One Illinois fan on campus hoped for the best

April 7, 2005
By Dan Tomlin
Sports Editor

He didn't take a jump shot. In fact he didn't even lace up his shoes.
Clad in just an Illinois basketball t-shirt, his lucky Rock Falls basketball shorts, and white furry slippers, Matt Glick was ready to watch his Illini win a national championship.

With aspirations of trading in his current Illinois shirt for one with the emblem National Champions on it, Glick's tireless trip around St. Ambrose began.

Glick, a long-time Illinois fan was in a raucous mood as many of his Iowa companions rooted against the Fighting Illini on principle alone.

"I was really fired up for the Illini after I noticed the Hawkeyes weren't playing for the Championship," Glick said while shooting a look to a half dozen Hawks' fans.

Early in the first half Glick was more than happy to be entertained by making friendly wagers on each three-point shot that tickled the net.

Glick made his was from townhouse to townhouse enjoying the festivities of the night and the company of fellow Ambrosians.

Despite his best cheering, the Illini trailed at halftime by a baker's dozen.
For Glick the only remedy was to return to his home base and try to make something happen for the Illini even if it was just superstitious.

After returning to his safe haven, the Illini almost as if spurned by Glick's return began to break down the Tar Heel defense.

Near the end of the game the Illini had tied the game up with less then 90 seconds to play.
"When I got back from the townhouses I thought if Illinois could come back from 15 they could do anything.... Turns out they couldn't," Glick said.

"The one thing I did notice while going from place to place was that even though most people are from Iowa, deep down they love Illinois."

After the outcome had finally been determined, and for the 100 time in a row Illinois was denied a National Championship, Glick could only mourn and think about what might have been.

"I don't know," Glick said. " I may not even finish school, I may just move with my family to North Carolina."

Through all the hardship and pain of a five point loss, Glick kept an open mind and was able to keep it all in perspective.

"At least I can still play the video game," Glick said while slinking back in his recliner still visibly upset about the loss.

"I'm ranked no. 2 in the latest poll on there."

While virtually Glick may be able to win a National Title, the reality of being denied an actual Championship left bitter feelings in Glick's loins.

"Tonight cannot be put into words," Glick said, and with that walked into his room shut his door and decided to call it a season.

Back to the SPORTS-PAGE or "The Buzz" HOMEPAGE