As some of my colleagues know, I love to sing. We could debate about my taste in music. We could debate about my talent – I like to think I am not bad, but I probably sound better after everyone has had a few drinks at a karaoke bar.

I have to tell you how nervous I have been this year. I am sure most of us look at the standings, especially if we are doing well. But I have a unique reason – when I enter the winners into the database, I go to the standings to make sure it is updating correctly. There are normally a few names of past winners that catch my eye, but it is somewhat rare for me to see my own name up there. I guess even the Lunatic gets lucky from time to time.

So you can imagine how giddy I was when at one point that I saw myself in 2nd – as Jack Richter was the only one ahead of me. I tried not to think about it – don’t open up my heart to get broken. But I could feel the hope starting to come.

Then, we all know I would like my Boilers to make the Final Four. So, as Kentucky and Baylor lost and the East Region starts to break down, I get even more hope growing in me. You can imagine how insane I was as Purdue would stretch their lead to double digits against Texas, and then let them come all the way back. I know the heartbreak is likely coming – at the end of the day only 1 of the 16 teams will be truly happy.

But with all this hope growing, this one song has gotten stuck in my head. The artist I probably listen to the most is Taylor Swift – and so just imagine a 48 year old middle aged man singing a Taylor Swift song at the top of his lungs. I am sure Taylor had other things in mind – but the lyrics can be strangely stretched into how I feel.

I can’t decide if it’s a choice

Getting swept away

I hear the sound of my own voice

Asking you to stay

And all we are is skin and bone

Trained to get along

Forever going with the flow

But you’re friction

This slope is treacherous

This path is reckless

This slope is treacherous

I, I, I like it

Two headlights shine through the sleepless night

And I will get you and get you alone

Your name has echoed through my mind

And I just think you should, think you should know

That nothing safe is worth the drive

And I will follow you, follow you home

I’ll follow you, follow you home

This hope is treacherous

This daydream is dangerous

This hope is treacherous

I, I, I LIKE IT!!!!!