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Duke Basketball “True Blue” Contest Results
Thanks to all of the Duke fans who submitted entries to our first annual “True Blue” contest. We enjoyed the many unique, supportive and fun entries, and seeing all of the love for Duke. After careful deliberation and a website staff vote, we are pleased to announce the winners…
1. Daniel Lewis’ “Blue Planet Room”
Prize: Team-signed 2008 “Old School” poster and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet magazine
 2. Brad Balevic’s Essay on Duke Passion
Prize: A team-signed Blue Planet magazine (Maui Invitational championship edition) and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
“When I read that I could only use 500 words or less about my passion for Duke, I didn’t think it was possible. The truth is, I dedicate a large portion of my life to Duke athletics and 500 words could never come close to enough room to share my passion. Since I was 5 years old, my uncle, a Duke graduate, introduced me to Duke Athletics. At that age, I didn’t understand the rules, but seeing my uncle and his passion for Duke always got me excited. When I was old enough, my parents sent me to the Duke Basketball Camp. I can truly say that it was the highlight of my life. Meeting Coach K and players such as Grant Hill and Christian Laettner was almost surreal and I knew I was in the presence of greatness. I can remember in particular one day at the camp sitting on the sideline frustrated that I wasn’t playing well and my favorite player to this day, Grant Hill, came by and said, “Be strong big man”. I was in shock. Here I am just one camper and Grant Hill comes over to me and gives me a few words of motivation. I remembered thinking I was the luckiest kid on earth. To this day, in whatever I do, I remember those words. I learned so much from that camp. Coach K was an incredible teacher and the players made you feel like you were part of the Blue Devil team.
Being from North Carolina, just about everyone I grew up with was a UNC fan. When Duke lost a game there were usually 50 people rubbing it in. This never fazed me. My uncle always told me that Duke is much more than just a basketball or football game, its about excellence, teamwork, and respect. No matter how bad others taunt you, you’re rooting for the real winner every time. I didn’t know exactly what to make of that as a kid, but after participating in the camp, it was crystal clear. Coach K and his players were like a family; you could see that in how they interacted. I left the camp not only with the fundamentals of Duke Basketball, but also lessons on life.
I am currently 26, married and have a child on the way. I can’t wait to introduce my son to the life of Duke Athletics. My hope is that he shares the same passion as I do and wants to learn about all Duke, past and present, that I have had the pleasure of watching throughout the years. I can’t wait to take him to the historic Cameron Indoor for the first time, the stadium I have watched games in over a dozen times. I want him to see the Cameron Crazies, the greatest fans ever. Duke is my life, my passion and I cherish every moment of every game. LETS GO DUKE!”
3. Alison Levine Supports Duke At the SOUTH POLE!
Prize: Blue Planet magazine signed by our three freshmen (who are pictured on the cover) and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 4. Larry Osborne/The Gorilla Support the Blue Devils!
Prize: An autographed picture of Coach K and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 5. (Tie) Great Candid Photo of Matt Feola at a Game
Prize: Hard-cover team yearbook and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 5. (Tie) Vanaya Henderson’s D.U.K.E.
Prize: Hard-cover team yearbook and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 *All entrants will receive a team photo, magnet schedule andBlue Planet issue…
Thanks again for all of the submissions and GO DUKE!
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