UNC Fans Flood Smith Center To Welcome Tar Heels

A number of people across the state of North Carolina came down with an illness that caused them to miss work or school.

Joyce Valley explained why her grandchildren were taken out of school.

“They have Blue Fever,” she said. “They made the principal’s list so it’s a field trip.”

The field trip she’s referring to is a trip to the Dean E. Smith Center to welcome the Tar Heels back from Houston, which is apparently the only cure for the made-up disease meant to give UNC fans a reason to get out of their obligations.

A couple of young fans with a balloon version of Marcus Paige.

After a heartbreaking defeat in the national championship Monday night, you might expect a somber crowd to greet their fallen heroes, but that was far from the case.

Hundreds and hundreds of fans like Robin O’Conner packed the parking lot behind the Dean Dome to show their support for the team that came up just short of their ultimate goal.

“I just felt it was important to come to let them know that we’re proud of them,” she said. “I know they’re upset because of how the game came out, but they had a fantastic season and I just think we need to show them that we all support them for that.”

After the team got off the bus, they walked through the crowd, giving high fives to excited fans, before head coach Roy Williams and the three seniors, Brice Johnson, Marcus Paige and Joel James spoke.

The speeches were frequently interrupted by cheering and supportive fans.

“We appreciate everything you do,” Williams said. “The way you followed us, the way you’re here today.”

The sentiments of the team can perhaps best be summarized by Brice Johnson.

“All I can say is thank you,” he said.

After the speeches finished, the team and the crowd dispersed, but not before a rousing chorus of Hark the Sound.