When it's over is it really over?

So I think now is a time I can write about what it was like to lose in the NCAA Tournament.

It sucks.

And I was just a manager who didn't go through pre-season workouts, or strength and conditioning sessions.

After losing in the NCAA Tournament I was lost. I remember standing in the parking lot at Boston College and being lost. I saw all the seniors crying and being consoled by friends and family. I didn't know what to do or say to them, so I got as far away from them as I could. I felt bad and couldn't figure out how to proceed.

The coaches seemed to handle it best. You never know how exactly they will take the situation, but they were calm. Sad, but calm. Calmer than I expected actually.

Some players were with families for a while and others went straight for the bus. Those players that went to the bus were the ones I ran into when I put the camera and tripod back on the bus. They were DEAD SILENT. I couldn't tell if they were more sad or more pissed off. I didn't dare say a word. I didn't even want to look at them. I put the things on the bus as quickly as I could and got off. (As a matter of fact I was SO happy that I had my own car that I would drive back in) I think I felt that way because no matter what I said or did nothing could have made them feel better. It would be like telling someone who broke their leg, lost their job, got divorced and lost their two best friends in the same day that it will all work out in the end. It doesn't make them feel any better. Only time could heel the wounds of the end of a season.

Some fans and people far away from the situation think that the athletes need to just work harder after they lose. They lost so they need to run more or watch more film. That's not necessarily the case. Having a break, and taking a break is a good thing. It recharges batteries. Having off days are healthy and necessary. Having a lot of time off after a season is important for the players.