It's crazy to think that my freshman parents' weekend was three years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
Even though I was injured and unable to participate in our official spring football game, my mom came up anyway. I remember driving by frat row with my mom looking at the guys covered in mud, and the beautiful ladies in their finest derby attire and her asking me, "What kind of school is this?"
Four years later and I finally have the answer: an awesome one. This weekend was great, not just because of KDE and BG derby. There was a lot going on both on campus and in the sports world, with Saturday night marking the TV return of Floyd "Money" Mayweather.
So in typical Island fashion, I present the weekend's events boxing match style, in 12 rounds:Rounds 1-4, NBA Playoffs, Friday night1. New York Knicks defeat the Boston Celtics, take series 4-2.
Only 27 points in the first half for the Celtics? Really? We've come to expect clutch performances from Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry, but the writing might finally be on the wall. It's time for Boston to rebuild. 2. Pacers defeat the Hawks, take series 4-2.
I'm surprised this series even got to six games. Even with the NBA's most improved player and my personal favorite, Paul George, scoring only four points in the final game, the rest of the Pacers had his back. This balanced attack is the reason why the Pacers will take down the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals in six games. 3. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, take series 4-2.
There goes my playoff bracket. Bye-bye, Vinny Del Negro. 4. Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Houston Rockets, take series 4-1.
No Russell Westbrook, no problem... for now. Can Kevin Durant and wingman Reggie Jackson get past the Grizz next round? Yes sir. I love the Boston College product's game and moxie. Thunder will advance in six. Rounds 5-8, Derby Day, Saturday 5. KDE Derby
Does anyone actually watch the Kentucky Derby on this day? I would much rather bet on how many pictures I get tagged in on Facebook from Saturday than watch the actual horse race. This event might be my favorite at Dartmouth, solely for the excuse to wear pastels. 6. AXA Pigstick
I wish there was a live band on campus everyday. I know it's exciting that ASAP Rocky, Major Lazer and Afroman are gracing Hanover with their presence for Green Key weekend. But imagine if O.A.R., Third Eye Blind or Zac Brown Band were here? Now we're talking. 7. BG Derby
There comes a time in every man's life when he has to yolo. I didn't go into Saturday with the mindset that I was going to cover myself in mud for no reason. But as I was walking to the River after Pigstick, I thought to myself, why not? It wasn't the most comfortable I've felt in a while, but I'll check it off of the bucket list.8. Floyd Mayweather defeats Robert Guerrero
Yes, everyone and their mother knew Mayweather was going to win, but it doesn't take anything away from how impressive it was. To come back from a year hiatus at his age is special. The guy never disappoints.Rounds 9-12, Cinco de Mayo, Sunday 9. Intramural Softball
Playing sports hungover is not fun, and neither is losing to freshmen, especially when their parents are in attendance. 10. I am forced to watch hockey
Every year when the hockey playoffs come around, my friends who haven't muttered a word about the NHL all year pretend like they are die-hard fans. Let's go Los Angeles Kings!11. Ledges
If you haven't been this term, I strongly suggest it. The water is finally starting to get warm around here. 12. Molly's
Great way to wrap up the weekend, sit outside and watch the sunset. And of course celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a nice, cold margarita.
Four years from now there is no doubt I'll remember this weekend. And maybe one day, if I feed my kids the right propaganda, I'll be back for another parent's weekend. As I said at the start, it's crazy to think that only four years ago I was just a freshman. But it's even crazier to think that in four weeks I will be leaving this place. Time to keep the good times rollin'.
