A visit to little Davidson
Posted by frankpos on March 30, 2008
First before the Davidson game today, here are some pics and insights. Then later today or tomorrow, I’ll post some UNC game musings and insights.
Davidson. Think Bellarmine meets Ivy League.
Situated in a small historic town of Davidson only a few minutes from Charlotte, the campus is a gorgeous blend of of landscaped , rolling hills and flowering gardens, beautiful old buildings, and a fun and quirky turn-of -the -century Main St. with little shops including an old soda fountain, where you can get cherry phosphates and Coke floats.
It’s at least $40,000/yr to attend this little liberal arts gem. Like Duke, it’s filled with Northerners–but without the obnoxious ego of the Dookies.
In fact, it was refreshing to see the small town spirit. When they reached the Sweet 16, the alumni put out the word that they’d paid the way for ANY student who wanted to go to Detroit for the game. Within an hour, 275 had signed up–overwhelming the planned buses.
Finally, Friday morning at 5am, they jammed about 400 students in 7 buses. When they won the game that night, another 200 got on more buses this morning.
Davidson plays it’s home games in a , uhh, small arena (see above.)
As I strolled the campus, I asked one of the professors about the gym.
“We really packed them in the last game, ” he said. I asked him how many people.
“6300!” he proudly declared. I asked him if they sold out their games.
“Well, no, not that many. It is a small school and town, ” he replied.
The student center (above) was ready to party Friday night– and I’m sure it was wild.
I will say this –it was a bit like entering a Twilight Zone for a basketball fan from Kentucky. Their colors are Cardinal red –but they are the Davidson Wildcats.
A refreshing little, good-feeling story. Go Davidson!
Ernie Muppet said
You have a smart sister, friend. And a nice blog. :)
frankpos said
Thanks for the kind words again, Jordan. I’ll get to workin’ on it!
BTW, I miss your column and thoughts.
Ernie, my sister went to Bellarmine and starred in BBall, so I do love the Knights. And I’m up for playing them! Just happened to be in the area where Davidson is.
Ernie Muppet said
Forget Davidson, go Bellarmine! Looking forward to more of the Knights playing your Cards on the hardwood. Scotty Davenport has a very nice recruiting class coming in…