It is the best time of the year again when the global phenomenon starts. As of March 16, March Madness has begun. All around the world people submit their brackets in hopes to win the championship. The selection show was broadcasted across the nation and teams were ranked by a committee of people. Certain teams will get larger bids compared to others; the better teams will get higher slots like No.1. March Madness is the biggest tournament in basketball history for both men and women.
The tournament will start on March 20 and will conclude on April 7. The history of March Madness is impactful and goes back years. The first men’s tournament took place in 1939. The tournament began with eight total teams and Oregon took home the first title against Ohio State. The tournament grew to 16 teams in 1951, then the teams doubled to 32 in 1975.
“March Madness has come so far, both the boys and the girls. Even though the men’s is more popular than the women’s tournament, they both are a big deal,” Mia Kirtley ‘26 Said.
Now the tournament has 64 teams as of 1985. The term “March Madness” was first used by Henry V. Porter, a high school official out of Illinois. 86 years later, the NCAA tournament is one of the most competitive tournaments a college basketball player can play in.
Why do people take part in March Madness? Is it because of the competitive nature, the love for basketball, or the fact people are bored, and it would be the only thing on TV? Well, Ohio State did a research study on why people get involved with March Madness.
“Most of us have never competed in sports at a high level, we relate more with the underdog than the powerhouse, so it’s nice to see the little guy win,” sports psychologist Chelsi Day said to Health.osu.edu.
The competitive nature of each game gives people the desire to win. People love to be on the edge of their seats in hopes their team moves on.
“People love March Madness because it is fun for everyone. Whether you’re a huge basketball fan or just filling out brackets for fun, there’s something about a small school beating the big dogs,” former basketball coach Kelly Holly said.
“I always enjoy watching the selection show because I can’t wait to see where teams will place, and I love to hear why they are placed in that ranking,” Jet Cornelius ‘27 said.
March Madness is a fun and competitive tournament, whether or not you are on the court or made your bracket at home. The men’s and women’s tournaments have created merciless spirit across the world which will lead to madness. So, the question is: who do you have to win the championship?
