I love the Final Four. The Men's College World Series is simply awesome. But without fear of exaggeration, I can honestly say that the Division II National Championships Festival is the best event the NCAA has to offer.

The opening ceremonies were held tonight at Houston's Downtown Aquarium, and hundreds of student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators mixed and mingled for hours. Unfortunately, we couldn't get all of you into the event, so here are the highlights. I hope it feels like you were there.

• St. Edward's softball coach Amy Coulter described her excitement for the event. The only Texas institution at the festival, St. Edward's is competing for its first national title in softball.

• I ran into Ferris State Director of Athletics Tom Kirinovic in the Hyatt gym this afternoon and his excitement was second to none. One of the best guys in the business, Tom has spent 26 years at Ferris State and is attending his first National Championships Festival. Ferris State's softball and women's golf teams are both in Houston and Tom shared some thoughts about the experience in our conversation.

• There were bands and DJs rocking at the opening ceremonies all night. It only took about a half-hour before the ice was broken and the student-athletes put on their Fred Astaire's and hit the dance floor.

• The Double-A Zone Dance Award goes to the C.W. Post softball team, which danced for two hours straight.

• The men's and women's tennis teams from Valdosta State are both in Houston and the squads interacted during much of tonight's festivities. I caught up with Otto Lenhart, who describes what it means to share the experience with the women's program.

• I also chatted with West Florida golfer Federico Damus, who was clearly having a blast during his first few hours in Houston.

• Finally, it was a pleasure to sit down with Metropolitan State President Stephen Jordan, who chairs the Division II Presidents Council. Dr. Jordan shared some thoughts about what makes the National Championships Festival an important event for Division II.