Great Article on Georege Mason Univ. Bandwagon - Players Parents

For the Patriots, a Family Union
Parents, Siblings And Friends Form Their Own Bond



George Mason University
By Camille Powell
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 30, 2006; Page E01


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/29/AR2006032902393.html
The parents have had a front-row seat to one of the best sports stories of the year. And because eight players hail from either Maryland or Virginia, they've gotten to know each other while attending games together during the regular season.

"I love being at the games with the other parents because of the fellowship, the genuine love and affection for each other. I'd rather go to the games than go to the movies," said Pamela Butler, whose son, Lamar Butler Jr., is a senior guard.

"To tell the truth, you know the parents better than the kids," said Brian Norwood, the father of junior guard Gabe Norwood. "You know the players, but you really know the moms and dads and brothers and sisters. You get to the point where you look forward to seeing them, and you wonder where they are when they're not there."

They've been easy to find during the tournament. Lamar Butler Sr. usually is dressed in head-to-toe green and gold. He and his son, the one with the huge smile, have become such magnets for reporters that Pamela jokes that she won't walk next to them, for fear that she'll be accosted as well.