March Madness is officially back, and Mounties and teachers are filled with excitement as the NCAA Tournament kicks off. The tournament is packed with high-stakes games, thrilling upsets, and unforgettable performances.
Faculty and Staff Getting Involved
Faculty and staff like Mr. Kevin Boccella, Business & Technology teacher, are incorporating the excitement of the tournament into their classroom setting by playing the games wherever he can.
“March Madness is the best! It’s my favorite time of the year,” Mr. Boccella said.
The Mount Spanish department is getting their students involved with March Madness—like games to add some excitement to a stressful time of year.
Locura de Marzo is a global activity for high school students where they can explore new Spanish music. Similar to March Madness, this competition features songs that go head to head until one merges as the champion.
“It helps students to engage with Spanish speaking artists that they normally would not have been exposed to and enhanced their language skills. They have lots of fun and typically add the songs to their playlist,” Mrs. Megan Rodolico, Spanish teacher, said.
Mrs. Martha Mulligan, Librarian Resource Manager, finds herself and the students constantly checking the games during study hall.
“Last week a bunch of students were watching the games on their iPad and asked if I could put it on the TV in the fishbowl. We got the laptop out and mirrored it on the TV, and everyone was very excited,” Mrs. Mulligan said.
Students’ Thoughts
March Madness always brings a sense of enthusiasm to the Mount student life. The games foster friendly competition and unity amongst the Mount Community.
“I made a bracket and I’m really excited because I only have two mistakes so far.” Kate Dorrington ‘26 said.
Some students’ brackets are not doing as well as they thought they would. Morgan Cross expressed her disappointment when her winning team Arizona lost against Duke. Since then, her opinion about who the champion will be has changed, “I think Duke is gonna win it all,” Morgan Cross ‘26 said.
In and outside of school Mounties are involved in celebrations.
“My extended family on my mom’s side does a big March Madness bracket, and the winner gets bragging rights. We are all really excited about it, and it’s something we look forward to each year,” Chloe Trainer ‘26 said.
Other Mounties are getting very engaged in the tournament because of connections.
Mountie, Keira Doogan ‘26, has been cheering on her cousin. Maggie Doogan, player on the Richmond women’s basketball team, got the chance to participate and dominated in the tournament this year with 30 points in the first round.
“This time of year is something that’s so exciting because it’s what you’ve worked for as a team the whole year. All the blood, sweat, and tears pay off when you get to step on the floor for March Madness. It’s such a rare opportunity that not all college athletes get to experience, so you want to take advantage of it as much as you can, ” Maggie Doogan said.
Big time University of Connecticut fans like Amelia Nace ‘26, are super disappointed after their major loss against the University of Florida after wining the NCAA Championship title last year, 2024.
“It’s disappointing that the men’s basketball team will not have a chance for a 3-peat this year. However, it’s encouraging to see the women advance to the sweet sixteen and hopefully they can win it all,” Amelia Nace ‘26 said.
