Friday, March 16, 2007
Xavier Fans Still Upset? Boo-Hoo!
By John Chandler
Some people just won't let go. They root for Xavier.
Last night, in the waning moments of Xaviers opening round win over BYU, Thad Matta slipped in to catch a glimpse of Ohio State's next opponent. Musketeer fans (with the game not won yet, mind you) hurled a few boo's the way of their former head coach. All he could do was smile.
"They booed me when I was at Xavier," said Matta, following today's rather spirited practice.
This moment has been building down in Cincinnati since 2003, when Xavier's suddenly star head coach (Matta) hopped a ride up I-71 for the Big Ten and Ohio State. Matta had just led the Musketeers to the Elite Eight, and fans had every reason to believe he could take them further. He might have, but then opportunity went and knocked on his door.
Now, Thad's the enemy, meeting his old school in the NCAA Tournament. Sports thrives on stuff like this. Fans need someone to boo just as much as someone to cheer. Lucky for Ohio State, the even keeled coach is acutely aware that the game feeds off of drama.
Expect added emotion to charge Xavier. They also have the benefit of understanding Matta's coaching style, a point that he was quick to acknowledge today.
But also expect Ohio State to win this backyard brawl. Sure, the Buckeyes should beware of XU pulling off the upset. That's exactly why it probably won't happen.
Buckeye fans, make sure you tune in tonight to NewsChannel 5 at 11. I'll take you inside Ohio State's lockerroom... All Access while the team spent time watching the NCAA Tournament. We'll see you tonight at 11.
Some people just won't let go. They root for Xavier.
Last night, in the waning moments of Xaviers opening round win over BYU, Thad Matta slipped in to catch a glimpse of Ohio State's next opponent. Musketeer fans (with the game not won yet, mind you) hurled a few boo's the way of their former head coach. All he could do was smile.
"They booed me when I was at Xavier," said Matta, following today's rather spirited practice.
This moment has been building down in Cincinnati since 2003, when Xavier's suddenly star head coach (Matta) hopped a ride up I-71 for the Big Ten and Ohio State. Matta had just led the Musketeers to the Elite Eight, and fans had every reason to believe he could take them further. He might have, but then opportunity went and knocked on his door.
Now, Thad's the enemy, meeting his old school in the NCAA Tournament. Sports thrives on stuff like this. Fans need someone to boo just as much as someone to cheer. Lucky for Ohio State, the even keeled coach is acutely aware that the game feeds off of drama.
Expect added emotion to charge Xavier. They also have the benefit of understanding Matta's coaching style, a point that he was quick to acknowledge today.
But also expect Ohio State to win this backyard brawl. Sure, the Buckeyes should beware of XU pulling off the upset. That's exactly why it probably won't happen.
Buckeye fans, make sure you tune in tonight to NewsChannel 5 at 11. I'll take you inside Ohio State's lockerroom... All Access while the team spent time watching the NCAA Tournament. We'll see you tonight at 11.
Posted at 3:32 PM
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