Robert Barker/University Photography

After returning from the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 in Syracuse, the men's basketball team celebrates a historic season as fans from around campus greet them at Day Hall March 26.

Robert Barker/University Photography

Big Red fans made signs and chanted for the basketball team upon their arrival from Syracuse.

Amid cheerleaders, signs, sirens, drum rolls and the cheers of some 500 staff, student and faculty members chanting, "Let's go Red," Cornell's Big Red basketball team returned to Ithaca shortly after noon March 26 in front of Day Hall. They had just completed their stunning run toward the NCAA championship the night before when the team succumbed to the No. 1 seed -- the University of Kentucky Wildcats -- before a packed house at the Syracuse Carrier Dome.

The game against Kentucky was the Big Red's first dance in the tournament's Sweet 16 round. They ended their season with a record-breaking 29-5.

"You are what scholar-athletes are all about," said Susan Murphy, vice president for student services. "On behalf of all of us who are Cornellians -- we are so proud of you."

"This is a little overwhelming," said coach Steve Donahue. "This has been an incredible experience, not just for the past couple of weeks but for the past four years. Thank you very much."

"We are very happy to see all of you. Thank you again," said senior center Jeff Foote, as the Big Red band struck up Cornell's alma mater.