As first announced here on 6 April, Sarah O'Keefe won this year's STC March Madness bracket competition. Things have been a bit hectic around Stately STC Manor with conference preparation, but I finally got around to talking to Sarah about her triumphant victory. The Q&A is below.
What, if any, method was there to your March Madness?
Let's see:
Step 1: Pick Duke to win the whole thing because if I pick against them, they lose, and my bracket does well as a result, I'm going to feel as though it was my fault.
Step 2: Pick favorites, EXCEPT for:
Step 3: Pick #9 seeds over #8 seeds.
Step 4: Pick Murray State.
Step 5: Pick mid-majors over big-conference teams with iffy records.
Step 6: Pick one random huge upset just for grins.
Step 7: In subsequent rounds, pick based on general NCAA performance (Kansas underperforms, Xavier overperforms).
Step 8: Pick against Evil Teams on general principle (I'm looking at you, Kentucky).
How has winning—and being the unofficial TechComm Hoops Queen—changed your life so far?
I am still waiting for my tiara. Will it arrive in time for the Honors Banquet?
Which one pick are you most proud of?
West Virginia to beat Kentucky to get into the Final Four. But that was just wishful thinking; I didn't think anyone, including Duke, could actually beat Kentucky.
Also, Murray State in the first round.
Why Duke? What would you say to those who subscribe to the ADB—Anybody But Duke—philosophy?
I am a Duke grad, and was in school during the Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley era. Make of that what you will.
To the ABDs: Sucks to be you this year. Join me in the ABC club instead. [Ed note: That would be the also-widespread “Anybody But Carolina” philosophy.]
And finally, what will you do with all your winnings? (All $0 of it.)
I'm thinking I should double down on a better picking system.
Sarah, don’t you think that the converse of #1 might also be true: you picked Duke, and they won so that your bracket would do well?
Anyway, congratulations, and I can’t wait to see you in that tiara.
“Just wait until next year…” (the rallying cry of NSCU fans everywhere) 🙂