The last time I was at 4th Street live we were celebrating a Final Four run in 2012. That was my son’s very first Cardinal event. He returned to 4th Street Live with me again today to celebrate the Cardinal’s move into the ACC. During the event this evening I reflected on how the Louisville program has gradually made the climb to be a major power player in my lifetime, and while watching my 2-year-old son hugging the ACC mascots, getting his face painted, and dancing to the Alma mater I wondered what the program will be like during his.
When I was 2 years old Louisville was in the Missouri Valley Conference and the Football program was a D1 Independent. And while basketball has always found a way to thrive the other sports and athletic programs as a whole were merely surviving. Today my son’s Louisville program became a member of one of the most prestigious conferences in college sports. Today my son and I got to share in a transformational moment and one that will elevate the Louisville athletic program to the highest level in college athletics.
It was a huge day for the University of Louisville and I couldn’t be happier for our student-athletes, administration, and coaches. They are the ones who have put in the time and the effort to make this day possible. But I’m also very happy for Cardinal Fans. They are the ones who spend their money to go to the games, they are the ones who buy Cardinal merchandise, and they are the ones who have stayed loyal through thick and thin. Even when we had to watch football games at the old Cardinal stadium. The enthusiasm and passion of Cardinal Nation are second to none and it deserves the best.
I am the happiest for my son. Today his Louisville program has a very solid foundation and is thriving in a very competitive landscape. His Louisville Cardinals are miles ahead of where mine was in 1974, and the energy and excitement that will derive from this move to the ACC project some great memories for him in the future.
