Congratulations to Howard Payne and Washington U. for their championships. It’s been a great Division III women’s and men’s basketball season.

The past two weeks, almost out of randomness, I found myself near the Washington U. contingent. I haven’t been too close to too many Division III basketball families — it’s hard to do so and remain neutral — but the Bears’ staff and families made me feel at home. Last week I was in St. Louis for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 and this week, well, Wash U won the title and had a lot to celebrate.

So last week I got to meet a lot of parents, and this week, well, the players were in a great mood tonight and the program had a night to remember. So while I met a lot of families — Kellys, Wallises for example — I also got to meet a lot of players as well.

The night of a title is a great night. Players should be allowed to enjoy it. This is the time to reflect in the glory, relax with teammates. And for us, it’s the end of a long Division III football and basketball season. So we’re getting to relax a little bit ourselves soon.

So while our crew had already met Sean Wallis, one of our Insider bloggers this season, it was nice to meet some of the others.

We’d also be remiss if we did not thank two people who came up huge for us this weekend.

First off, Calvin SID Jeff Febus. We were slated to travel three broadcasters to Holland but one was sick and couldn’t make it. Unfortunately, that meant the same for our equipment. Febus, who already came up big the previous weekend with some well-received broadcasts at the Hope sectional, lent Gordon Mann and Tim Calderwood equipment to get them working.

Secondly, Evans Clinchy. If you missed it earlier in the week, Evans wrote a great Amherst feature story. But this weekend he came up big with in-game blogs and a feature on Troy Ruths, Wash U’s man of the hour/game/night/weekend/year.

This time of year it’s great hospitality all around, and it was no different in Salem.

But the people make this special. Thanks to all for taking us in and making us part of the community.

Many times, people thank us for what we do for Division III basketball. But it’s nothing if the players don’t play and the parents don’t make the sacrifice necessary to put the players out there.

Folks, every year, this one’s for you. No kidding. It would not happen without you.