It is time once again for the greatest sporting event of year. It is that time known as March Madness. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Once again, I will be sponsoring a NCAA Tournament Pool. There is no cost to enter the pool, except for pride. And if pride is nothing to you, well done. After all, there is a reason why it is considered the greatest sin.
The winner gets a trophy. The dead last place person gets a trophy known as The Sara*. Nobody else gets a trophy. I’m not made of trophies people!
By winning, you get your name etched on the List of Immortals. There is no actual physical etching, but if somebody insists, I can etch this list on a public bathroom stall. I don’t necessarily have the time, but I have the will.
PAST ROUNDBALL ORACLE CHAMPIONS – LIST OF IMMORTALS
2024 – Micky Augustin
2023 – Will Baier
2022 – Ben Baier
2021 – Micky Augustin
2019 – Becky Parmelee
2018 – Paul Golden
2017 – Paul Golden
2016 – Michelle Haupt
2015 – Derek Dohrman
2014 – Brandon Kahler
2013 – William McAlpine
2012 – Lowell Davis
2011 – Carrie Baier
2010 – Mark Wolfram
2009 – Mark Wolfram
2008 – Mark Wolfram
2007 – Tim Peterson
2006 – William McAlpine
2005 – William McAlpine
But I said that there are 2 trophies. The 2nd trophy, The Sara, goes to the adult that finishes dead last, while trying. A person can not tank on purpose and win The Sara. The reason The Sara winner has to be an adult, I don’t want to mock children, to their face. Does that mean I have no problem mocking children behind their back? Does it make me a bad person if I say yes? Probably a better rule would be that to “win” The Sara, you have to be at least a teenager. I have no problem mocking teenagers to their face. I used to spend my Wednesday nights doing such things.
Past “The Sara” Winners:
2024 – Aaron Sader
2023 – Ben Baier
2022 – Joey Randazzo
2021 – Rachel Gildersleeve
2019 – Russell Kennerly
2018 – Robert Henning
2017 – Shannon Bardole
2016 – Laura Priest
2015 – Derrick Gorshe
2014 – Sara Lockner
The Sara doesn’t have the long storied history of the championship trophy, but it will get there. I have no doubts. This will be the 11th winner since its inception after all. Maybe that is a long storied history.
These were the final standings from last year:
1. Micky Augustin – 287
2. Toby Sebring – 262
3. Sara Lockner – 258
4. Michelle Haupt – 257
5. Jesse Howard – 244
6. Jason Baier – 232 points
7. Jordan Toot – 225
8. Sean Gildersleeve – 220
9. Russell Kennerly – 220
10. Linda Bennett – 220
11. Adam Gordon – 208
12. Derek Dohrman – 204
13. Andy Sharp – 202
14. Angie DeWaard – 201
15. Elainie Stensland – 198
16. Sarah Karber – 192
17. Rachel Gildersleeve – 188
18. Tim Peterson – 184
19. Robert Henning – 184
20. Derrick Gorshe – 183
21. JJ Baier – 182
22. Corey Faust – 174
23. Elizabeth Nordeen – 170
24. Lowell Davis – 169
25. Humble Narrator – 163
26. Shawn Lockner – 160
27. Ben Baier – 159
28. Carrie Baier – 146
29. Olivia Baier – 145
30. Joseph Duff – 145
31. Andree Jauhari – 140
32. Will Baier – 140
33. Jackson Faust – 139
34. Teresa Kahler – 136
35. Aaron Sader – 129
If you are a basketball fan, or are just interested in having fun, click on the link below to join my pool:
Roundball Oracles – Year 20
The rules are as follows:
Round 1 = 1 point + seed
Round 2 = 2 points + seed
Round 3 = 4 points + seed
Round 4 = 8 points + seed
Round 5 = 16 points + seed
Rounds 6 = 32 points + seed
The Play-in Games (AKA the First Four) don’t matter. You can wait for those games to complete before filling out your bracket. The deadline to fill out your bracket, is tip-off of the first game on Thursday. Roughly 11 AM.
Under special circumstances, I will allow you to turn in a paper bracket to me. So, don’t be afraid to ask.
Yes, your child can fill out a bracket. Your dog, no.
*You have to be 14 years or older to win “The Sara”.
Recently after church Teresa and I checked out the gluten-free restaurant in Nevada, T.E. Alderman’s. I’m not gluten-free, obviously, but I always like to try new culinary experiences.
Here is their story from their website:
At our establishment, we offer a dining experience like no other. Born out of a desire to create a space where everyone—whether they have dietary restrictions or not—can enjoy a wide variety of delicious options, we are committed to providing allergy-friendly and gluten-free dishes alongside traditional favorites, all while meticulously preventing cross-contamination.
Inspired by the vibrant and lively spirit of the Roaring Twenties, we aim to recreate a family-friendly atmosphere that is not only fun and engaging for our guests but also fosters a positive and enjoyable environment for our staff. Step into a world where dining is a delightful, inclusive, and joyful experience for everyone!
Here are the pictures from the trip:
No beating around the bush. This was flat out one of, if not the best meal I’ve had all year.
THE GOOD
- The pancakes were phenomenal!
- The Wiseguy’s Morning Bowl was phenomenal!
- The 1920s theme of the restaurant is awesome!
- Portions sizes were large!
THE BAD
- A little pricey, but everything is pricey these days.
THE UGLY
- The horrible AI “art” train is the stuff of nightmares and a classic example of why what AI does is not art.
THE DAMAGE
- I paid for Teresa’s meal. With tip it came to $42.31.
THE VERDICT
- I will definitely eat there again. I would even make a special trip to Nevada to eat there!
HOW DO YOU EAT THERE
- 1133 6th Street – Nevada, Iowa
- Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM – 2 PM & 4:30 PM – 9 PM. Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM
Next Sunday’s food adventure will involve my recent trip to Austin, Texas. In fact the next several food adventures will involve my recent trip to Austin, Texas.