SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --- They sang. They danced. They partied like it was 2008.
Except it's a year later. And Augusta State's Blue Crew have returned to town no longer feeling like visitors.
"We feel like locals this year," said Scott Argo, president of the Augusta State alumni association. "We have a feeling like we belong."
About 100 Jaguar fans filled J.T.'s Sports Pub on Tuesday night, celebrating a second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, while preparing for a possible NCAA Division II National Championship run. No. 4 Augusta State faces No. 16 Christian Brothers at noon today in the national quarterfinals at the MassMutual Center.
When two busloads of Augusta State faculty, staff, students and supporters arrived at J.T.'s, the bar's workers and patrons greeted them. The Jaguar fans even received specially-made sweet tea.
The bar, which adopted Augusta State this year, is sporting blue and white pennants, pom-poms, T-shirts, hats and flags -- all paraphernalia sent by the school.
"It's great to have the locals supporting us," said Paula Toole, who works in the school's alumni and development office.
Junior Brhandi Gilliam is one of eight cheerleaders in attendance. She made a return trip to Springfield.
"It's very different," she said. "This year, we know what to expect."
Bryan Waller, the Blue Crew president, is making his second consecutive trip here, too. He said he likes his team's chances, but he's trying to stay grounded.
"My heart tells me we're staying until Saturday afternoon," he said. "My head tells me we have to take it one game at a time."
Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.
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good luck asu!
Go Jags!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck ASU lets take it all the way this year!!!!!!