Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers head coach Donny Lind has had an extraordinary season, not just for his team's performance but also for the unique experience of having his son, Silas, by his side throughout the NCAA Tournament. Silas, who became an instant fan favorite during the First Four opener against the American University Eagles, has been a constant presence on the bench and during pregame warm-ups.

After the Mountaineers were eliminated by the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils, Coach Lind shared his heartfelt reflections on the experience. "It's amazing," Lind said. "This is a hard business for us as fathers, very difficult. So to be able to bring him with me -- my wife and my daughter are here too -- it's been a blast. He's enjoyed missing school, playing with his friends on the court, but he can speak to that, I'm sure."

Lind emphasized the joy of sharing this journey with his family and team. "But to be able to have these guys along for this ride and to be a part of it and just be having so much fun, I've got the best job in the world. I've said it for the last ten months. To share it with the people I love the most, with my family and, shoot, those guys in the locker room has been unbelievable."

Silas Lind also shared his emotional perspective on the experience. "These have been the best few weeks of my life," Silas said, "and I hope we have many, many more of them."

The bond between Coach Lind and his son has been a highlight of the Mountaineers' tournament run, showcasing the importance of family in the high-stakes world of college basketball. Their story has resonated with fans and players alike, making it a memorable chapter in the history of Mount St. Mary's basketball.