With all the debates and controversy over respect, gambling, and player's salaries in sports, comes a refreshing reminder of just how much college sports means to the true sports fan.  I was privileged enough to be able to attend the North Carolina and Duke basketball game Tuesday night in Chapel Hill.  And while the debate shall roll on endlessly about who has the biggest rivalry in sports, I can at least say I was there to witness one of the greatest in college sports.  Now keep in mind that at times I may sound partial to the boys in light blue, but I can at least respect a true rival and what it brings to the table.  But this was more than a game where there was a winner and a loser.  It was more than 10 athletes running up and down the court for 40 agonizing minutes.  This was a sanctuary. 

As we walked along the street that takes you by this enormous structure we call the "Dean Dome", we were greeted along the way by scalpers trying to sell tickets...and others who were trying to get tickets.  While the face value of a ticket to a college basketball game may cost a fan around $30.00 a pop, this was no ordinary game.  And with extra-ordinary games come extra-ordinary prices.  When one particular scalper was asked how much he wanted for a ticket, he sort of mumbled "$500.00!!)  This being my first Duke/Carolina experience, I almost lost my balance and tumbled down a flight of steps as I heard those startling words uttered from his mouth.  I'm not sure if he ever sold those tickets at that price...however, I'm sure he was a richer man once he had successfully made a transaction.  Was it worth it to someone?!!!

As we entered this sea of blue, we made our way up the flight of steps that took us to the upper deck corner of this massive structure.  The electricity was so vivrant you could feel your hair, if you had any, standing as if it were at the position of attention.  We stood in awe of this hysteria and watched as the players went through their routine of stretches and shooting.  But then, just as the players ran off the floor one last time before their introductions, a familiar face came walking up the steps toward us, and sat no more than 15 feet from where we were.  It was Bill Guthridge, the former successor to Dean Smith, who coached for two years before retiring.  He looked feeble, but was very humbled and honored at the attention he received.  But then a thought came to mind....."why in the hades was he sitting in the upper deck?"  Could it be that he had been out bid by those who would pay enormous sums of money for lower level seats?  Come to find out, it was his choice.  He could watch the game from his seat, without having to stand a single second of the game.  Well, he was probably the only one sitting in this arena filled to a capacity of around 23,000 screaming fans. 

Hmmmm...23,000 screaming fans.   Doesn't sound any different from an NBA arena.  Ahhhh but there is a huge difference.  The lower level was filled with screaming Carolina Blue teenagers....students, who had received free tickets to the game.  Now I ask you...where in all of professional sports can you find that?!!!!  Where can you find former players coming to the aid of their extended family, cheering behind the benches, waving to the crowds.  Where else can you find athletes competing at a world class level, innocent of greed and million dollar paychecks?!!  Where else can you find the likes of a Dickie V wearing an enormous Carolina Blue Wig...(okay, I realize that isn't at the top of your wish list).  But it is this innocence and this passion that makes college sports so attractive.  It is the players giving everything they have for their coach and their teammates that keeps it in our  homes, on our televisions, and in our dreams.  And though it isn't pure, it is as close to pure as big time sports gets. 

As fate may have it, those Blue Devils from just eight miles east of Chapel Hill, came into our house and stole one away from the home team.  But it wasn't all about the final outcome.  It was about the experience.  It was about feeling a part of something more pure.  It was about sanctity.  And as I said in an earlier post, there will be another day and another game, where the doors to this sanctuary will open.  And sports will live on!!!