“Upbeat woman in her 80s who loves UVM basketball games and going to restaurants with friends, seeking a housemate to share light support and companionship; maybe find a favorite TV show to enjoy together!”
A South Burlington, Vermont woman needed a roommate. Recently, she posted an ad (most of it is above) in the Seven Days newspaper. What matters most to her? Apparently, it’s Vermont Catamount basketball. Blizzards cannot keep this woman away from Tom Brennan Court at Patrick Gymnasium to see her beloved men and women Cats.
So I put together an itinerary of five activities, in addition to watching games, for this passionate woman and her new roomie.
Maureen and John (photo courtesy of the Kansas City Star)
For the uninformed, Vermont men’s coach John Becker and Vermont women’s coach Maureen Magarity are married. It’s something right out of a rom-com. However, during the season, quality time is an arduous proposition for the couple. Often, the men are on the road when the women are at home and vice versa.
It’s G O O D !! Down go the Orange. (photo courtesy of The Vermont Cynic)
Anyway, that’s where I come in. We’ll spend many an evening strategizing on how their paths can cross more. After the season, we’ll petition the America East Conference to have their teams play doubleheaders at the same venue.
We’ll relive, play by glorious play, the women’s back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons in 1991 and 1992. Of course, we’ll rewatch the 2005 Syracuse upset, and we’ll take turns mimicking broadcaster Gus Johnson’s iconic call.
When we dine in, we’ll attempt to cook up some of Vermont legend Momma Gucc’s all-time classics. It won’t be easy. With meatballs, Momma Gucc was Hall of Fame caliber.
Before we get some shut-eye, we’ll write and sing Vermont-basketball-related songs. The title of our first song? Sorrentine From The Parking Lot.
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Jon Hart wrote Man versus Ball: One Ordinary Guy and His Extraordinary Sports Adventures.
