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Dancing with the Stars. No, I'm not referring to the hit tv show, but to where Florida State Seminoles sophomore Shane Cummings envisions his beloved basketball team will be come Final Four time in New Orleans.  Recently we had the chance to speak with Shane, who is the Director of Special events for the FSU Student Boosters executive board, about the march towards the Big Dance.

Andy:  After beating the # 1 Tarheels (at the time) by a gazillion points and then shocking the Duke Blue Devils on their home court ending a 45 game home win streak a short week later, it's easy to see why you have stars in your eyes.  Can you explain how you felt after being on hand to witness both of those highly unlikely victories?

Shane: It's been kind of surreal.  We beat Duke last year when I was a freshman on our homecourt, but to be able to rout UNC at home by 33 and then beat the Blue Devils at Cameron (their home court) in the same week was just amazing.  The crowd was never more into a game against the Tarheels - screaming and standing for EVERY single basket.  Just insane.  We rushed the court at the buzzer, and I did the same for the DUKE game.

Andy: Ok, I'm jealous -  and you're just a sophomore!  And you're Director of Special Events for the FSU Boosters.  Can you explain how you got the position and what your role entails?

Shane: Don't be jealous, just root for the Noles!  I actually co-direct special events and have for 2 years now.  Our main responsibility is to implement events which bring our athletes and students together.  For example, during football season we had a meet & greet type of scenario in where the students could meet one on one with the players, get autographs and have their pictures taken.  We just had another very similar event for the basketball team.  In addition to photo and autograph opportunities, the players sat on a panel and took questions from the fans.  It''s a great way to bring the Seminole family together, and a great experience for both students and student athletes alike.

Andy:  More fun.  Speaking of fun, do you and the other members of the FSU Student cheering section have any particular chants, rituals, etc., that you perform during your games?

Shane:  The main thing we do is just get geared up in the Garnet and Gold and scream our heads off.  So yes, MORE FUN.

DUKE GOING DOWN AGAIN THURSDAY!

Andy:  Well it's been working for you lately, that's for sure.  Might that Garnet and Gold you get geared up in include our Original Retro Brand product?

Shane: I figured that question would be coming, and Yes.  Mainly I like that the look is different from anything else I've seen on campus.  The Original Retro Brand shirts offer a unique approach to sports apparel.  They are very comfortable to wear, while also offering stylish designs.  These shirts bring back the “old school” designs and make them look even better then before!

Andy:  I couldn't agree more with your assessment Shane!  You have an impressive track record for following the Noles on the road.  Do you plan on heading down to Atlanta for the ACC Tournament in a few weeks?  If so, let me know and I'll hook you up with a hot dog.

Shane: (Laughs) Well I'm not 100% sure yet, but if I do, I'll definitely take you up on your offer.  We're going to beat DUKE Thursday night before we do anything!

Andy:  YOU GUYS CAN DO IT!  Hope you can make it for the frankfurter, and hope the Noles can make it to the Big Dance too.  Thanks Shane -

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

It was just about two months ago when the Original Retro Brand embarked on their "I Love College Hoops" journey.  We visited with members of student sections from over a dozen of the top basketball schools in the country, and got the inside information on what happens when the face paint goes on, and the gloves come off!

With the Sweet 16 about to get underway tomorrow, we caught up with some of those same students whose teams are still very much in the hunt for the Final Four, and asked them to give us a quick thought about what in the Wide, Wide, World of sports is going on?

"We knew this team was good, but these guys are showing real heart. You saw that heart when they pushed past a really tough UCLA team. I'm really excited for a rematch against BYU and the Jimmer.  They broke my heart last year, and I'd really like some revenge.  Regardless of how much farther the Gators go, I am really proud to root for a team that fights so hard and never gives up." - Chris Raleigh, University of Florida, Rowdy Reptiles

More Gator growls...

"The Rowdy Reptiles couldn't be more excited for the game this
Thursday!  We can't wait to take our vengeance out on BYU after last
year's heartbreaking loss in double overtime in the NCAA tournament!  We
are SO PUMPED and ready to show the nation what the ORANGE and BLUE can do!!  Get ready Jimmer, we're coming for you!!  Go Gators!" - Jennie Clark, University of Florida, Rowdy Reptiles

Jaytalking....

"I'm pleased with the way we've played so far. The rest of the tourney is laying out really nice for us, and there have been a lot of upsets on our side of the bracket. I hope we can keep rollin' and bring home another championship. ROCK CHALK!" - Ashtin Meerphol, University of Kansas Jayhawks, Phog Fanatics

It's been a very Happy Nole year for Holly!

Slipper for the Seminoles?....

"Seminole Nation is thrilled with the performances by both our Men's and Women's teams. The ladies have had great showings in recent years. Our men have had a solid D, but if there was ever a time to really combine it with a good offensive effort, March is the time. Seems like everything is clicking for Seminole sports this year. I've been wearing my Garnet and Gold with PRIDE throughout the tournaments. GO NOLES!" - Holly Ramey, Florida State Seminoles, Cheerleader

Big Blue Bravado...

