Even for the most dedicated Quakers fan, a mid-week trip to the Buckeye State is not an easy task to accomplish. So for many members of the Red and Blue Crew, yesterday began as any normal day would; students headed to class, meetings or the library.
Around 2:30, though, things began to change.
Penn supporters gathered all over campus to cheer on their basketball stars through the television screen. The Red and Blue spirit extended even to faculty, some of whom dismissed their classes early in honor of the game. The excitement of seeing the Quakers competing in college basketball's biggest tournament in front of the entire nation stretched to every room where a television was set to CBS.
At the David Pottruck Health and Fitness Center, a small division of the Red and Blue Crew assembled in front of the gym's big screen to cheer on the Quakers. Spirits ran high as students and faculty sipped free smoothies samples from the Energy Zone and awaited the opening tip.
The first minutes of the game brought enthusiastic cheers of approval. But, as the dismal reality of a 22-2 Boston College run set in, a cloud of angst settled over the crowd. By halftime, the Quakers trailed 48-28. Fans looked to each other and back to the screen in disbelief.
"I'm standing behind my team," said Doug Sherrets, a Wharton junior who, even at halftime, offered solidarity for a struggling Penn team. "I don't have anything bad to say. Even if they don't win, I am still proud to be a fan."
"It has been a little disappointing so far but Boston College has been shooting the lights out," said Hans Kullberg, also a junior in Wharton. Despite the daunting statistics, "I still have faith in my team,"Kullberg said.
A more confident, better prepared Penn squad came out of the locker room to begin the second half, and the crowd basked in the glory of a 17-6 run for the Red and Blue. Within seven minutes, the Quakers had cut BC's lead to nine points, and they had fans all the way back in Philadelphia on their feet.
"Right after the [start of the] second half we got much closer, and that is something we can feel confident about," said Nori Katagiri, a graduate student studying political science.
Penn hit an offensive wall, though, when the Eagles regained control midway into the second half. As the last few moments on the clock wound down, fans braced themselves for the disappointment that was sure to come.
The buzzer rang, and it was all over. The media hype, the glow of dominating the Ivy League and the thrill of a potential NCAA opening round upset quickly vanished.
"They played well early. Halfway into the first half they started losing it, though, and just couldn't keep it up," college freshman Micah Kaplan said.
As the television switched its broadcast to the closely contested Utah-UTEP match, Red and Blue spectators were given a moment to reflect upon the bigger picture: a winning season full of accomplishment.
"It is awesome to see the guys on TV," said Kaplan, who also enjoyed receiving calls from friends at other schools around the country who were watching Penn compete on television.
Katagiri's pride in Penn and the Quakers would not allow him to feel disappointed. "I am satisfied with the process... the most important thing is how we competed against such a strong team," he said.
Looking around at the remaining Red and Blue supporters he added, "The way people got together reflects the way that Penn plays. I am very happy, actually. We did a great job."
