The miracle of March Madness is upon us

I am not an avid basketball fan.

I enjoy watching a game here and there, and shooting hoops from time to time, but I would rather watch football if given the choice.

Part of it is because the game has changed even in the few years since I dabbled in the sport and part of it is because the season feels extremely long.

But when March Madness comes around, I'm as glued to the television as the next sports fan.

What I appreciate about the tournament is the urgency and the democracy.

Being a one-and-done tournament makes every game a must-win and requires the best out of each player from start to finish. I enjoy seeing players adopting the intensity of the game and making it their own for 40 minutes at a time.

The democracy of the tournament is harder to explain.

If you have never watched a basketball game before, catch a game in the first round or two and you'll get a basic understanding of current college basketball.

In the early rounds, pick a team you want to follow whether it's because they're a local favorite like Gonzaga, or because you like their mascot, and you have an opportunity to see a team playing at their best.

I'm not suggesting everyone should become a "bandwagon" fan of a team for a few weeks each March, but I am suggesting this tournament is an opportunity to become invested in a sport you might not have enjoyed previously.

I tend to fall along rivalry lines and personal preferences when looking at teams to watch during the tournament.

This year won't be any different.

I'll probably follow Gonzaga, Cincinnati, Michigan and Louisville, and cheer for any team opposing the Huskies for the next three weeks.

I'll be sad if, and when, losses come and I'll be happy when wins are recorded.

I hope you'll do the same.

Happy March Madness!

Pam Robel is the paginator for the Columbia Basin Herald. Her editor just smiles at her, and sports reporter Alan Dale's, enthusiasm for college basketball. He doesn't quite get it.