The Whitworth University Men’s Basketball Team has advanced to the Sweet 16 yet again. At the NCAA D-III level, it is the NCAA that decides where the teams will go to play in the early rounds. This year, the Pirates will be the host site for the first time ever for the 3rd round match up. This didn’t even happen when Whitworth was the #1 ranked team in the country in 2011. So don’t be surprised if the Crimson Crazies, The Fieldhouse Fanatics, the fan base that represents one of the greatest small college atmospheres in college basketball, tests the foundation of Whitworth’s basketball home this Saturday.
Actually, there are D-1 facilities that beg for the consistent home court atmosphere that Whitworth has and has had for probably 15 years. The visiting Emory Eagles out of Atlanta came to Spokane this past weekend hearing what the rest of the country does. That Whitworth is among the toughest places to play. (The men are 128-14 at home since the 2001-2002 season alone.) So what must have the Eagles been thinking when the game tipped off and you could almost hear a pin drop? Click on the link below to see and hear what happened. The students decided to have a “Silent Night.” That was until, they decided not to be silent. Thanks to Whitworth student Cody DeJardin for sending me the video. I’ve broadcast hundreds of Whitworth Basketball games and this moment will always stick with me. How could it not, my ears are still ringing. Go Bucs!
