From the Sideline — NIT Season Tip-Off, The Garden Variety – Day One

In March of 1981, the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament was held at the BJCC in Birmingham.

C.M. Newton was there. He had just finished a remarkable run as the head coach at Alabama, and was now working with the SEC Office.

Don DeVoe was there. He was the Tennessee head coach.

And Bob Wetlich was there. He was coaching Ole Miss to the tournament championship.

I was there, too. My Dad - who was in charge of a large section of ushers at the Civic Center - had gotten a ticket and let me come to work with him that day.

As you can imagine, it was a huge thrill for a not-yet 11-year old - even though Alabama wasn't in the championship game.

Tuesday afternoon in New York City, more than 30 years later, I think I was just as thrilled to sit down for lunch with those three gentlemen following the NIT Season Tip-Off press conference at the Marriott Marquis.

Hearing them relive some of the moments and players from that tournament, made me realize again how fortunate I am to be doing something that I love to do, and at a place where I love to do it.

Over the next few days, I'll share some thoughts and images during my trip here for Alabama's NIT Season Tip-Off appearance. The Crimson Tide faces Duke at 8:30. You can hear the radio broadcast from Madison Square Garden on our sister station, 95.3 FM.

Not only will I be placing daily blog posts, but you can also follow me on Twitter, @CStewartSports.