A number of fans and fellow Cal State Bakersfield athletes woke up at the crack of dawn in order to send off the men's basketball team in support.
After the team took off for Oklahoma City early this morning, the March Madness spirit remains alive on campus.
"It's a big deal, and people here on the campus really love it," said Logan Belz.
Belz works in tickets sales for the university and said he knew early on this team had what it takes to make it to the tournament.
"I knew about this special team the whole year," said Belz.
Sean Sensawlo, a CSUB student agrees.
"This year, we really improved. We won a lot of games and the results have shown. We won the WAC tournament and now we here we are," said Sensawlo
After all their hard work, CSUB men's hoops is finally going to big dance.
Michael Ogundre was in Sacramento for the WAC championship game. He remembers the excitement in his hotel lobby.
"Sitting in our hotel room watching everyone cheering on your guys was a real good feeling...knowing our school is going to a huge tournament," Ogundre explained.
Belz says the team has all the right pieces.
"We have all the right things, the height, the perimeter, the bonding," Belz said.
Yet, there's one final catch.
Friday's afternoon game time conflicts with some final exams.
Michelle Lyday, spokeswoman for the university said exam times were scheduled about a year in advanced and will go as scheduled.
However, she also notes very few students will be affected, as only one class will be holding exams during the timeframe.
Despite popular bracket picks, Runners fans have faith in a huge upset.
"We're going to have a great time over there, and hopefully shock the world," Belz concluded.
Tickets can be purchased be calling the Roadrunners ticket office, 654-BLUE.
