Norfolk State alum commentary: Behold, the green and gold!

By G.E. Branch III, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Behold, the green and gold!

If folk in Omaha didn't know the significance of that rallying cry before Saturday – and, let's face it, why would they? – they certainly had a better understanding after Norfolk State's ginormous upset of Missouri.

To NSU alums, the chant always has meant that the Spartans were about to strut their stuff. Over the years, the most consistent performer has been the award-winning marching band. To be sure, the athletic teams have had their share of success but consider the context.

Norfolk State used to be (self-proclaimed) king of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, an NCAA Division II conference back in the day. The track program was top notch by any measure and the basketball team would make a quick visit to the national tournament every now and then. The football team? Well, the halftime show was sure to be great.

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Omaha fans embrace Spartans

OMAHA, Nebraska -- The whirlwind, rock star existence that members of the Norfolk State team are sure to experience over the next couple days in Omaha didn't take long to start.

Not long after finishing their interview priorities and meeting back in the locker room, a handful of the Spartans made their way back to the arena floor — some still in uniform — to catch a little bit of the next game.

An ordinary media timeout of the St.Mary's-Purdue game quickly turned into a moment that the broadcast would later show.

The Spartan players received a standing ovation from a half-full CenturyLink Center, and they returned the favor by standing and applauding as well. It wasn't much later that the autograph seekers showed up, looking for a little ink from anyone in green and gold.Even their exit got cheers.

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