Loyola Chicago: A March Madness Cinderella Story

Introduction

Loyola Chicago is a private Jesuit university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university's basketball team, the Ramblers, has a rich history and has made a name for itself in recent years with its Cinderella run in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Loyola Chicago basketball program, its history, and its inspiring journey to the Final Four.

A Brief History of Loyola Chicago Basketball

Loyola Chicago's basketball program dates back to 1918 when the team was known as the Mound City Ramblers. The Ramblers joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1945 and have been a member of the conference ever since.

Loyola Chicago has a long and storied history in college basketball. The Ramblers have won two NCAA Division I National Championships, in 1963 and 1964, and have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Ramblers have also won 10 Missouri Valley Conference regular season championships and 6 Missouri Valley Conference tournament championships.

The 2018 NCAA Tournament Run

The 2018 NCAA Tournament was a magical run for Loyola Chicago. The Ramblers entered the tournament as a No. 11 seed and upset No. 6 seed Miami (FL), No. 3 seed Tennessee, and No. 7 seed Nevada to reach the Sweet 16. In the Sweet 16, the Ramblers defeated No. 2 seed Kansas State to reach the Elite Eight.

In the Elite Eight, the Ramblers faced off against No. 1 seed Michigan. The Ramblers trailed by 10 points with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, but they rallied to tie the game and eventually win in overtime. The Ramblers' victory over Michigan was one of the most improbable upsets in NCAA Tournament history.

The Ramblers' run came to an end in the Final Four, where they lost to No. 3 seed Michigan State. However, the Ramblers' run to the Final Four was an inspiring story that captured the hearts of college basketball fans across the country.

What We Can Learn from Loyola Chicago's Success

Loyola Chicago's success in the 2018 NCAA Tournament can teach us a lot about teamwork, perseverance, and belief. The Ramblers were a team that was not expected to make a deep run in the tournament, but they proved that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Here are a few things that we can learn from Loyola Chicago's success:

• Never give up on your dreams. The Ramblers were a No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but they never gave up on their dream of making a run to the Final Four. They proved that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself.
• Teamwork is essential. The Ramblers were a team that played together and supported each other. They were able to overcome adversity because they had each other's backs.
• Perseverance is key. The Ramblers faced a lot of challenges on their way to the Final Four, but they never gave up. They persevered through tough times and ultimately achieved their goal.

Tips and Tricks for Loyola Chicago Basketball Fans

Loyola Chicago basketball fans are some of the most passionate in the country. Here are a few tips and tricks for Loyola Chicago basketball fans:

• Get to games early. Loyola Chicago basketball games are always sold out, so it's important to get to games early to get a good seat.
• Be loud and proud. Loyola Chicago basketball fans are known for their enthusiasm. Be loud and proud and support the Ramblers!
• Wear your Ramblers gear. Show your support for the Ramblers by wearing your Ramblers gear to games.
• Follow the Ramblers on social media. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about the Ramblers by following them on social media.

Stories and What We Can Learn

1. ** Sister Jean's Story**

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt is a 101-year-old nun who is the chaplain of the Loyola Chicago basketball team. Sister Jean has become a national sensation for her positive attitude and her love of the Ramblers. She has been a source of inspiration for the team and for fans across the country.

What we can learn: Sister Jean's story is a reminder that age is just a number. She is a living example of how we can stay active and engaged in life, no matter our age.

2. ** Ben Richardson's Story**

Ben Richardson is a former Loyola Chicago basketball player who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Richardson underwent treatment for cancer and returned to the team in 2018. He played in the NCAA Tournament and helped the Ramblers reach the Final Four.

What we can learn: Richardson's story is a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, even when we face adversity. He is an inspiration to us all.

3. ** Porter Moser's Story**

Porter Moser is the head coach of the Loyola Chicago basketball team. Moser has led the Ramblers to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Final Four in 2018. Moser is a great example of a coach who has built a successful program through hard work and dedication.

What we can learn: Moser's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. He is an inspiration to us all.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when watching or following Loyola Chicago basketball:

• Don't underestimate the Ramblers. The Ramblers are a team that is always capable of pulling off an upset. Don't underestimate them, even if they are playing a higher-seeded team.
• Don't be afraid to show your emotions. Loyola Chicago basketball games are always emotional. Don't be afraid to show your emotions and support the Ramblers.
• Don't give up on the Ramblers. The Ramblers have a history of making comebacks. Don't give up on them, even if they are trailing.

FAQs

• Where does Loyola Chicago play its home games?

Loyola Chicago plays its home games at the Joseph J. Gentile Arena.

• Who is the head coach of the Loyola Chicago basketball team?

Porter Moser is the head coach of the Loyola Chicago basketball team.

• What is the name of the Loyola Chicago basketball mascot?

The Loyola Chicago basketball mascot is a Rambler.

• What is the school colors of Loyola Chicago?

The school colors of Loyola Chicago are maroon and gold.

• What is the nickname of the Loyola Chicago basketball team?

The nickname of the Loyola Chicago basketball team is the Ramblers.

• How many NCAA Tournament appearances has Loyola Chicago made?

Loyola Chicago has made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Call to Action

Loyola Chicago basketball is a team that inspires us all. The Ramblers have shown us that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and belief. Let's all support the Ramblers and cheer them on to even greater success in the future.

Go Ramblers!

Tables

Table 1: Loyola Chicago NCAA Tournament history

Table 2: Loyola Chicago's Missouri Valley Conference regular season championships

Table 3: Loyola Chicago's Missouri Valley Conference tournament championships

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