Rogers Park erupts
Rogers Park rejoices as Loyola’s amazing run reaches Final Four
It was pandemonium in Rogers Park on Saturday as the clock ticked down and the Loyola Ramblers punched their ticket to the Final Four, continuing their improbable journey in the madness that is March.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Loyola junior Mary Kate Martell said among throngs of fans off- campus at the Bulldog Ale House. “It’s really indescribable, that’s the only way to describe it.”
The Ramblers’ journey in the tourney has been nothing short of extraordinary. Few thought the ride would take them to San Antonio.
When Loyola beat Miami in the first round 64- 62, heads were turned. In the second round when the team advanced past Tennessee 63- 62 for its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 1985, jaws dropped.
After knocking off Nevada Thursday and now Kansas State, no one is surprised by this team anymore.
“Campus has literally exploded within the last two weeks,” Loyola junior Sophia Pasajlic said. “Everyone is so proud of this team. Everyone is so proud to be a Rambler.”
Saturday night against Kansas State, the explosion grew even bigger. The Ramblers poured it on from the start, and by the end of their 7862 victory, the streets of Rogers Park were flooded with maroon and gold.
Inside Bulldog Ale House, all that was audible was the chant: “Final Four! Final Four! Final Four!”
There may not have been lofty expectations when Loyola embarked on this mad run, but now fans have just one thing on their minds.
“We have to go all the way,” Loyola senior Michael Gross said. “I don’t mean just make it, we have to win it.”