Boilers, Brackets, and Henry’s Pub: March Madness 2010

March Madness has a way of taking over your life. The brackets, the buzzer‑beaters, the Cinderella stories—it’s the kind of chaos sports fans live for. But in 2010, the NCAA Tournament wasn’t just about basketball for me. It was about friendship, Purdue pride, and one unforgettable weekend at Henry’s Pub in San Diego.

Taking Over Henry’s Pub

Henry’s Pub in the Gaslamp Quarter has always had a reputation for being lively, but that March it became something else entirely. We didn’t just show up to watch the Purdue Boilermakers—we took over the place. Black and gold everywhere, alumni packed shoulder to shoulder, and the kind of energy that makes bartenders both excited and slightly terrified.

And right there in the middle of it all was Nick Hardwick, the San Diego Chargers’ starting center, and his wife Jayme. Nick wasn’t just a Charger—he was a friend we’d met at Henry’s, the kind of guy who could talk football one minute and Purdue hoops the next. Having him there made the whole scene feel larger than life.

Boilers in the Tournament

The 2010 tournament was a rollercoaster for Purdue fans. We’d lost Robbie Hummel to injury late in the season, and the national media had written us off. But the Boilers weren’t about to quit. Every game felt like a test of grit, and every win was sweeter because it came against the odds.

At Henry’s, the crowd lived and died with every possession. When JaJuan Johnson hit a jumper, the place erupted. When E’Twaun Moore drained a three, beers sloshed over the rims of pint glasses. And when the defense locked down, Nick would pound the table like he was calling a snap at Qualcomm Stadium.

Nick Hardwick: Charger and Boiler

Watching the games with Nick was an experience in itself. Here was a guy who spent his Sundays battling NFL defensive linemen, yet he was just as animated about Purdue basketball as the rest of us. He’d lean forward, analyzing plays, breaking down matchups, and then suddenly jump up with the rest of us when the Boilers scored.

Jayme was right there too, laughing at the chaos, cheering along, and making sure Nick didn’t spill his drink during the more dramatic moments. It felt like we weren’t just watching basketball—we were part of a family reunion, one that happened to include an NFL star.

Shenanigans at the Pub

Of course, no Purdue watch party is complete without shenanigans. At one point, someone started a “Boiler Up!” chant that spread through the entire bar. Locals who had wandered in for a casual drink suddenly found themselves swept up in the madness, shouting along even if they had no idea what it meant.

The bartenders got into it too, serving drinks with a wink and occasionally joining the chants. One even tried to draw the Purdue “P” in foam on a Guinness. It didn’t look much like a “P,” but the effort was appreciated.

Between games, we swapped bracket stories—who had already busted, who was still alive, and who had foolishly picked Kansas to go all the way. Nick laughed at my bracket, which had Purdue improbably winning the whole thing. “Hey,” I told him, “you’ve got to believe.”

The Energy of March Madness

What made that weekend unforgettable wasn’t just the games—it was the energy. March Madness has a way of turning strangers into friends, and Henry’s Pub was proof. Every shot, every rebound, every timeout was shared by the entire room.

When Purdue pulled off a win, the place shook like we’d just won a national championship. When they struggled, we groaned together, heads in hands, already plotting how they could turn it around. It was communal joy and communal heartbreak, all wrapped into one.

Late‑Night Reflections

After the games, we spilled out into the Gaslamp, buzzing with adrenaline. Nick and Jayme walked with us, laughing about the day, talking football, and promising to be back for the next round. The city lights glowed, the streets were alive, and it felt like we were part of something bigger than ourselves.

That’s the beauty of sports. It’s not just about the wins and losses—it’s about the people you share them with. Watching Purdue fight through the tournament with Nick Hardwick at our side was proof of that.

Looking Back

The 2010 NCAA Tournament didn’t end with Purdue cutting down the nets, but it gave us moments we’ll never forget. It gave us the chance to rally together, to believe in our team, and to celebrate every victory like it was the biggest one yet.

And for me, it gave me the memory of taking over Henry’s Pub with friends, alumni, and an NFL center who cheered just as loudly as the rest of us.

Even now, when I walk past Henry’s, I can still hear the echoes of “Boiler Up!” bouncing off the walls, the laughter of friends, and the roar of the crowd when Purdue made a big play.

That’s March Madness. That’s Purdue pride. And that’s why 2010 will always stand out as one of the best tournament experiences of my life.