Remember when, as kid you would run home just to watch a sporting event.  Sister might have said something like,  "It is just a game what are you all excited for?"

How ignorant.  I remember running home to watch in 1978, I would have been seven, Earvin "Magic" Johnson play a afternoon game against rival University of Michigan.  RIght after the bell rang I ran the four block from school and saw the Wolverines try defend Johnson and Greg Kelser.  The team from Ann Arbor could not.   Michigan State won. 

Three weeks later traveling to the Pontiac Silverdome to watch the "Magic Man" play game that would determine play off bid in March.  Seeding wise.  Of course Terry Donnelly and the Spartans won. Against Ohio State.

On to Madness 1979. The Spartans march to game and showdown with Larry Bird and Indiana State.  I remember staying up late and watching the game that was close in the first half. Until Terry Donnelly had to something t o say about the outcome after half time.

Terry took the assists from Johnson and scored 16 points to launch the Spartans to victory.  The next day all Lansing School District elementary and secondary schools were closed for the celebration. 

You might ask how I remember all this.  School was closed for the entire week and there was a parade. I had a hold of my brother.  For we lost the parents and we stayed put as the crowd rushed up to the 1978 Oldmobile Cutlass convertible. It was painted green.  Magic and Special "K" right in front of me and brother.  It was incredible.

Sports in life turns back the clock.  In this  month let us not forget the game and the players from Michigan State University that made the Final Four- "One shining moment."  For all of us.

For all of us in Lansing, the state of Michigan and the nation as the magic sparkles on the hardwood from a man who grew up, went to school at Lansing Everett, and won 1979 NCAA championship and NBA championships with the Lakers.

Magic Johnson made 1979 magic in March.  And we are still watching.