JOMC 153- News Writing

Haley Dorgan

February 12, 2009

JOMC 153- News Writing

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—The scene on Franklin Street Wednesday night was that of desertedness. The students and residents of Chapel Hill that normally filled the sidewalks and restaurants were tucked away in apartments, fraternity houses, and homes, huddled around television sets for an event that only happens twice a year: the UNC vs. Duke basketball game.

University of North Carolina student Stancell Haigwood, along with many of her close friends, went the Sigma Nu fraternity house to watch one of the biggest games of the basketball season. Sitting in the main chapter room, she was surrounded by a group of 50 fellow students. As the clock on ESPN counted down until tip-off, the groups of friends were up and about. Beer was being poured, bets were being made and conversation was abundant. Once the starting players walked onto the court, silence engulfed the room. For the next two hours the room was quiet with anticipation, hope and anxiousness about the game. That was until it was obvious that UNC was going to be the winning team that night.

Before ESPN could start its commentary after the buzzer sounded, Stancell and the other students who had gathered together were already out on the sidewalks running towards Franklin Street. Although one of the first students to reach Franklin, Stancell was quickly surrounded by hundreds of other students who had come out of their various houses and apartments to celebrate the explosive win with their fellow students. “I think the greatest part about rushing Franklin Street was seeing people of all the different groups and corners at UNC come together to celebrate our mutual love for this school,” Stancell said. “The whole experience was exciting enough after winning such a big game, but the rushing Franklin made me realize how much I love being a Tarheel.”