This week’s review reflects on classic moments in Cincinnati area college sports. Moments that include upset victories, historic achievements and old TV graphics. Plus, a reflection on the mega-week in sports that wasn’t.

COVID-19 is leaving sports networks scrambling to fill their schedules. With several major sporting events on the horizon being delayed or cancelled. Many have turned to re-airing classic moments in various sports. Last week’s review looked back at classic Cincinnati professional sports moments worth re-airing. Now it’s time for an ivy covered stroll down memory lane.

Cincinnati Football upsets Wisconsin Football in 1999

There are three reasons why this game is so significant. For starters, Cincinnati beat then No.9 Wisconsin in Cincinnati. Wisconsin began 1999 with a win in Rose Bowl Game. The second is a reflection on the strides made by the Cincinnati Bearcats since 1999. Bearcats Football underwent a renaissance in the late 1990’s.

1997’s Humanitarian Bowl was Cincinnati’s first bowl appearance in nearly 50 years. Before 1997, Cincinnati Football was largely a regional afterthought. Overshadowed by some of the best Cincinnati Basketball teams in recent decades. The Rick Minter era at UC put Bearcats Football back on the map. Third, this game provides an opportunity to reflect on how Nippert Stadium has changed. In 1999, Nippert Stadium had astro turf, a tiny press box and no second deck above both sidelines. Plus, some buildings that now surround the stadium didn’t exist.

Cincinnati Basketball advances to the 1992 Final Four

While it wasn’t the most memorable part of the 1992 regional finals nationally. The 1992 Midwest Regional Final is currently Cincinnati’s last Elite Eight victory. Advancing to their only trip to the Final Four since 1963. Through beating then Great Midwest Conference foe Memphis State Basketball. Two years later, Memphis State became the University of Memphis. 

Xavier Basketball: toss-up between the 1996 and 1999 Crosstown Shootout

The 1996 and ’99 Crosstown Shootout’s featured two iconic moments in Xavier Basketball history. In 1996, Lenny Brown nailed a last second shot for Xavier. Clinching an upset win for the Xavier Musketeers against then No.1 Cincinnati. The Musketeers upset No.1 Cincinnati again in 1999. In the last Crosstown Shootout at the Cincinnati Gardens.

Northern Kentucky Basketball wins the 2017 Horizon League Tournament

Emerging as the top seed remaining by the semifinals; NKU beat Milwaukee Basketball in the title game. Northern Kentucky’s 2017 Horizon League championship was historic in several ways. Not only was this NKU’s first basketball conference championship as a Division I school. This was also NKU’s first year of NCAA D-I Tournament eligibility. Making their automatic bid clinching victory even more historic. 

The mega-sporting week that wasn’t

This past week particularly punctuated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American sports. The first full week of April is traditionally one of the best weeks in American sports. Usually packed with the conclusion of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. Along with Opening Day for Major League Baseball and the Masters. These events symbolize the arrival of spring for sportswriters and fans.

This pandemic is ultimately robbing us of those symbolic events. Along with events beyond sports that symbolize the arrival of spring. Events that are typically a part of the rhythm of a given year. While having these events cancelled or postponed is disorienting. COVID-19 also presents an opportunity for us to remember the bigger picture. To be mindful of the suffering of those less fortunate than us. Their suffering always matters more than any sporting event.