"Big Blue Nation is fired up right now! We just won our 27th SEC Tournament title and we are playing our best ball of the year right now! We have a tough game this Friday, but to be the best you have to beat the best.  We will earn #8 (National Championship), not have it handed to us! Hey Buckeyes, BRING IT!!" - Thomas Cofer, University of Kentucky Wildcats, Big Blue Nation

It was great catching up with these kids, and we'll definitely check back with them again after this weekend to see if they're hyper happy, or have gone into hiding.  It's Elite 8, or Eliminate!

Parting Shot:  You can get 20% off all of our BEER shirts by entering code ALEOFF @ checkout, now through 3/31/11 Midnight PST.  Stay thirsty my friends!

"I LOVE YOU GUYS"

24 game winning streak.  24 billion Hoosiers references with good reason.  Home - Town heroes "gymnasium" just a few miles away from the Biggest Dance this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium.  The Butler Bulldogs are hands down, the feel-good Cinderella story of the 2010 College Basketball Championship Tournament. The Bulldogs unlikely sweep of the mighty Syracuse Orangemen and K-State Wildcats, make them the first team in the history of the Horizon Conference to reach the Final Four.  They are also the first team from the Horizon Conference to be featured as the Original Retro Brand's "TOURNAMENT-T OF THE DAY!" Just click over the Butler graphic on the left to receive $10 OFF THE NORMAL RETAIL PRICE!

After today, we’ve got just 3 more days of “Tournament-T’s of the day” @ $10 OFF, so be sure to check back each day!  We’d also love for you to become a fan on our Facebook Fan Page, and follow us on Twitter.  The Original Retro Brand always has special deals and fun contests, so join in on the fun today!

Recently I had the honor of sitting down with Phife Dawg, from the Hip Hop group "A Tribe Called Quest."   Their first three album releases dating back to 1990 were highly acclaimed, and  many in the industry consider the 'Tribe' one of the most innovative rap groups of all-time.

Andy: You and I go back almost ten years, and the fact of the matter is that I've only known you as Phife Dawg - the down to earth sports fanatic extreme, not the legendary rap pioneer from "A Tribe Called Quest."  What keeps you so well grounded?

Phife: Great question. What keeps me grounded is that I'm a people person.  Before I'm a member of a  "A Tribe Called Quest,"  I'm a FAN of "A Tribe Called Quest."  As for Sports, that was my first love, and because I'm a people person I can talk about sports, life, etc., with anyone from three years of age to eighty years of age.

Andy: You've always been a huge Syracuse and North Carolina Tarheels fan.  Who would you root for if they met in the Final Four title game?

Phife: Actually I love Carolina (Worthy, Perkins, McAdoo, Phil Ford, Kenny the "Jet" Smith and some dude named Jordan,) Kentucky (ever since Jamal Mashburn and Pitino,) Georgia Tech (Travis Best, Marbury, Mark Price, Dennis Scott, Salley and Kenny Anderson,) Michigan State (Magic is my favorite player EVER!,) and Syracuse (Coleman, Wallace, "Pearl Washington," Adrian Autrey and Carmello Anthony! -  Sherman Douglas was a monster as well).  I'd rock with the Tar Heels every time though!!!

Andy: You know I have to ask: Any chance of another 'TRIBE' reunion?

Phife: Not sure how to answer such a question, but would love to do it.  I'm just not sure if it'll happen.  On the brighter side, we have a documentary coming out in 2010 directed by Michael Rappaport and executive produced by legendary rapper, Nas.  Should be FUN!!!

Andy: I noticed you rocking the UNC Final Four 1993 shirt.  What is it you like so much about the Original Retro Brand gear?

Phife: I'm a basketball lifer, so to wear this particular brand is the greatest because it brings back memories.  I've watched every Final Four since Bird-Magic, and can't wait to collect every shirt reminiscent of those National Championships.

Andy: I never had the nerve to ask if I could jam with you just one time.  I have an itty-bitty drum kit at my crib, and I want to dust it off and set it up - just you, me and a mike.  We can kick it Old school.  Are you down?

Phife: As long as I can become the face of Original Retro brand, then it's a deal... You already know you are good with me homie.

Andy: I will put in the good word!

Thanks to Phife for taking the time, and watch for our video I'm going to make happen!!

Today we get a very personal  feel of what it's like to go one on one with some of  basketballs best players - That would be interviewing them for  www.slamonline.com and SLAM Magazine.   We are very pleased to have Executive Editor, Lang Whitaker (at right with Kevin Garnett) with some very interesting stories.

Andy : As Executive Editor of SLAM Magazine,  you prefer covering the Final Four or the NBA Finals?

Andy:  You have interviewed hundreds of basketball stars from High School to Pros. Do you have one that stands out as the best, or most fun you can remember and why?