Fahrbach’s Slideshow: Butler vs. Gonzaga; fan reaction to historic win
IndySportsLegends.com asked fans to share their thoughts on the thrilling victory on a day Butler hosted ESPN’s “College GameDay” for the first time. Below is a sampling of responses we received.
“We have had season tickets for 11 years, and all my family has graduated from Butler. Needless to say, we have seen the Bulldogs when we were lucky to win home games. We have attended the Final Four in 2010, last year’s win over Purdue at the Crossroads Classic and the latest IU win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Over the years, we have been at Hinkle Fieldhouse with a full house, but I know it never had the excitement, noise level and heart-stopping plays that Saturday night provided! ESPN could not have asked for a better Event Day, the best game this year so far with the best two “mid-majors” in America at our beloved Hinkle Fieldhouse!”
— Dave Ruehrschneck
“With regards to my feelings during and after the win, they are much different from other people’s. Throughout the game there was a sense that Butler was capable of winning and the further it progressed with Butler hanging around then it turned to feeling we would pull the upset — kind of like a boxing match with BU coming out strong to open up a lead.
Then each time Gonzaga fought back someone would score to keep the Zags at bay….until the final 90 seconds when the lead changed hands six times. Even when GU scored with 4.6 seconds left to take the lead, I felt we would win, but that disappeared when [Alex] Barlow traveled just feet in front of my vantage point. Over the years I’ve learned not to get too emotional about the games. But since coach [Brad] Stevens took over the program I’m so proud of what our program has done on/off the court.
After the games I watch as fans/kids wait for the players to emerge from the dressing room so they can have pictures taken and get autographs from the Dawgs. Our players realize they are role models and always seem to represent themselves and their school extremely well. Brad and his staff have made a few mistakes in recruiting. But for the most part they have recruited players that buy into the “Butler Way.” Most are not more than a one-star or two-star recruit but put “team” over “self” when it comes to the playing.
I was not able to rush the floor or participate in other gala celebrations since I’m the game timer for Butler games and our work doesn’t allow. But it doesn’t keep me from bursting with pride when my Bulldawgs win another game.”
— Gary Nash
Photos of the game, courtesy of Ben Fahrbach:
