March Madness: Northern Colorado is in the NCAA Tournament

Conference: Big Sky (21-10)
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Famous Alum: Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the hero of US Airways Flight 1549, has a Master’s degree in public administration from Northern Colorado.
They’re In! Northern Colorado joined the Big Sky four years ago as a Division I program, Tad Boyle built them into a contender before moving to the University of Colorado, and now the Bears are in the tournament for the first time in school history. 
School’s Leading Scorer: Mike Higgins (2,112 points), who played for two years in the NBA (1989-1991) for the Lakers, Nuggets and Kings.
Resume: Most notable non-conference win was over nearby Wyoming, who went 3-13 in the Mountain West. Lost to Arizona by 23 and Illinois by 10, and won the rubber match against Montana at home to make the tournament.
Devon Beitzel: One of the stories of March Madness will be leading scorer Devon Beitzel, who was profiled here by Dana O’Neil. Beitzel is the best shooter and team leader, and rarely leaves the floor for the Bears. He overcame parents with drug problems and lived with another family in high school, and is now a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior Class award and an Academic All-American with a bright future.
All-Important Rankings: 109 (RPI), 121 (Pomeroy), 122 (Sagarin)
Projected Seed: Northern Colorado will be right on the cut line for the last #15 seed or a #16 seed, but won’t have to play in the “first four” game if they are a #16.
Twitter: The athletic department’s account is @unc_bears.

Others with their dance ticket in hand:

Indiana State
Belmont
Morehead State
UNC Asheville
Old Dominion
St. Peter’s
Wofford
Oakland
Gonzaga
Butler

[photo via Getty]