Wildcats on the way ...

The Davison Wildcats will see seven bus loads of fans arrive sometime before their 7pm tip-off tonight at the NCAA Eastern Regional in Detroit. Thanks to a special program organized by the school's Board of Trustees, all Davidson students were informed that their transportation (bus) and lodging, approximately $400 per student, would be funded by the Board.

As Bill Walton would say: "Get on the bus."

See this Charlotte Observer column:

Davidson students on their way
TIFFANY R. LEONARD
DAVIDSON - Nearly 300 students took up Davidson on a free trip to attend tonight's Davidson-Wisconsin "Sweet 16" basketball game in Detroit.

Seven buses left the campus shortly after 5 a.m. this morning to make the 650-mile trip for tonight's 7:10 p.m. tip-off for the game against Wisconsin.

Buses began to line up at the school Thursday afternoon, with students strolling to the Belk Arena as early as 4 a.m. today.

Students learned on Wednesday that Davidson's Board of Trustees will pay the estimated $120,000 cost (around $400 per student), to allow as many students as possible see the Wildcats in their first Sweet 16 since 1969.

Freshman Brianna Butler, who was dressed in red and black, said she was shocked when she learned the school would pay for students to take the 10-11 hour trip.

"I was so surprised, " Butler said. "I didn't think something like that would happen, but I am grateful that it happen to me."

Students will stay in Detroit to see Sunday's Regional championship game. regardless if Davidson advances, said Stacey Schneider communication director at Davidson College. Students will have their tickets, lodging and transportation for free.

Davidson junior Brandon Davenport, was on a waiting list for the trip, but said he was prepared to pay in necessary.

"I haven't missed a game this year," he said. "If I don't get on the bus, I might have to catch a flight." At about 4:30 a.m. Davenport, a Davidson football player, learned that he and his lucky Nike Air Jordan Spi'Zike would get a spot one of buses headed for Detroit.

"I've wore the same shoes to all season games," he said as he showed off his shoes. Devin Draudt could barely contain her excitement after she learned that she would also get a spot on a bus. "I've been dying to go on this trip," she said. Draudt was sleeping when a friend called her and said that there may be space for her. Draudt grabbed her things, hopped on her bike and travel about eight minutes to campus.

"I am not a big basketball fan, but this is so crazy I wanted to be there," she said.

Not all Davidson students opted for the free trip, as some chose to stay due to test and class projects, Schneider said. Classes will continue as normal at the college.

"We know that at Davidson, academics come first," President Tom Ross said in his e-mail to students were advised to sign up for the trip only if it is the right academic decision.

Students and community member that stayed behind will be able to watch the 7:10 p.m. game vs. Wisconsin on large-screen TVs in the Alverez Collage Union.