By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS -- While millions will be watching the NCAA Final Four this weekend in New Orleans, a pair of eyes here in Cass County will be watching with particular interest.
Susan Junck, who is a law clerk/bailiff at the Cass County Court House, will be watching and rooting for the Marquette Eagles as they take part in the Final Four.
Junck is a 1999 graduate of Marquette University and is more than the casual fan when it comes to her Eagles, although she prefers that they are called the Warriors.
Marquette last reached the Final Four in 1977 when the "Warriors" won the National Championship under the direction of coach Al McGuire.
Having traveled to Indianapolis and to Minneapolis to watch the Eagles play against Missouri and Kentucky, Junck is convinced that Marquette is going to win it all.
Junck hails from Oregon, Wisc. She became a real Marquette fan after she attended the University.
Since basketball is the biggest varsity sport at the university, most of the students get excited about attending the games which gives the Eagle fans an energy level that some other schools may not have.
Junck said that attending the tournament games was a real thrill. She was even more excited by the fact she was able to get "fantastic" seats for both games.
She is somewhat disappointed, however, she will not be able to attend the national title game.
Because she also attended Notre Dame Law School, Junck was hoping the Fighting Irish would advance down the tournament trail a bit farther.
She was glad that Marquette and Notre Dame didn't play against each other in the tournament, even though she said that it would be no problem deciding who to root for.
Junck said she really doesn't care who Marquette plays in the championship game, but Syracuse would be her choice if she had to make one.
One of the things she likes best about Marquette is that it truly is a team.
When asked if she would prefer a blowout as opposed to a close game, she opted for the blowout.
The Marquette Eagles, a No. 3 seed, will face No. 2 seed Kansas in the first game on Saturday.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. in New Orleans.
Texas, the lone remaining No. 1, will take on No. 3 seed Syracuse in the second game scheduled to begin at 8:35 p.m.
The National Championship game is scheduled for Monday night beginning a little after 9 p.m.