True fans emerge during March

Sure, the NCAA basketball tournament is tough to handle. Games are at awkward times like noon on a weekday, and at 10 p.m. on a Friday. Spring break is sacrificed, and dedication is a must , or else failure is inevitable.\nSo, this year, like every other, I vow to do my very best to stay focused during this will-testing, maniac month.\nOh -- you think the players have it tough? \nHow about trying to wait through the four longest days of the entire year? You all know the feeling -- the 90 long hours between the announcement of the brackets and the first tip-offs Thursday. \nThose excruciating days, spent mostly mulling over the upsets I should be picking in the pool and trying to map out which games I will watch at what time (that reminds me -- thanks so much to the good people who bring us digital cable. I can watch all four games at once). \nAnd no, the new "play-in game" Tuesday that involves the two worst teams in the field does not make things any easier.\nAnd if anyone thinks that sitting in front of the TV for hours watching buzzer-beaters followed by upsets and squeekers is easy, they obviously haven't tried to live through the same automobile or investment commercials over and over and over.\n The fact is, sports fans, like the teams, we have to come together now -- we must show our strength when all is on the line and do what we do best. When everyone else is out partying next week, we must show our loyalties to the sport that has been keeping us entertained through the cold winter and tough courses. \nWhile our old high-school friends are gathering to party at the local dance clubs, we cannot be weak, because deep down we know that some Cinderella will pull of a huge upset during the 10 p.m. games.\nAnd it doesn't stop there. The tournament not only calls for top performance, but also that extra effort. Endurance is a must as well. Three weeks is a long time to remain focused on a task, especially during those four-day layoffs. Even with classes resuming, we must not waiver.\nSome simple-minded souls may find those third and fourth round games less exciting than the opening rounds or the Final Four, but we want to see those No. 1 seeds get knocked out, and that second week of play is when it will happen.\nNow is the time to get ready. The basketball gods have given us Conference Tournament Week to condition ourselves for the real thing. This week should help the selection committee finalize the official bracket, giving us enough conversation to last throughout March.\nAnd just like a true champion must do, we must be grateful simply for the opportunity we have to be a part of the endless drama. While there will be bickering over seeds and upsets that eliminate true contenders, it could be worse -- we could have the BCS.\nPrepare yourself, sports fans, because this kind of excitement is unique to this time of year, and we cannot let it slip by us. It will be tough, and some will fall. In the end, though, it will feel wonderful knowing that, win or lose (in the pool), we gave it 100 percent, and are already getting set for next year.