March Madness is officially here. As some of the mid-major tournaments got started this week, we want to take a look back at some of the best runs in tournament history.



Did you forget: ‘Dunk City’? Named for the high-flying Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. When a 15-seed upsets a 2-seed, typically the reaction depends on how much it messed up your bracket. Or maybe, you were the person who closed your eyes and picked, or maybe you did it by mascots? had your dog choose it for you? Either way, for most people, a 15-seed winning usually causes pandemonium.



In 2013, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles took the pandemonium to another level. Before their victory, a fifteen seed had only beaten a two seed 6 times. When they prevailed over the Georgetown Hoyas (78-68), they stole the show with high-flying dunks, crazy alley-oops, and amazing energy. There are a lot of one-hit wonders in March Madness, but not this team. Two days later, the Eagles took flight again and defeated San Diego State (81-71). They became the first 15-seed to make it to the Sweet 16. Their run came to an end when they fell to the third-seeded Florida Gators.



The team’s victory didn’t stop there, they were unanimously inducted into the FGCU Hall of Fame, as well as won the ESPY for Best Upset of the Year. Then head coach Andy Enfield (who happened to make THIRTEEN times less than Georgetown head coach John Thompson III), parlayed his success at FGCU into the head job at USC.



This is what March is all about, David vs. Goliath. When David gets the opportunity to get into the arena, their talent shows. It gives student-athletes all across the country the opportunity to be seen, make a name for themselves, and go down in college basketball history. Many lives change every year, Andy Enfield is a great example of that. 11 years later, it’s my honor to still be talking about the magical 2013 run of Florida Gulf Coast, and I can’t wait to write about more this year.