The Decision: A Fan’s Leap of Faith
Michael Mihaly, a die-hard St. John’s fan, found himself at a crossroads when he made a decision that left his wife, Tesha, questioning his sanity. The moment the news broke that Rick Pitino was taking over as the head coach at St. John’s, Mihaly knew exactly what he wanted to do: buy season tickets. To Tesha, it seemed like a wild idea, especially considering the immense commitment it would require. But to Mihaly, it was a no-brainer. He had been waiting for this moment for years, and he was ready to go all in on the Pitino era.
The Distance: A Commitment to Passion
The Mihalys live in Queensbury, a small town located 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. What makes this decision even more remarkable is the distance they would have to travel to attend games. A trip to Madison Square Garden, where St. John’s plays many of its games, is a whopping 420-mile round trip. Each way, the drive takes a grueling three and a half hours. For most people, this would be a deterrent, but not for Mihaly. Now that their daughter, Lauren, was off to college, Mihaly saw this as the perfect opportunity to dive headfirst into his passion for St. John’s basketball.
The Faith: Believing in Pitino’s Vision
Mihaly’s enthusiasm was not blind optimism; it was rooted in his belief that Rick Pitino was the right man to bring the program back to its former glory. When Tesha asked him if he was crazy for considering such a commitment, Mihaly admitted that maybe he was, but he quickly reminded her of the significance of this moment. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this,” he said. “He’s going to bring us back.” For Mihaly, this was more than just a coach taking over a team—it was a chance to relive the excitement and success that St. John’s basketball once brought to its fans.
The History: A Program in Need of Revival
For years, St. John’s had been searching for a spark to reignite its once-thriving basketball program. The team had seen its fair share of ups and downs, but the announcement of Rick Pitino’s hiring brought a renewed sense of hope to the fanbase. Pitino, a Hall of Fame coach with a proven track record of turning programs around, was exactly the kind of leader that St. John’s needed. His arrival signaled a new era, and fans like Mihaly were eager to be a part of it.
The Investment: More Than Just Tickets
For Mihaly, buying season tickets wasn’t just about the games—it was about the experience. The long drives, the energized crowds, and the chance to watch his team compete at the highest level were all part of the package. While some might see it as a significant investment of time and money, Mihaly viewed it as an opportunity to connect with his passion and share it with others. He was ready to embrace the challenges that came with being a season ticket holder, knowing that the rewards would far outweigh the costs.
The Future: A Community United by Hope
As the Pitino era began, fans like Mihaly embody the spirit of hope that comes with a new chapter. The long drives, the early mornings, and the late nights were all worth it for the chance to see St. John’s rise again. For Mihaly, this wasn’t just about basketball—it was about being part of a community that shared his passion and his belief in what was possible. As the season approached, fans across the country, including the Mihalys, were ready to embark on this journey together, united by their love for St. John’s and their faith in Rick Pitino.
