Glass slipper

Novelist Jack London once said, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."\nThe George Mason Patriots men's basketball team has obtained its inspiration not by being relentless with a rather large stick, but rather by being persistent, selfless and unyielding. And it did so not only with its basketball skills. \nThe Patriots' participation as an 11th seed in the 2006 Men's NCAA College Basketball Tournament has opened up quite a few eyes. With four huge wins during the last two weeks, they are now heading to Indianapolis to compete on a national stage at the 2006 Final Four. Plenty of first and second-round "upsets" occurred in the tournament, but the amazing thing is that such a "small" team has made it so far.\nAny knowledgeable basketball fan would know that IU Big Ten-rival Michigan State, the University of North Carolina and the University of Connecticut are well known for their basketball prowess -- but all of these teams have gone down to George Mason. In that order (with Wichita State in between), this relatively unknown school from Fairfax, Va., has fought and won against the best teams scholarships can buy. A group of pesky, defiant players didn't care who they played; rather, they were glad that they had the opportunity to play. \nRemind you of any other group, Hoosier fans? \nThe 1954 Milian Indians took on the Muncie Central Bearcats in the Championship game of the Indiana State High School Basketball Tournament. It was a tale that touched the hearts of their audience. A little movie that many of you might know staring Gene Hackman -- "Hoosiers" -- delved into this subject upon its release in 1986. A bunch of underdogs played more experienced, talented, higher profiled opponents. Nobody thought they had a chance, except themselves. The comparisons between the two teams are noteworthy. \nGeorge Mason is a Hickory High School knockoff. And right down to the psychological speeches that inspired the team, George Mason coach Jim Larranaga is a modern-day Norman Dale. While there isn't a star player like Jimmy Chitwood on the George Mason team, a collective group of players like Lamar Butler, Jai Lewis and Tony Skinn have carried the load for the Patriots. \nIU had a magical run to the Final Four in 2002. Hopefully, George Mason can win against Florida Saturday and beat either Louisiana State or UCLA next Monday night in order to obtain what just eluded IU in 2002 -- a National Championship. It would be fitting for a team that resembled the many characteristics that define typical Indiana basketball -- toughness, heart and teamwork. \n"Hoosiers Part Deux," if you will. \nGo Patriots, I say. Anyone else want to join me? \nGoing back to the London quote, George Mason has gone after others with heavy artillery; let's hope some more can further the "miracle" and magical ride of the Patriots. Their conference, the Colonial Athletic Association, is now being recognized as are all the other "small" schools. They are representing the "little people" with pride. The big boys are falling. It's time for the small guys to have their voices heard.