Never Too Late To Find Another Fan

SAN ANTONIO — Even 1,220 miles away, it’s never too late to make a new friend, gain a fan, or in the Minnesota State women’s basketball team’s case — both.

It’s been about 10 years since Don and Janis Furness were last in Minnesota, but the married couple of 15 years were regulars in the crowd Wednesday night on the campus of St. Mary’s University, as they watched MSU triumph over Alaska-Anchorage 83-60 to advance to Friday’s NCAA Division II Final.

“They might be able to beat Iowa State or Oklahoma,” said Don Furness, 55, at halftime of Wednesday’s game, when the Mavericks held a 38-27 lead.

The couple makes their home in Pottsboro, Texas, about 70 miles north of Dallas, but became new-found MSU fans when they ran into MSU forward Alex Andrews’ mom, Glenda Andrews, Tuesday. They engaged in friendly conversation after bumping into each other at a restaurant, and the Andrews’ told the Furness’ the television channel and radio station where they could find the game.

But the Furness’ decided to make the trip in person, and did on Janis Furness’ 57th birthday. Alex Andrews was nothing short of thrilled when she found out the Furness’ were in attendance Wednesday.

“Oh my gosh they made it—that’s awesome!” she said. “We were just talking Tuesday about how many people we were seeing from Minnesota. It’s just such a small world.”

The couple came to San Antonio through work, as they were attending a Homeland Security Conference throughout the week. And of all the places to be on Janis’ birthday, she never thought it would be in Bill Greehey Arena watching MSU basketball.

“No, not at the Elite Eight,” she said with a laugh. “But we love basketball, we watch it all the time.”

The Mavericks meet Franklin Pierce at 7 p.m. Friday in the title game, but unfortunately for MSU’s new biggest fans, the Furness’ might not be able to make the trip.

“I’d like too,” said Janis Furness, “but we won’t be here.”

The couple has dinner plans for 4 p.m. Saturday in Pottsboro, and it’s about a six and a half hour drive home. They might be well on their way back home by tip-off Friday night.

“We might have to stay, honey,” said Don Furness to his wife. “We might have to. We could do it but we would have to be driving late at night.

“We might do it, we might.”

I guess it’s never too late to find a couple new fans, no matter how many miles away from home.