And It Comes Up GOOSE!!!!

After many, many years of trying Goose has finally joined the ranks of the Extravaganza Elite, winning the 20th version of this famed competition.

Goose has long been one of the Ganza's most dedicated participants. Every year he coerces his dog, Angus, to get in his picks. And they both always pay on time!

We here at the 'Ganza are very happy for Goose. About the only thing we can see fit to make fun of him about is his version of scanning a photo. 

Congrats, Goose! Buy Angus something nice!

And then there were 3!!!

Another day, another 11 ganzans go down. After today, with UConn's win and Villanova pulling out a last second triumph over Pitt, the board has almost been cleared. Left standing are three long time, well deserving Extravaganza participants; Goose, Dawn F., and Tim S. (brother of co-founder Michael S.). While the EOC (Extravaganza Organizing Committee) has had to bring in outside observers to monitor any family hanky panky tomorrow, we look forward to an exciting Sunday.

To clarify the scenario, If Oklahoma wins, Dawn F. will tie either Goose or Tim S., depending on who wins the Louisville/Mich St. game. If UNC wins, then it simply comes down to Goose and Tim S. and who wins the Louisville/Mich St. game to determine the winner.

Despite Pitt's loss to Villanova knocking her out, Anabelle W. (pictured above) is super happy that we will have a worthy first time winner this year. We here at the Ganza concur. Good luck you three!!

16 Ganzans slash and burn!!

Shown at right, Jamie M. angrily vows to make world a safer place after getting eliminated.

Friday was a tough day in Ganzaville. Among those now out of the running are: Ellen D., Corey W., Lucy W., Jon T., Sean L., Kristin S., 2008 champion Phillip P., Kary D., Jamie M., Anne G., Josh G., Tracy W., Flo W., Suzanne L., Maureen S., and Ed L.

With only 14 of 40 contestants still in the running, we tracked down co-front runner Charlie F. (see photo at left) to get his thoughts. All he gave us was, 'Hell, why not me?' When further prompted on his infinite wisdom and how he could still have all four teams in contention, he responded, '...Cannonball Comin'!' It is rumored that Charlie F. randomly chose his teams after a really late night. We here on the EOC wish Charlie F. and all the other Friday survivors good luck this weekend.

p.s. Dawn F., contrary to earlier implications, is still in the game. Go Dawn!

Shelby W. Loses!!!

The day so many of us look forward to every year has arrived, and right on schedule too! Shelby W., fluke winner of a previous Extravaganza, has been eliminated and as you can see he looks a little worse for the experience.

In a matter of 5 minutes this evening Shelby lost both Memphis and Duke and with them his chances of winning this tournament.

Shelby has refused comment on just how he got the shiner but we here at the 'Ganza have learned that he really, really needed to win this year. To those of you who would like to communicate your condolences to Shelby W., good luck. He has apparently entered protective custody.

In addition to Shelby W., 8 others were eliminated. Their names follow: Julie G., Angus, Natalie S., L.A. Frank G., Ryder/Rowan, Andrew C., Michael B. and Caroline W.

Poor Dawn F.!

Every year Dawn F. gets excited to participate in the Extravaganza. Every year she encourages her friends to join, even going so far as to convince her cat, Meecha, to submit picks.

And every year Dawn F. has at least one team go out in the first round. 

We hear at the Extravaganza appreciate Dawn's loyalty and enthusiasm and we feel bad that she has such rotten luck. We hope she wins this thing one year but it doesn't appear that this is going to be that year.

She'll just have to console herself by hanging out with the Miracle Baby, Natalie S.

Life could be worse, right Dawn?

Here We GO!!!!!!!

The tournament has started and the picks are up. As I type this Memphis is losing to Cal State-Northridge. won't many of you be upset if this continues.

We've got an even 40 this year so the winner will walk away with $2000! Assuming everyone pays......

Anyway, GO DAWGS!!!!

Good luck, Everybody and send your checks!

Welcome Back & Welcome Natalie S.!!!

We here at the Extravaganza offices would like to welcome the newest Ganzan to join the festivities, Natalie S.! According to her father, Michael S., her first words were nothing less than 'goo goo...gg...g...gg...ganza'. Followed by a close second of 'goo goo...ggg...go huskies!'. Considering Natalie S. has only been around for a few weeks, we find this to be incredible dedication from the get go, and must give her parents, Michael S. and Lisa L., credit for continually playing the University of Washington fight song night and day for the eight and a half months of Lisa L.'s pregnancy. We would also like to encourage our fellow ganzans to follow this obviously successful practice in future pregnancies.

As for the logistics; please get in your picks to Corey W. or Michael S. by 10:00pm PST Wednesday March 18. That's three days from now!

Thank you, and good luck.