ATHENS, Ohio — The Cinderella run of Ohio University in the NCAA Tournament was the talk of the state as the Bobcats were its last remaining team in March Madness, but so too have been the violations in regard to COVID-19 safety. 

Several bars in Athens were cited due to COVID-19 protocols not being followed, which have made the bars in the area refocus on proper safety. 

At Courtside Pizza, the place was full of fans excited to see their team succeed.

“It’s so awesome to be here supporting OU,” Ohio University student Meghan Gluzman said.

Fellow student Ally Paris said her senior year has been a bit of a bummer due to COVID-19, so having something inspiring like the tournament run is tremendous for campus morale.

“It’s definitely been weird, but this is a big step toward getting more normal,” Paris said. “And everyone is excited to be here and this makes my senior year more enjoyable.” 

Courtside was not one of the bars cited after Ohio’s win versus Virginia, but manager Elijah Bridges said it’s important to ensure everyone follows the rules while having a good time. 

“We just ask that they’re respectful and they help us out,” Bridges said. “We want them to have fun, too. We’re not there to ruin their time and tell them what to do all the time, but year just work with us and we’ll try to provide the most fun environment we could while staying safe.” 

He said after a tough past year, plus of dealing with COVID-19, things are starting to look up thanks to the support of Courtside’s patrons. 

“It’s been over a year now since COVID started, and I feel like especially a lot of the freshman’s and the seniors, they really haven’t had a sense of normal for Athens,” he said. “I would say with the Bobcats going this far in the tournament and doing what they’re doing starting to get that Athens feel again.” 

Ohio junior Jacob Nedolast said the tournament run is reuniting an area that is normally so lively. 

“I have never experienced anything like when we won against Virginia,” he said. “Never experienced anything like that. It was amazing what it’s doing to this town getting everyone up, happy to be here — it’s unreal.”  

Ohio University wasn’t able to keep the magic going, falling in the second round of the tournament 72-58 to Creighton. 

Despite the loss, the team was able to ignite Bobcat pride all around Athens.