one shining moment ...

From: stevo.
To: dusty.
Re: monday night.

“The ball is tipped. And there you are”

(Yup, that’s the original. I was 12. You were 6. In the words of Dave Armstrong … “WOW!”)

Two years ago tonight, in this exact spot, the roles were (somewhat) reversed. Two years ago tonight, the team I bleed Crimson and Blue for, faced what your team faces tonight.

“You’re running for your life! You’re a shooting star”

Win, and attain a greatness no historian can deny.

Lose, and become a footnote on that page in history.

“And all those years, noone knows. Just how hard you worked – but now it shows …”

Two years ago, we traded emails all day long. I thought about posting the chain to make my point, but I don’t think you need reinforcement at this point. Two years ago tonight, I was in your position. The team I love, the team I bleed for, KU, playing for a national championship.

Tonight, the incredible grouping of Scheyer, Singler, Smith. Lance Thomas. (fan voice) ZOOOOOOOOOOO(bek) The Plumlee brothers. Tonight, they face …

“That One Shining Moment,
You reach deep inside.
That One Shining Moment –
You knew, you were alive …”

Tonight, your team faces what my team did two years ago.

And all I can say is, enjoy this for everything its worth.

“It’s the beat of your heart,
It’s the wind in your face;
Its more than a contest,
Its more than a race …”

Trust me when I say this – moments like this come far too often in life. I’m 33. I’ve waited my whole life to see the Chiefs host a chance to reach the Super Bowl, let alone get there. They’ve only played to get there once while I’ve walked this planet. I don’t remember 1985. I don’t remember the Royals other than through Youtube! clips and various stories and pep talks anymore. KU football had one shining moment … and it was doused out at your buddy Mickey’s house in a keg of beer and an avalanche of Chase Daniel touchdowns.

Sure, the Stars won a Stanley Cup … but I witnessed it at a blackjack table in a casino, I was so sure they’d lose Game 6. The Bucks aren’t winning the O’Brien Trophy this year, and the Knicks came so effing close so many effing times … and always came up effing short.

Tonight, this night, your team can do what mine did two years ago.

Achieve a level of greatness only given to a champion.

“And when its done –
Win or lose.
You always did your best,
‘Cause inside you knew …”

You were there with me two years ago, as was Megan, witnessing every tense, dramatic, “oh my effing God” moment of the last 1:56 of KU’s regulation against Memphis. Arthur’s banker to cut it to seven. The steal, then Collins’ three to cut it to four. Arthur’s jumper to cut it to two. Exchange jumpers. Rose misses the first. Hits the second. 10.2 to play. And then …

Let’s just go to the official call …

You witnessed the passion, for lack of a better way to put it. The sheer joy, emotion, complete euphoria, of my team doing something incredible. I literally hit the floor as Mario’s shot went up. Cried as it went in. Pounded the floor like it was legitimately supported.

And hit the fetal position for four minutes after Dorsey’s attempt to win at the buzzer missed.

All while you and the ex laughed, made fun of me, whatever.

Tonight, I want to do the same to you. Laugh. Mock.

Envy.

Tonight, Duke achieves greatness. Tonight, Duke attains its spot as the best program in college basketball. Tonight, Duke raises two middle fingers at every doubter, every denier, and holds the trophy high as the ultimate “eff you” moment.

“That One Shining Moment,
You reached for the sky,
That One Shining Moment you knew …”

Duke 69, Butler 68, on a Chalmers-replica three by Scheyer as time expires.

“One Shining Moment …”

Just please, enjoy it every bit as much as I did. You’ll never forgive yourself if you don’t.

I just hope every Duke fan feels as good Monday night as KU fan did two years ago …