Big time basketball starts are in San Antonio for the Final Four, from Patrick Ewing to David Robinson, but so far, the most popular attraction has been Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, the chaplain of the Loyola of Chicago basketball team, who talked to a packed house at the Alamodome today, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Sister Jean has become a sensation since March Madness began, she is now the biggest selling 'bobblehead' in the country and even has a line of designer socks on the market.
"I can't believe it, in the morning I wake up and ask 'is this real or is it a dream?' she said about her sudden fame.
Sister Jean said clearly God is a basketball fan, and he probably likes the college game better than the NBA.
"I say that because these young people are playing with their hearts, and not for anything financial."
This morning's media availability attracted not just the usual sports media, but national news media and even Christian publications.
She was asked about her prayer for the Loyola team.
"We are going to pray to God and ask God to help us," she said. "I pray for both teams so especially the fans who might hear me know that I am partly on their side, but only partly, and at the end of the prayer I always ask God to make sure that at the end of the game, He has the scoreboard give Loyola the big 'W.'"
She says he also prays that nobody gets injured in the game.
She also joked about the amazing run that underdog Loyola has been on to become the Cinderella story of the Final Four.
"People came to me and said, 'Sister Jean, I broke my bracket'," she said. "I tell them, 'go ahead and break it a little bit more'," and have Loyola on top Monday night.
Sister Jean talks about being the breakout star of the tournament.
"I think to myself, oh my, don't let it go to your head," she said. "I haven't done that, nor does the team."
Sister Jean will be in her accustomed place on the sidelines tomorrow, when Loyola of Chicago takes on Michigan in the semi finals in the Alamdome. All of the Final Four games will be heard on 1200 WOAI.
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