I felt my entire body tense every time Butler moved the ball down the court. They had to score this time. They had to. It was just one of those kinds of games. Their battle with VCU had more lead changes than I could count, and for a guy who loves Indiana basketball, it was a nail-biter all the way.

But why?

Really, what did I care? It’s not like I went to Butler. I went to IU. I’ve never even owned a bulldog. And honestly, I’d been detached from this year’s tournament until tonight.

But once I sat down in front of the TV, I found myself totally swept up in every play. Butler HAD to win.

It made me wonder why sports seem like such a big deal. Why do so many hundreds of millions of fans eat, drink and breath their school colors? Why is it so easy to get caught up with vicarious loyalty for people you’ll never meet and schools you’ll never attend? Why I am in a good mood when my team wins, and really bummed out when they get destroyed.

I have a theory. I’m just throwing it out.

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