March Madness

Question: When does March Madness really begin?

Answer: Probably at about eight years old.

Today marks the beginning of the second round of the college basketball single elimination playoffs to determine who will be this year's national champion. But mind you, it's not just one or two games today and tomorrow, but 16 each day. Is it any wonder why it's called "madness?" It's one of the hottest sporting events of the year, especially when it gets down to the final four teams during the first weekend in April.

Sports mavens and odds makers alike pour over regular season game stats in an attempt to predict the final winner. Wagers are made and millions of dollars change hands throughout the two week rush as ravenous college basketball fans follow each game day and night on their smartphones, tablets, and big screen televisions until their hopeful wins or is eliminated.

As for the ten giants on the basketball floor, they are fulfilling a lifelong dream, playing in the national championships. No they don't have zillion dollar NBA contracts, but maybe next year they will. As for now, their focus is on helping their team through the brackets to the sweet sixteen, the elite eight, the final four and ultimately the national championship.

As for our grandson Eli and his friends, they are definitely March Madness hopefuls - for 2022, that is.