games over the last 3+ decades always hoping for a return to the glory days of the 80's which sparked my fandom.



When we finally made it back to the NCAA's in 2016 I traveled to OKC because if it was going to be another 20+ years I wasn't going to miss it.



These last few weeks have been so thrilling. I wouldn't say they erase all the years of frustration but I enjoyed this run immensely. I'm disappointed I wasn't able to go to Indy but was happy to be able to watch with family and friends.



I'm optimistic that going dancing may be a little more frequent occurrence now. But if its not, Huge THANK YOU to 20-21 OSU men's basketball team and staff. You gave me a wonderful memory that I will cherish. Go Beavs!!!