When I came to Binghamton University as a young, carefree freshman four years ago, I never expected to have a serious interest in the athletic department. I planned to occasionally root for the basketball team, and nothing more. For all I knew, that was the only good sport at this school. But somewhere down the line, I developed a true passion and love for Binghamton sports and my school spirit could rival that of any student.

After four years of writing, editing, headlining and designing for Pipe Dream Sports, I have been exposed to every facet of Bearcats athletics. While a few sports still fail to provide me entertainment, I have seen every Binghamton team in action with the exception of one (that includes all men’s and women’s teams).

My love for BU athletics is undeniable, and with that in mind, I wanted to look back and see all that has happened. Without a doubt, I think this 2009-10 year has been the brightest in Bearcats history ‘ with three America East titles already in the hands of Binghamton teams and a good chance at a fourth with the baseball team still in season. Nearly every team across the board either improved on their previous year or matched it; some obliterated what they did last year. An awesome year made for a nice senior send-off.

Softball more than tripled its win total from last year; the wrestling team set a program record for wins, won its first-ever conference championship and sent six wrestlers to the NCAA. The men’s cross country took a giant leap in program success by winning the AE championship in dominant fashion and sending a runner to the NCAA. The men’s track and field team finished a program-best second place at the AE outdoor meet. The women’s soccer team set a program-record for AE win-percentage en route to AE runner-up honors in the regular season and championship. The men’s tennis team continued its dynasty by sweeping through the AE championship, completing a three-peat and getting ranked as high as 43rd in the nation. The volleyball team shocked the Bearcats sports world by upsetting defending champion Albany in the AE title game to capture its second-ever crown. How can a year where so many teams shattered records and defied odds not be considered the greatest ever?

The men’s basketball team deserves a shout-out. The whole scandal of this past year broke my heart. I am a die-hard basketball fan, and as I already have established, a die-hard Bearcats fan; the ensuing combination made me a fanatic for our men’s basketball team. Their fall from grace truly was difficult to endure, but I give the remaining team a lot of credit for taking a talent-lacking squad and making them a contender in the conference and subsequently an honor to cover as the beat writer for Pipe Dream. I will always love Binghamton basketball and when I make visits back to this campus, you can be sure that I will return to the Events Center at least one more time.

What will stick with me the most after graduating will be the men’s basketball team’s run to their first title. I was with them at every game in Albany and had the honor of storming the court three times last season. I will never forget that the Bearcats won it all and made it the Big Dance while I was at BU. Up there with the best of memories is the men’s soccer success that started my freshman year. Winning the title on our home field was unforgettable and it was my first time rushing anything as I stormed out to celebrate the overtime win.

I have to thank this awesome paper for getting me so interested and invested in the daily happenings of our school’s sports teams. At a school like Binghamton, where athletics are not a primary focus and the student support is lacking in many areas, it’s hard to find a fan like me who truly roots for any team called the Binghamton Bearcats. When the women’s lacrosse team won its second-ever conference game, breaking a six-year drought, I was elated, and that is a sport that I do not enjoy watching. All in all, my experience at this paper has shaped me as the fan I am today. I am graduating and I am leaving behind a lot more than just Pipe Dream, but I feel as if I can say I did all I could while at BU. Rooting for the Bearcats has been fun and unforgettable, and I will always cherish it. Let’s go Bearcats!