SPOKANE, Wash. — The sign outside of Evergreen Fountain's Senior Living says, "Home of Grandmas for Gregg," and inside it is exactly what you'd expect - a room full of grandmas cheering on Ben Gregg.
Dozens of grandmas gathered in the community's common area, all in matching 'Grandma's for Gregg' t-shirts, to watch the Gonzaga men's basketball team play in the first round of the NCAA March Madness Tournament.
This is the second year this group of grandmas, and even some grandpas, have gathered for the team. Since last year's tournament, Donnie Rugal turned 80. For her birthday, Rugal's family gifted her tickets to a Gonzaga game at the Kennel.
"I just sat there with my mouth open. I'm just like, 'you're kidding me,'" Rugal said.
They weren't kidding. After decades of being a Zag fan and a year as a member of 'Grandma's for Gregg,' Rugal got to see the team play for the first time.
"I don't think I've moved my feet that much in a long time, pounding the boards," Rugal said.
That love and excitement for the team carried through Thursday's first round match up, and the Grandma's say they will continue cheering as long as Ben Gregg is on the court.
"We're loyal fans," Rugal said.
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