Roger Lajoie operates Triumph Sports Communications, a leader in providing editorial, broadcast and public relations services.

Roger's weekly sports column "The Rog's Rant" is now available here every Monday.

The Rog's Rant

Final Four second to none among major events

ATLANTA – Attended my sixth straight Final Four last week and once again, I was amazed by what a tremendous event it is.

In my previous column I talked about how many Canadians need the approval or blessing of Americans before they catch on to something, citing the Stephen Colbert publicity for junior hockey as an example.

There is one thing I wish that Canadians would pick up from Americans, however, and that is that country’s love of amateur athletics. You have to apologize in Canada to talk about Canadian college and amateur teams while in the U.S. they are celebrated.

And celebrated is the right word to use too – the Final Four is a celebration of American sports and despite the usual over-hype, it’s all good in my books.

Give the Americans credit on this one – they put on a show that is second to none. The atmosphere in the arena is electric. The format is terrific. The TV coverage is dynamic. Heck, even if you don’t watch a single game all season you can’t help but get caught up in all of the hoopla.

Never mind the fact that this year’s tournament was a bit of a dud, at least in terms of dramatic finishes. Never mind that the final game was anti-climatic.

The Final Four is all about the show, the spectacle that sports can be. The marching bands, the rabid fans, the intense and high level competition – it really is more about the show and the trappings than it is about the game.

One other thing that Americans need to be saluted about as well, and that’s the behavior of the fans, especially in light of what we’ve seen recently in Europe with soccer fans.

At the final NCAA tournament game Monday night, there were fans of Ohio State wearing green colors sitting right next to fans of the Florida Gators in their orange both cheering loudly for their teams. Some of them were wild, passionate fans – but not a hint of violence or any trouble between them, just good natured ribbing.

While there have been a few incidents of trouble at American sports venues, they are nothing in comparison to the horrible violence we have seen at soccer games in Europe.

As I said last time, it really bugs me that sometimes Canadians need the blessing of Americans to really appreciate things. I meant that criticism more of Canadians than of Americans however – Canadians should think for themselves about what they like or don’t like.

But one thing Americans should be applauded for – and imitated for as well – is how they celebrate amateur athletics and how they put on a show.

Sure, the hype is excessive but I love the Final Four. In my mind it’s all good, all good indeed.

Comments on The Rant of March 22 on Americans influencing Canadians:

“Bang on about that The Rog – from music to sports to movies, if you don’t make it in the USA, you can’t make it in Canada.” – Dennis in Pickering

“Just what is Canadian culture anyway? Outside of Hockey Night in Canada, what defines us as Canadians? Excellent points in your last column, we do need American approval. Why?” – Steve in Toronto

Email your comments to therog@rogerlajoie.com

Other Rog's Rants & Reader Comments

To read Roger's previous Rants, please visit the Rant Archives section of the website.