I live in a small town in the state of New Mexico. I am 46 years old and have been a Duke Fan since I knew about Duke Basketball. People ask me why I like Duke since they are so far from NM.

Well I grew up loving sports, especially basketball. I don’t have a lot of talent but know the game. I picked out Duke because I admire Coach K’s coaching style. He’s a teacher, not a show off. He displays respect to his players and opponents.

When I heard the story about the pin he wears to support his friend and the memory of his son, it was so touching. It’s awesome to see how someone of such caliber and national popularity is genuine, sincere, caring and willing to help others.

I wear a red Multiple Sclerosis band on my wrist. I have worn it for 10 years since my cousin was diagnosed with MS. I have used Coach K as a role model and mentor to keep fighting and not give up hope there will be a cure or at least a medication that will keep MS at bay. My cousin knows how much I love to watch Duke and Coach K. She is currently on her last option of medication but she is always thinking of others and doesn’t let her MS rule her. She is taking me to the ACC tourney next week so that I can see Duke and Coach K in person.

I’d like to start out by saying my great uncle got his jersey retired at North Carolina. His name was George Glamack, he was known as the blind bomber. Every single family member I have is a North Carolina Fan.

When my Dad had a heart attack I was only 8 years old. It came as a surprise to me that I would not have my father around.

When I was younger (even though I am still only 16) I was not the hardest worker because I was more talented than everyone. My Dad did not like the fact that his kid did not work hard. When he wanted me to play hard, he would tell me to play like I was playing for Coach K. He knew that Coach K was a major influence to me and that by saying that quote, I would work harder. Hearing this quotes numerous times didn’t change its impact on me. Every time I heard it, I played harder. Ever since then I have been living my life by that saying.

I arrived in Durham on Thursday to attend a weekend meeting at the Marriott for the NCMA.

I had signed up for a Durham tour for Friday that I thought was going to be quite boring because it included Civil War stuff. But the tour suprised me and was very interesting.

One stop we made was the Duke Campus. I see two buses and asked who was on them and I was told the basketball and lacross teams. WOW! I wanted to rush right over to see the best looking Coach in basketball! But of course I acted my age and stayed with the tour.

As we came out of the training room and walked outside I spotted Coach K dressed in all black walking to the bus! I yelled out to him, ” Coach, Coach”, and he looked up the hill and I waved to him and he waved back!!

Thank you Coach K for making my weekend.