TOM CREAN!

Marion High School has a player who will be going to INDIANA UNIVERSITY next year to play basketball. Jackson is so excited that my Mom and Guy got us season tickets to Marion's games this year. I wasn't excited at first. I mean what fun-loving semi-adult dreams of going to high school basketball games? Not this one. I was wrong not to be excited. James Blackmon, Jr. is the real deal and the game was more fun than any I attended when I was actually in high school.

Also worth noting, Blackmon, Jr. tweeted before the game (yes, my grown husband follows a high school kid that we do not know on Twitter. Try not to focus on the weirdness of that one, friends.) that TOM CREAN- Indiana University's coach- would be at the game to see him play. SOLD! We didn't have much time to make a poster so I quickly printed out a little sign to hold up for Tom. Jackson was mortified before we even left Upland and was CERTAIN we'd not meet Tom Crean. You'd think he'd learn by now that I generally get what I want.... :)

How embarrassed does Jackson look?
 

The seats that my mom waited out in the cold to get (I'm not kidding. These tickets were a hot item this year!) were AWESOME! We were right behind the press people. 

Blackmon, Jr. is #24

I kept my eyes peeled for Tom Crean. My hairstylist, friend and fellow IU basketball devotee, Danielle Jones, was at the game too so we were texting each other with updates on Crean's arrival. THEN he walked in. HOORAY!

The first guy in red standing up under the #4 sign

I held up my little COACH CREAN'S FAN CLUB sign. Thankfully I'd made one for Jackson, too. When he wouldn't hold it up, the guy next to us did. Who is that guy? Oh Zach Randolph's brother-in-law. Yes, Zach Randolph of Marion Giant and now NBA fame. He wasn't too good to be a fan with me, Jackson! Anyway, COACH CREAN SAW MY SIGN AND THREW HIS HEAD BACK LAUGHING! I decided now was the time. Danielle met me and we walked over to Tom at the break between the 1st and 2nd quarter. He said, "I love your sign! Thank you so much! How are you ladies? IU Fans?! I LOVE THAT! Can I sign your little sign? That made my night!" I happily handed my sign over and then he shook my hand and we wished him well.

Tom signing my sign

Yes- that did happen

WINNER! WINNER! WINNER! Jackson didn't think I had a chance at meeting Tom. I love when people doubt me. Eventually Tom Crean posed for photos with fans and stuff, but I'd already spent my time with him. I consider us old friends now and I wanted to respect his space. You know how that goes. HA! ;)

James Blackmon, Jr. had 54 points all by himself and broke the school's record (set by his dad who is now the coach of the team!). It was such a fun game to attend. I am already excited for the next one. Does that make me an old lady?! EEEK!