I am a college sports fanatic. I can't get enough of it. It doesn't have to be my alma mater on the field of play; just give me two teams who are willing to play for the true passion and beauty of the game, and you'll have my attention. Those of us who are, be it your average fan or privileged sportswriter, have the unique gift of seeing drama in its absolute purest form, and appreciating the struggle for everything that it is, or isn't at times.

Tonight, I am privileged to have been where I was, and to be covering this event. To quote the great Jack Buck, I can't believe what I just saw.

Throughout this tournament, we've seen great pitching, great hitting, and clutch performances. We've seen the joys of victory, the pain of those whose seasons are no more, and everything else in between. We've seen comebacks that were memorable, and catches that left us jaw-dropped. We saw performances so powerful it left us in shock, and through everything, we saw the triumphs of college athletes and what they can do.

After all, isn't that what sports is all about? When the world brings nothing but negative stories, it's sports that gives us the celebrations. It's games like these where the world takes a breather and marvels at what we CAN do, not what we can't.

Tonight, those in attendance saw something that made everyone feel lucky to be alive.

Even the Wichita State fans can attest to that statement. They're hurting right now, and it's a pain that hurts down deep in the core. Losing a game like that shouldn't happen to anyone. However, when they look back on that game, and remember everything that happened, and all the drama that unfolded, they'll admit that they felt lucky to have been sitting in Hammons Field that night.

What we know is that the NCAA will have two incredible teams in Creighton and Wichita State when the regional pairings are announced. I certainly wouldn't want Creighton in my region. They are a gutsy team with a lot of heart that has some really tough pitching. Pat Venditte is as deadly a weapon as they come, and he'll be a living nightmare to whomever he faces. As for Wichita, they're just as deadly. How many teams can come back from a 6-1 defecit in the last two innings? How many times did Wichita make the right play at the right time this week? They made it often, and that's why they played tonight. You especially have to love the play of WSU's Andy Dirks, who sacrifices his body routinely on fly balls. They have no reason whatsoever to hang their heads.

I wish more fans, especially locals from Springfield, would've shown up to this tournament. They missed out, plain and simple, on something that was worth much more than the ticket price. Those who did attend will attest to the great job done by the volunteer crew from Missouri State. This event was well organized, and despite the rain delays, ended a complete and total success.

Of course, I can't wrap up here without thanking Erica Stelling and the MVC again. College sports is lucky to have Stelling working for the MVC. We need more people like her in college sports; people who thoroughly enjoy the games, while also being great planners and genuinely nice people, who want everyone to come away feeling glad they were there.

And with all of that being said, we close coverage of the 2007 Missouri Valley Tournament. Stay tuned to Touching the Bases for continuing coverage of conference tournament action. For now though, good night from Springfield, Missouri, where the Creighton Bluejays are Missouri Valley Champs with a 10-9 win in 12 innings over Wichita State.