Blue. Blue II. Butler Blue! As a graduate of Butler University and the mother of a graduate, I take great pride in the school for doing things “THE BUTLER WAY”. As in the dictionary, academics come before athletics — assuring students and student-athletes a bright future.
As I watched Monday night, I couldn’t help but think of my first day on campus. Tony Hinkle was the basketball coach and Butler Fieldhouse stood guard north of Holcomb Gardens.
By the time I returned for a Master’s Degree, nearly forty years had elapsed, but the values instilled in Butler Students was still there. It will endure for far longer than I will, no doubt.
The poise exhibited by Brad Stevens and his team is only surpassed by the respect of the Butler family, and fans who hold Bulldogs dear to their hearts even though they did not go to the school.
It was hard to swallow when the basketball rim seemed to be covered in Saran Wrap in that game against U-CONN, but even a disappointing loss does not take away from the tremendous accomplishment of a school 1/5 the size of its competition on the court. Quality over quantity is the order of the day when you try to describe the men of Butler basketball.
Like their peers in years gone by, including legendary Bobby Plump of Milan fame, basketball is a passion, but it’s also viewed as just a game. They play, graduate, and go on to lead productive lives. Yet, while they are out there on the court, they influence untold numbers of youngsters, and you can’t put a value on that, folks. Coach knows that.
Brad Stevens is a class act. Teamwork is just as important in the workplace as on the court. He loves the game, but more than that, he loves his players. His players know that, and it shows. Like so many other great teams who had an uncharacteristically poor showing in a given game, there is always next year.
The future is anything but blue. It’s rosy! Next season, Butler’s returning players will be joined by new names. With them comes added height — adding to the excitement. Thanks for the memories, guys! Go DAWGS!