Andrew C. Wins Thrilling Extravaganza Final!

Andrew C. becomes a two-time Extravaganza winner with his selection of 5th-seeded Butler to make this year's Final Four. Although word on the street is that his daughter Augusta is the one who made the winning selection.

When confronted on this topic Andrew conceded, "Yes, my daughter made the winning choice. So what!" Upon hearing the news Augusta naturally expected to at least split the $1,950 prize. But it appears that she will be waiting a very long time to see any participation in the profit.

"My name on the picks. My money. I don't have to share it with anybody!"

Unfortunately, Augusta, he's right.

Finishing an extremely close second was Ryder and Rowan G. Long time Extravaganza participants may remember Ryder as the first child born to 'Ganzans during the tournament. That was in 2002. Ryder's near-miss was due to his loyalty to the University of Tennessee, a loyalty that was not exhibited by his father or grandfather although they claim to bleed Volunteer Orange.

Well done, Ryder. You really showed your old man a thing or two. Here's hoping you win in the near-future.

And the Carnage Continues!!

As one of the best tournaments in recent history continued Friday, many more ganzans went by the wayside. Only 11 remain standing, and after today that number will likely dwindle further. Among the survivors are past champion Andrew C, who has a strong pick with 5th seed Butler, and Ryder/Rowan with #6 Tennessee. The next lowest seed chosen and still alive is #3 Baylor, chosen by many. See the picks page for a full update.

Finally!

It was a rough night for co-founder Corey W's family as his daughters were eliminated along with their grandmother, Flo W and nephew, Josh G. The field was thinned considerably as 11 people found their hopes for glory in this year's Extravaganza extinguished. Among the wreckage were 5 ex-champions.

Here's the ignominious 11:

Lucy W. (Corey W.)

Annabelle W. (Corey W.)

Trevor G.

Julie G.

Amy B.

Lisa L.

Andrew H.

Angus

Kary D.

Josh G.

Charlie F.

Send in your checks!

Family Feud explodes at Ganza offices!

Upon realizing her dad had picked West Virginia against the UW Huskies in their Sweet 16 game thursday, and would therefore be routing relentlessly for them in her own house, Natalie S. ruthlessly taunted her father, Michael S., for more than an hour monday afternoon at the ganza offices, finally causing him to explode in rage and force his daughter to go sit in Santa's lap again, despite it being the middle of March (see photo below). 'After all those years of supposed loyalty to the UW, I am completely disillusioned' said a whimpering Natalie S. right after the incident. 'I can only hope the Dawgs stick it to W. Virginia thursday to teach him a lesson.'



While Michael S. obviously taught his daughter well, seeing as how she did pick the UW, and is currently one of only two people with an 11 seed still competing in this year's festivities, when reached for comment he refused to give in. 'Washington Smashington. I don't need this from her. Look who has four teams left... me! She only has two! In my eyes, Rose F. and I are the frontrunners at this stage of the Ganza, and nobody is gonna rain on my parade! Especially not in my own house!

When asked for his reaction to this incident, Ganza co-chair Corey W. lamented 'I hate to see a family go down the tubes over a simple game, but I've gotta side with Natalie S. on this one.'

People Playing it Safe get Burned!

It was a Saturday that left a number of long-time Extravaganza Participants all but mathematically eliminated as people who took boring, safe picks were schooled once again in the vagaries of the Extravaganza! Overall #1 Seed Kansas was taken by 23 of the 39 Extravaganza Participants all of whom got punished for their lack of bravery and imagination as the Jayhawks were drummed from the tournament by Northern Iowa.

Yes, Northern Iowa.

In addition, #2 Seed Villanova continued the Big East's woes by losing to St. Mary's. Nova returns home to Philadelphia taking with them the hopes and dreams of former Extravaganza winner's Lisa L., Amy B. and two-time winner Trevor G.

In other news, The Washington Huskies continued their inexorable march to the National Championship.

Let the slashing begin!

This is a picture of the sharpie that Ganza co-chair Corey W used to slash Georgetown from the tournament on day 1 of the festivities. Losers.

UW on verge of first National title!!!

After sticking it to the Cal Bears and securing an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament, the University of Washington Huskies are ready to go one and done!... err, I mean, make a serious run to the Sweet 16 and beyond. After the game, Cal's Jerome Randal, undeserving Pac-10 player of the year, whined "Yea, I had a foot injury. That's why I only scored 11 and they beat us for the second time this season." Later, when asked about the injury holding Randle back, coach Mike Montgomery said "Injury, what injury? He don't have no stinkin' injury!" See photo below for Jerome Randle throwing a post game temper tantrum.


---------------This is Jerome Randal. He is a sore loser.-----------------

Oh yea, other than that, welcome back to the ganza, and get your picks (and a self-incriminating photo of yourself) in to Mike or Corey by 8:00pm PST Wednesday March 17.

Good Luck everyone!!