(Boston, Massachusetts)

I was thrilled to see the St. Mary's College Gaels win the West Coast Conference Basketball Championship last night. The upset win over Gonzaga means the Gaels get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament!

I am a student at St. Mary's, working on my doctorate. I also attended Marquette and Florida, so I hope they both make the tournament as well.

Both of the latter are big schools. It's the size of St. Mary's which makes this win so special. Nestled on a beautiful campus in the hills above San Francisco Bay, it has only about three thousand students, but remains a powerhouse in the world of academics and, sometimes, athletics, too!

The win was big, 81 to 62. Congratulations to #50, center Omar Samhan, who played at San Ramon Valley High in Danville. Cheers to coach Randy Bennett, who has built a world-class program in his nine years as coach.

Where will the Gaels play in the first round? I am not sure yet, but the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, RI, is hosting first-round games, so maybe I will get to go.

Now, where can I find a St, Mary's College t-shirt on the East Coast?

"Go Gaels!" And may the luck o' the Irish be with you!