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Around this time every year, I am often reminded of the excitement that is the WIAA basketball tournament. I was just a freshman at Dodgeville High School when the boys basketball team went to the state tournament in 2004.
I had an "in" with the team, or at least I thought I did. I grew up on W. Chapel Street and was neighbors with the talented basketball player David Tews. His sister, Lauren, was a friend and along with our other friends, we went to every game to cheer on the basketball boys.
Decked out in orange Dodger gear, we had a usual spot towards the back of the student section (we were still freshman after all). We made every game, and on the off chance the game wasn't very exciting, we had lots of time to gossip, mostly about who the cutest player was on either team.
With much excitement, the team proceeded to win the conference, then the semi-final versus McFarland 67-39. I remember the rush we all felt, the worry that we wouldn't get a ticket to go to the next big game versus Monona Grove, the game that would either make or break us.
The excitement was all anyone could think about at school. We waited for the night of the big game, the sectional final that would determine if we would make it to state or not.
The gym was packed with lively Dodger fans who made the trek to watch a good basketball game!
The game went so fast it seemed but I remember it being so close at the end; everyone was on their feet, cheering, hollering, praying for a miracle. And it was received. Jeremy Marten tossed one in with four seconds in the game, final score 42-40, sending the Dodgers to the state tournament.
Superintendent Diane Messer cancelled school on Friday so everyone could watch the Dodgers during their state appearance.
We wrote with window paint on the windows of the Tews' van, "Go Dodgers!" and packed in to watch the tournament. And even though we lost, just the fact that the town, the school, the whole area was cheering on the team made it really a memorable experience.
As other teams look to compete in the state tournament this year, I hope that they recognize their supporters and thank all their fans, big and small.
And as an ending note, Go Eagles!!