BETWEEN THE LINES: March offers something for everyone
Life is more enjoyable when we have upcoming events in our lives that interest us. Consequently, some times of the year we greet with greater anticipation than others, such as Christmas. My long-term readers should know by now that March is one of my favorite months for several reasons.
There was a time, especially in my youth, when I looked forward to winters with the prospect of a white Christmas. However, a move to Texas after my freshman year in high school changed things a bit.
Winters no longer have a mystique for me, so I am eager to shed nature’s dormant look for the blooms of spring. Unlike last year’s dry and unseasonably cold winter, Central Texans were fortunate enough to have had a wet and mild one this year. Consequently, the prospects for an excellent wildflower season look promising. Watching parents taking pictures of their children in fields of bluebonnets has always brought a smile to my face.
Nature exploding in a plethora of colors is invigorating. It sets the table for what has been coined "March Madness." The blooming mountain laurels around the Frank Erwin Center in Austin means it is time for high school state basketball tournaments.
This year was my 38th girls state basketball tournament to attend, but it was the first one I shared with my daughter, Ashley, who is a freshman basketball coach at Brownwood High School. I am a basketball junkie, having played, coached and refereed the sport for years. It was fun to talk with her about the game I love so much.
My favorite contests are the ones involving the smaller schools. It seems like the entire town turns out for the game. One team from each of the four regions in each classification advances to state, where two semifinal games are played with the winners advancing to the finals.
This year, I was most interested in watching the 3A semifinal game between defending state champion Abilene Wylie and local favorite Liberty Hill. One thing I have learned it is very difficult for a team making its first appearance in the state tournament to defeat a team that has been there the previous year. There is no substitute for experience.
Wylie once again proved that to be true as they defeated Liberty Hill and Celina in route to the championship. It was a similar story in the 2A division with Brock defeating Jim Ned and Poth on the way to a fourth consecutive title.
Next is the boys state championship, which runs simultaneous with the NCAA conference championships. The balance of the month will see the madness commence in earnest as "bracketology" takes center stage, resulting in a host of office pools.
March also features a host of live music venues as SXSW rolls into Austin. Truly, there is something for everyone in March, be it the annual kite-flying contest at Zilker Park or the ever popular Capital 10K Run.
It is a good feeling knowing fun activities are on the horizon. So let’s get out and enjoy the moment before the dog days of summer arrive and our mood turns sour.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 13 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, email ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.