Glory Days: 40 years covering the NCAA

By Ken Davis

March 20, 2019

HARTFORD – When I need inspiration, I turn to Bruce Springsteen. He always has the right words. From his Glory Days: “I hope when I get old I don’t sit around thinking about it. But I probably will.” That’s me. At 60. And celebrating 40 years of NCAA Tournament coverage this weekend at the Hartford Regional.

It just hit me that my first NCAA coverage came in 1979 when I was a student at Kansas. Larry Bird and Sidney Moncrief stopped by Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence and I was waiting. Larry and Indiana State got together with some guy name Magic and Michigan State a couple of weeks later in the NCAA championship game. That changed college hoops forever. My life had changed too – even though I didn’t realize it. I was more focused on graduation and marriage in 1980.

But by 1985 I was covering my first Final Four. Three Big East teams in Lexington. Villanova played the perfect game and upset Georgetown for the title. I had the fever. Later that year we moved to Connecticut. I have not missed the Final Four since.

That streak is likely to end this year. I’m about 99 percent sure it will – for various reasons that I will keep private. For now, I’ll just celebrate 40 years and tell you I’ve been a lucky guy. I’ve seen a lot of great players, coaches, memorable shots and outcomes. Two Kansas titles and four UConn titles.

Pretty special. Getting old. Trying hard to stay in the game – not sitting around and thinking about it. My marriage streak will continue and move on. My wife is my hero for putting up with this for so long – and always having my back.

“Just sitting back trying to recapture a little of the glory.” Thanks Boss.  Getting old. Doing it together.