A Letter From A Maryland Fan

Ray posted these thoughts, from a Maryland perspective, on the forums. We thought we'd post them here as well. Come on back to Cameron some day Ray!

I wanted to post my thoughts on our final game Saturday. It's below, Thanks

I hate Duke Basketball, I respect Duke Basketball and I will miss Duke Basketball. All are my emotions as I plan to watch my beloved Terrapins play Duke for the 174th and last time as conference opponents.

My freshman year began in 1980 watching Buck Williams and Albert King and graduating in 1984 witnessing the greatness of Len Bias.

My love of Maryland Basketball began long before 1980, but my excitement for Duke V Md started in the 1980 ACC finals as I watched Buck Williams and Kenny Dennard tangle under the hoop to dash our chances for an ACC championship. I realize our on and off again rivalry is not to the degree of UNC, but like an occasional comet burning in the sky the Duke V Md games burned white hot with emotion and intensity.

Three years ago I travelled from Seattle to Cameron Indoor to watch Gary Williams’s last game at Duke. I had no idea what to expect as I took my seat in section 6 wearing my Maryland shirt among the Duke faithful. I sat next to a woman who told me she has been to every Duke home game since the 70’s and shared with me the history of the arena and her love of Duke Basketball.

As we continued our discussions about college basketball, the two universities and how far I traveled to watch a game I began to realize what I probably already knew: I respect Duke Basketball. When I sit down to watch our final game I will hope for an upset, but I will pay closer attention to the student section, the loudness of Cameron, and the intensity of your Coach K coaching against my team for the last time.

Our two games ever year meant a great deal to me. When we played Duke and occasionally beat Duke it elevated Maryland to a higher level which is a testament to the opponent. I realize there has been some ugly fan behavior (mostly in CP), but when both schools were good there was nothing better than those two hours of battle.

I wish you well as you search for your second best conference rival to replace Maryland. I’m glad we’ve had these 174 games even though we lost 110 of them. Thanks for treating me so well during my one and only visit to Cameron. It will be strange to not see Duke on the schedule again. Peace

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