The countdown to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has begun in earnest. At 3 p.m. on Thursday, Penn will square off against fourth-seeded Boston College in the opening round of the Big Dance.
If you're a fan of Penn basketball, you already knew that. But even if you don't consider yourself one of the Red and Blue faithful, there is no time like the present to jump on the Quakers bandwagon.
It doesn't matter that Penn is a No. 13 seed and is up against long odds to pull off a win -- which is certainly not out of the question. It also doesn't matter that the game is being played in Cleveland.
What is important about an event like this -- one in which the University will be showcased on a national stage -- is that it should be a force that brings the Penn community together. From students to staff, faculty to administrators, this week is about one thing: Penn pride.
Unfortunately, it does not feel as though March Madness is in the air.
What is the University doing to promote its basketball team as it prepares? Where is the excitement?
The Athletic Department has promoted the Tournament to season-ticket holders but has no plans for a student traveling party to Cleveland, citing a lack of interest among those they polled.
That's a shame.
There may be a limited number of tickets available, but making it easy for all students -- diehard and casual fans alike -- to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity should be the top priority.
It also wouldn't hurt for professors to be understanding this week as students find ways to see the game -- in person or on CBS.
It has been nice to see Penn President Amy Gutmann in attendance this season at the Palestra. Now is the time for the University's most public figure to take the lead in creating excitement for the Big Dance.
What better way to bring people together than a campus-wide celebration?
