Countdown to Craziness was actually crazy

After going to Countdown to Craziness last year during Parents’ Weekend, my mom insisted that I go again this year.

I was a little reluctant to take time out of my studying schedule to do anything – let alone anything non-resume-building. As a sophomore engineering student, this time of year is crazy.

But my mom insisted.

My best friend and I got to Countdown to Craziness around 6PM, knowing that it would start around seven and we had to get in the walk-up line.

To our extreme dismay, we stumble upon a huge line–literally hundreds of people waiting just to get in. After unsuccessfully trying to cut the line multiple times, we found ourselves almost at the very back wondering if we would make it into Cameron at all.

Hundreds of people stream into the student section, and we’re finally at the front. We enter Cameron and there are already high-energy performances going on, but we’re here to see some basketball. As the last performer is announced we’re thinking “Finally!”

Then, “The Yo-Yo Guy” comes on. And he is amazing. My mouth dropped at least twelve times. I almost wanted him to keep going more than I wanted the countdown to begin.

But at last the countdown starts.

Some hype-up videos are played and the crowds ooh and aah with every play on the screen. Some highlights from the National Championship game last year are played, and I think we all teared up a little.

Then, the 2015 Championships banner was revealed. You could really feel the pride in the stadium.

Finally, the players are introduced, and there’s a level of energy unmatched by any other college basketball stadium.

My favorite part of the whole event was when Coach K honored Paul Modrich, the winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. I really teared up then.

Overall, very glad my mom insisted I attend. My excitement levels for the season are much higher–and Paul Modrich is adorable.