Louisville Cardinals’ AD “Going to Enjoy” Magical Year in Sports

Boy, oh boy, is it good to be a Louisville Cardinals fan right now.

The future Atlantic Coast Conference school is ending its Big East run on a high note this school year with its major sports all excelling at a high year. Tom Jurich, Louisville’s athletic director, is indeed excited about it when he spoke to The Associated Press.

"“I’d be lying if I said I envisioned doing what we did this year,” Jurich told The Associated Press this week. “This is a magical time and we’re going to enjoy it and not take it for granted.“But we’re not going to gloat, because that’s not how this university and athletic department is built. We’re always going to be humble and hungry.”"

For those that haven’t been following the “magical time,” the Louisville football team started the journey with its second Bowl Championship Series appearance in the Sugar Bowl against the Florida Gators. Many pegged the Gators as a national championship contender going 11-1, losing only to Georgia after committing six turnovers.

The Cardinals put that national title talk to rest fast, spanking the Gators with a two-touchdown lead at half and holding on to win 33-23.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball programs made it to the national championship. Louisville was able to win the men’s title over Michigan, 82-76, and also accomplished winning the Big East regular season and tournament titles. The women’s team suffered a blowout against the Connecticut Huskies in the title game.

Baseball continues the trend of excellence, finishing with a 41-22 regular season record and making it to their second College World Series in program history after upsetting 2nd-seeded Vanderbilt Commodores in this year’s Super Regional.

Yes, the Cardinals are having a fabulous year, and they hope the trend continues before jumping to the ACC in 2014. Hell, maybe the best part of the year was Rick Pitino’s tattoo.

[Source: AP]