Some considered them the underdogs. Many thought that the men’s team wouldn’t even make the tournament. However, this year’s NCAA Tournament, known as March Madness, has held nothing but surprises along the way.

Syracuse University is now only the fourth team to ever have both its men’s and women’s basketball teams make it to the Final Four and the only school with both teams still in the tournament this year. While the women’s basketball team wasn’t plagued with controversy over the last year or so, the men’s team made it a point this year to show the country just how strong they are.

Despite losing 13 games in the regular season, the men’s basketball team was chosen as a number 10 seed for the tournament. Most people’s brackets didn’t consist of the men even making it to the Sweet 16, but somehow the team kept their focus together and outlasted every opponent they have faced so far.  Along the way the team has still faced some criticism and had outcries of disbelief for their success on the court, but they aren’t the only ones facing the heat of the Final Four.

The women’s basketball team is also dancing their way to a Final Four game, a first in the university’s history. Led by coach Quentin Hillsman, the team has proved game after game just how much they want to win. Even though the media hasn’t covered them as much as the men’s team, the community couldn’t be more proud of both teams.

This year looks to be the year of standing out and showing the country just what Syracuse is made of. Even though both teams still face uphill battles, nothing holds truer than the fact that the community is standing behind their teams. The campus has been in full celebration mode and students couldn’t be more thrilled. Residents of Syracuse and even of the state are excited to see just how far the teams will go. As others have said, this year may turn out to be a Cinderella story for both teams.

I think one thing remains clear that no matter what happens in the next games, Orange fans are proud of their teams this year.

So, here’s to hoping that we get the great underdog story with a first time NCAA win for the women’s team and a second one for the men.