Our View: LBSU’s March Madness run should build pride

Break out your black and gold Long Beach State because the 49ers are back in March Madness.

In their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2007, the Long Beach State men’s basketball team has finally made it back to the big dance. Led by senior Casper Ware, the 49ers had an incredible season netting big wins against Xavier and Pittsburg on the road.

Long Beach State almost completed an undefeated season in Big West play, but CSU Fullerton took that away in the final game of the season, giving us another reason to despise the Titans.

The 49ers also had to overcome their nemesis UC Santa Barbara-who had beaten the 49ers in the previous two Big West tournament finals-to make it as a 12th seed in March Madness.

Long Beach State was picked to play the New Mexico Lobos in last weekend’s Selection Sunday event. They play this Thursday at 1:10 p.m. PST on TBS, which gives us students, faculty and alumni all the reason to show some Long Beach State pride.

Unless you have a class at this time you should show up at the Nugget on campus or at Legends down over on 2nd Street to cheer for the team.

Unfortunately, Oregon is too far away for the Long Beach faithful to travel to, but just wearing black and yellow will be enough to support The Beach.

Competing in March Madness on a national stage is a great opportunity for our basketball program and our school as well.

We have been getting little coverage all season long, but if our team can go deep into the tournament, ESPN will not be able to ignore us anymore.

When Long Beach State brought head coach Dan Monson in to rejuvenate a historically dominant team the expectations were high. Monson had been known to take mid-major teams and bring them to the spotlight in the NCAA Tournament. Monson had led the University of Minnesota Gophers to the big dance once and the Gonzaga Bulldogs to a magical run that took them to the Elite Eight.

If the 49ers can get deep into the tournament this year there is a good chance our sports programs can recruit some big-time stars to our school. Long Beach State basketball usually recruits local stars, but that recruitment circle can only grow bigger if the team plays well.

A deep run can also bring together a separated student body, bringing more pride back to our college than ever before. This could be the distraction student’s need from the stress of the school year and the inevitable rise of student fees.

So don’t be afraid to be loud and proud this Thursday and for the rest of Long Beach State’s run in March Madness. Wear the school’s colors, tweet about Ware’s insane three-point shots and huddle up with friends around the television set. Monson has been grooming our team for greatness since he arrived. It’s our turn to shine.