VCU Riot after 2011 Final Four

This is embarrassing, but this is honest.

In my 14 years of living here, this community has never experienced the overwhelming thrill of being completely united.

And this is the tricky part. Pride.

I, too, felt that unfamiliar swelling in my chest for VCU’s team. We finally had something to be proud of together. We were a force. A singular entity. 

Richmond.

I watched the crowd fizzle out as it dawned on everyone that it was over.

I watched gazes fall to the floor.

I watch cigarettes between the dry lips that previously cheered on our team.

There was a gust that pushed through the city — the collective sighs of disappointment.

The air that leaked from the swollen chests of every person — it was heavy.

I don’t know what I expected to happen after the loss.

I don’t think anyone was actually prepared for our team to lose.

I think that’s the most incredible part:

No one expected them to get this far

but then again

it didn’t feel like anyone expected them to lose.

So we can be disappointed in the rioters. The sore losers.But I don’t think that’s what we’ll be remembering.

(via iric)