Almost 12 million people entered the ESPN NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge and when last night’s game started, there was one set of young eyes that were glued to the television screen more than possibly anyone else in the country, despite the fact it may have been past his bed time.
Sam Holtz, a 12-year-old in 6th grade from Lake Zurich, Illinois who used his father’s email address to sign up for the challenge, was tied for second-place among 11.57 million entries before the Duke Blue Devils finished of the NCAA Tournament with a victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. Unlike many participants in tons of bracket pools every year, Holtz had a perfect Elite Eight, Final Four and National Champion.
Technically, Sam can’t claim the prize since he is under the age of 18, but he did use his father’s account to win so he might have an argument somewhere. Admitting on ESPN that he used his dad’s account might not help his cause for the final prize but I’m sure he’ll get something out of it.
I made 20 brackets this year and didn’t even come close to this kid. Good work, Sam.