Through & Through, We Fans Will Always Fight For Our Love of Duke U!

Hello readers. In between work, gearing up for baseball season and taking time to stop and smell the roses, a lot has happened in the world of sports and entertainment. While I am not going to rehash every moment, I will talk about the biggest event of the spring season. As you all are well aware of, March Madness is underway and since Tuesday and 3 days in, brackets are in shamble and we've all been screaming "Oy Vey!". Sadly, I have now joined the vacation pool of losing teams due to the Duke's exit in the first round. Ugh, give me a break!

Friday afternoon, at 12:15p, televisions, laptops and smartphones continued to be glued to CBS, Tru TV, TNT and TBS as games rolled full speed ahead. The Duke Blue Devils played The Mercer Bears and honestly speaking, the Blue Devils were slated to smoke the Bears. Oddly enough, the #3 Blue Devils were beat 78 - 71 by the #14 Bears and sent brackets across the globe into despair. I did not watch today's game because of a prior engagement and truthfully, I'm glad I didn't. My heart would have been torn into pieces watching eager freshmen and season seniors lose in such a fashion. I refuse to watch highlights because I know it'll only make me frown. As always readers, myself and my teams bounce back from failure but at this moment, I want to sulk.

So, as I close out this post, I want to take a moment to thank the Duke Blue Devils for consistently putting a smile on my face and taking me to new heights. To my squad and the wickedly talented Coach Michael Krzyzewski, thank you for all that you've done this season. It was arduous but we made it through. To my seniors, oh the places you'll go on your journey after college. To the freshmen, sophomores and juniors, let's keep working to bring home that 5th title.  My heart will forever bleed Duke blue and you'll never have to question my loyalty. I'll see you at graduation and then the fall.

XOXO,
Whitney

Duke, You're Still Elite To Me!

Hello readers. How has your spring been treating you thus far? I for one am excited for 60 degree weather, extended daylight, and my spring coat that has been in hibernation. Now, before I continue, I must apologize for my 2 month absence. Yes, you read that correctly, 2 month absence. Having been very busy professionally, executing a stellar Career Day & various other workshops, it seems I have neglected my faithful crew and for that, I am sorry. Apology accepted? Good because this post is a rather sad one. Don't fret, it's not drowning in sadness but it deals with a loss....a tournament loss.

March Madness is almost coming to an end and we all know what kind of month it is for us diehard college basketball fans. Need a reminder? Well, it's chock-full of bitten nails, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, increased need to curse out our television sets, wings, beer, lines divided, rivalries renewed, and the inevitable team getting knocked out of the tournament. Alas, the latter part goes to my babies, the Duke Blue Devils. After losing in the first round during the ACC Tournament, they regrouped and came back strong for the Big Dance. The Big Three comprised of Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly, and Seth Curry, combined forces and dominated. Their lightning power and 3 point ability secured us win after win and allowed us to make it to the Elite Eight. Sadly, that would be the last stop on the tour.

Duke played the Louisville Cardinals tonight and after an emotional first half where Kevin Ware suffered what looks like a career-ending injury and Duke struggling to find its form, Louisville went into halftime with an all-around advantage. Long story short due to me crying, ok ok tearing up a bit, Louisville defeated Duke and is on their way to the Final Four. Congrats are in order to them and prayers for a healthy/speedy recovery for Ware.

So, how do I close this post? I think I'll end by reaffirming my love and admiration for the Duke Blue Devils. I have been a fan since 2000 and that hasn't changed. People knock us down, throw dirt on our name, and yet, we still rise. I am proud to be a Cameron Crazie and equally as proud to call Coach K my leader at the helm. See you guys next year and to my seniors, we're gonna really really miss you. Especially you Seth Curry. Despite my initial dislike for you, you've grown on me & have changed my perspective. Thank you :)

XOXO,
Whitney

The Perils of Being A Devil

Hello readers. It's March and you know what that means, it's March Madness. Ah yes, March Madness, that time of year when die hard college basketball fans and bracket enthusiasts lose hair as they root for their team. I can speak for myself when I say that if I were to comb my hair, there would be clumps that would be on comb as I root for my beloved Duke Blue Devils to win yet another national title. Tonight, the Blue Devils played against LeHigh and sadly, yes very sadly, they lost against LeHigh. Frankly, I do not care to finish their school's name.

My Blue Devils looked shaky coming out of the gate and I knew then that things would not bode well for them. LeHigh on the other hand, came out of the gate swinging. They had nothing to lose and yet played like defending champions. I couldn't believe my eyes and couldn't begin to wrap my head around what was happening. I had to and quickly because not a single care was given to Duke and their accomplishments. Back and forth and back and forth the match went and after the close of the 1st half, Duke led 30 - 28. I thought maybe, just maybe, my school had found its form. I'll briefly run through the 2nd half.

The 2nd half was upon us and there was no slowing this team down. All the clapping and cheering in the world couldn't buy Duke a vowel and LeHigh was out for blood. I'll save you all the trouble and just get to it, #15 seed LeHigh beat #2 Duke 75 -70 and has advanced to the next round. My heart is heavy and I want to crawl under a rock and hide but after all the heckling and nonsense I tweeted, I must give credit where credit is due. Therefore, congratulations LeHigh. You guys played tough and kept steadfast.

Now readers, don't get it twisted, I'm still a tad bit angry but at the end of the day, it's just a game, and just a team. I will always bleed Duke blue and it's on the next one & on to baseball season.

XOXO,
Whitney