Tess Quinlan
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Big East Tournament Much More Than A Game For the Quinlans

3/13/2013

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Family traditions are unique to individuals. Some people vacation in a specific place, others have a Sunday dinner together. For my family, the Big East Tournament is our family tradition.

When I was little, I became obsessed with basketball. Growing up in an athletic administration household, you either quickly turn into a gym rat or reject athletics all together. I obviously fell into the first group. Since fourth grade, my parents and I would always get dressed up, make the trek to Madison Square Garden for the championship game as a family. 

I would sit in between my parents, listening for my dad to make observations or tell a story about a coach as I would be explaining the most recent charge call to my mother. I relished those moments in the second half when my dad would say, "You want ice cream" and take me to get Carvel or when my mom would say, "You want to come with me to see people at halftime?" There were years that my mother and I would sit by ourselves at the semi-finals or the earlier rounds, as my dad's team was competing, but we always watched the final together. As a family.

There were so many memories that we shared at those games. Sitting next to a out of control and crazy coach (who shall remain nameless) who was stunned to hear a ten year old me yell "Sir, I politely disagree" at an official. Shadowing an ESPN broadcaster. Learning how good our friends were after a challenging time. Getting a fever and convincing my parents that I could stay until the end of the game. Driving home the next year and talking them into stopping at the Tick Tock Diner for milkshakes.  

Seeing Gerry Mcnamera hit the three to give Syracuse that monumental win in 2006. Georgetown walloping Pittsburgh, much in part to Jeff Green. Internally hoping that Jamie Dixon would win a championship because of how nice he was to me, and being overjoyed when he did in 2008. Remembering how I thought Kemba Walker would be tired in 2011, and being shocked when he carried UCONN on his back again. 

Since we've made it a tradition, I've only missed one final game; It was my senior year of high school and my own basketball team had just won the state championship earlier that day. My parents still went, but a little bit of me still regrets not being there for that family tradition that I hold so close. 

Now, as a Marquette student, the Big East tournament is so much more meaningful.  Along with the other Catholic 7, we'll be in it next year, but will it be the same? I don't know. But I'm sure looking forward to the new memories we'll make.

As a family.  
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The final Big East Tournament broadcast was missing something: Women 

3/13/2013

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At halftime of the Rutgers/Notre Dame Big East tournament 2nd round game, Seth Greenberg of ESPN said, "Ladies and Gentlemen," and proceeded to launch into an explanation about Marquette. While Greenberg was praising the Golden Eagles, Jay Williams looked around and said, "Where are the ladies? I don't see any ladies." While I'm sure Williams didn't mean it maliciously, it got me thinking.

Where WERE the ladies? 

This is the final Big East Tournament as we know it. The last time the original Big East will be infiltrating the Garden with "Hoya Saxa" or "Let's Go Orange".  Women should be a part of it. 

I understand that the Big Monday broadcast team is on the larger side. Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery and Jay Bilas provide phenomenal analysis and have incredible chemistry. Andy Katz asks professional and relevant questions each and every time on the sideline. Was there really no room for a woman to be a part of this historic event?

I understand that different schedules permit different reporters to cover different games, but was there really no way that a woman was able to get to New York? I find that hard to believe.

Five days after International Women's Day, and this article by Sarah Spain, I don't understand why there is no female representation on this broadcast. Whether it be in studio, broadcast booth or on the sidelines, women add another dimension to any broadcast and thwart the "Old-Boys Network" mentality that has frequently been associated with sports. More specifically, men's college basketball.  

Where were the ladies, Mr. Williams? Right here. Louder than ever. 
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    Tess Quinlan

    USA TODAY Sports Digital Producer. Marquette alumna. Coffee provides optimism.

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