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Heads up, this post has nothing to do with hiking and everything to do with my alma mater’s basketball team. Kind of out of left field, I know, so no offense taken if you decide to skip this one. Don’t worry, though; we will get back to regularly scheduled programming soon.
On Sunday, March 31st, 2024, the Purdue men’s basketball team reached the Final Four for the first time since 1980! A few days have passed, and I’ve come down slightly from my high. I wanted to put my thoughts and feelings somewhere, and since a blog is cheaper than therapy, what better place than here?
From an early age growing up in northwest Indiana, I watched Drew Brees, Kyle Orton, Carl Landry, and Katie Douglas wearing gold and black. I was hooked on Purdue sports. Those were some of my earliest memories, and it was one of the things that initially pushed me to want to be a Boilermaker.
After high school, I attended Purdue University as an undergrad from 2009 to 2013. As a paint crew member, I was lucky enough to see the Baby Boilers firsthand. I also worked for the university, which afforded me the opportunity to be a part of some really cool moments, like assisting with the renovations of Mackey Arena and doing pre-game prep. I still remember placing the team’s introductory fireworks in the Mackey rafters hours before tip-off, then attending the game and seeing them ignite with 14,000 screaming fans. It brings me a lot of pride to have been a very, very small part of an incredible program and university.
My story is not unique; Purdue basketball means so much to a lot of people. From Keady to Painter, the program has been run like a family, and being a fan feels like you are an extension of that family. We are a passionate, loyal bunch who have stuck with them in both good times and bad. It helps that the fan base around the team is tight-knit, knowledgeable, and fun. Shouts to all the men and women who have been doing great work for years covering the team. Hammer & Rails, Boiled Sports, Gold & Black, and Boilers in the Stands (just to name a few) all do it slightly differently, but it has led to an unbelievable community.
The loyalty has been rewarded. By most measures, Purdue has been very successful, having won just about every award/game imaginable. The women’s team has had a few final fours since the 1990s and even a national championship. Meanwhile, the men’s team has been oh-so-close to the mountaintop several times throughout the years. I won’t go into all the heartbreak in this post, but if you are interested, Indiana sportswriter Mike Lopresti did a great job summarizing it all HERE. Through it all, the Final Four has always been that elusive prize that was just out of reach…until now.
Watching them beat Tennessee on Easter Sunday was a moment no Purdue fan is likely to forget. The last few minutes of the game were agonizing. Every missed free throw or Dalton Knecht-made shot had me going back to ghosts of tournaments past. Every second felt like an eternity. In the end, Zach Edey and his incredible 40-point, 16-rebound performance would not let Purdue fall short again. When he blocked Knecht at the rim in the closing moments, Edey both sealed a Final Four berth and cemented his legacy as the greatest Purdue men’s basketball player of all time.
What happened after the buzzer sounded was nothing short of catharsis. Robbie Hummel and Matt Painter embraced in tears on the sideline. Zach Edey gave up a piece of the net to Gene Keady, who never got to experience it as a coach, and players ran around the court, hugging one another as confetti rained down upon them. 44 years of emotion unleashed.
Hours later, the team rode through campus on the Boilermaker Special, hoisting up the trophy as hordes of students and fans surrounded them. It was something I wasn’t sure I was going to get to experience in my lifetime. Reactions from both former players and fans across the world have been amazing. Everyone attached to this program has a story, and it has been a joy to see them being told in the past few days. The collective weight of all those missed opportunities has been lifted off our shoulders. Enjoy this, Boilermakers, and remember where you were when the Basketball Gods smiled upon us.
There is no telling how this season will ultimately end. Purdue is 2 wins away from accomplishing what no Purdue team has ever done (yes, I know about 1932). Bringing a national championship to West Lafayette would be icing on the cake, but no matter what happens, this team will be remembered forever. Good luck in Phoenix, and Boiler Up!!!
Wow! I love you!
Boiler Up my young wizard!