Senior Night for seniors

Bobby Knight coined the term “getting to the mic” during his tenure at IU to signify the importance of playing four years in an Indiana basketball uniform.

On March 5, as Jordan Hulls, Christian Watford and Derek Elston take Branch McCracken court for the final time wearing their candystripes, countless seniors will be missing from the crowd.

Now, this is not a letter about the basketball ticket priority system. This is about all the seniors who did not get a ticket to one special game: Senior Night.

Notice I didn’t say the Ohio State game, which is what the March 5 ticket reads. As a senior, I am missing a ticket to more than just a basketball game, but to an event.

During his time here at IU, Coach Crean has made a point of involving the students and making us feel like a family.

I have been to Senior Night the past three years, and each year all of the players and coaches have thanked the fans, particularly the seniors, for their love and support during their time here at IU.

It means something to get to the mic, to play your four years and go out knowing that you gave it your all.

Every senior without a ticket is one more senior who does not get to celebrate these three senior boys’ accomplishments with our basketball family.

And for senior fans, now more than ever, we made it to the mic too. Looking forward, the question now becomes, “Can we remedy this situation?”

Maybe athletics can start speeches 15 minutes late and allow senior fans into Assembly Hall after some of the crowd files out.

Maybe it can stream the speeches online or on IUTV so everyone can watch at home. Or maybe there is another way.

With that being said, regardless of where myself and all the other seniors without tickets watch the game, our hearts will be with Jordan, Christian and Derek praying their successors get the opportunity to thank their graduating classes in person.

­— Brianna Behlman