By Sean Phifer ('10)

The Center for Sports Administration once again hosted an alumni reception at the Final Four in Indianapolis this year. The reception took place on Friday, April 2nd at Jillian’s in downtown Indianapolis. Due to the close proximity of the Final Four location to Athens, over 15 graduate students from both the Class of 2010 and 2011 were able to attend the event. Along with the high number of students attending the event, it was also the largest number of alumni to attend the annual event, according to Executive Director Jim Kahler ('81).

“It was a lot of fun to interact with so many alumni during such an exciting time in high school sports. I got to talk to a few athletic directors, administrators, and even a few coaches,” Taylor Wood (’10) recalled. “This is definitely an event I will make a priority once I’m working in college athletics.”  

A few students were able to attend Final Four games at Lucas Oil Stadium, with each admitting the craze in Indianapolis caused them to jump on the Butler bandwagon.

“When I first walked into Lucas Oil, I was in awe. While still a large venue, it was great to be in such a cool atmosphere to watch both national semifinals and the championship,” commented Garrett Munro (’10).

With next year’s Final Four moving to Reliant Stadium in Houston, there may not be as many student attendees, but hopefully the momentum with alumni that started in Indy will carry over to the Lone Star State.