As students finish up the last two days of class, the atmosphere around campus is vibrant. The changing weather welcomes a warmer outlook to life - until there is a sleet storm in April - and the thought of a week off to fully procrastinate is something that every college student dreams of.
While St. Patrick's Day should dominate the first few days of break, some students may eventually head back to their books in preparation for the second half of the semester. However, a few brave students will break this stream of conformity and dissatisfaction, and will enjoy every second of their free time.
There are enough sports to watch over Spring Break to warrant the complete avoidance of school work.
First off, Spring Training is in full swing. Although most people have lost interest in the month prior to Opening Day, true baseball fans still manage to stay informed. Whether you follow the Brewers, Twins, White Sox or Cubs, there is always a way to see the latest news.
While Fox Sports Network North isn't airing any Brewers' games, there are multiple channels and stations that are showcasing split squads for a majority of teams in the MLB. But Spring Training is a double-edged sword. It is easy to get excited when the rookie from nowhere hits four homeruns, and just as easy to dismiss the veteran pitcher who gives up eight hits in two innings.
Along with baseball, there is, of course, college basketball. This weekend features conference tournaments, where underdog eighth seeds often manage to win the tournament, messing up every computer system in the nation.
And don't forget - actually CBS won't let you forget - that this Sunday is Selection Sunday."" Most Wisconsinites will be watching to see where their beloved Badgers fall. Some brackets have Wisconsin landing a two-seed, while others have them limping in as a four-seed. Either way, the Badgers will be a strong presence in the tournament, and could be the first Wisconsin team to make the Final Four since the 2000 season.
College hockey is also on the docket. Women's college hockey is heading into the NCAA Tournament, where the Badgers will look to make it three-straight national championships, while the men's squad travels to St. Cloud State for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs.
The following weekend will showcase the WCHA Final Five, and soon after, the NCAA Tournament. Whether the Badgers can recapture the momentum of two years ago when they won the NCAA Championship is uncertain, and somewhat doubtful. But stranger things have happened.
Don't forget the NHL. As the season winds down - most teams have only 11-14 games left - nothing beats end of the season and playoff NHL hockey.
Hockey will be tougher to see, as basketball will dominate the airwaves, but if that rare gem of a game is found while channel-flipping, enjoy it. No one will judge you for it.
Along with baseball, basketball and hockey, there is always golf and arena football. Say what you want about the Arena Football League, but there are some talented players and the games are entertaining.
Golf has Pro-Am and PGA Tour events over break, and should be on television over the weekend enough to elicit some viewing. Just watch five minutes, you will see more than John Daly.
There are more than enough sports to see over Spring Break. So, while studying calls and that 10-page paper screams to be written, take a moment and enjoy all the sports world has to offer.
If you would like to watch sports with Nate instead of going to Cancun, e-mail him at ncarey@dailycardinal.com.
