Among the more surprising moments following the University of Louisville basketball team’s 73-57 win over Notre Dame Saturday is the sudden appearance of Tom Jurich carrying the Big East Conference championship trophy like a new born baby.
The answer to the question of how the great magician secured the prize before the issue had ever been decided has to remain a trade secret. But here’s Jurich right on cue, working his magic again.
The sea of photographers, family members, friends, fans and players magically parts to clear the way for Jurich, delivering still another tangible symbol of UofL’s continuing athletic success. One could swear he is engulfed in a mystical cloud as he makes his way across Denny Crum Court with that familiar triumphant smile when something special has happened. So many times with him.
With the win over Notre Dame, the Cardinals captured a share of their second Big East regular-season title. Louisville won its first conference title during the 2008-09 season. U of L secured the No. 2 seed in next week’s Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden and will play the winner of St. John’s-Villanova on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Tom Jurich will be there waiting.
What a splendid Cardinal afternoon/evening! The experience reminded me of how we felt at the end of our last game at Freedom Hall. The experience was what we hoped for and more! The terrific game! The surprise appearance of the Big East trophy! The even bigger surprise of the leis!! The emotional connections with Gorgui and Payton!
Those were exactly my sentiments when I saw Jurich walking in with the trophy. Love seeing that smile of his during these special moments. They just keep coming.