Spring break meant different things to different people.

For some students, it was a week of wild partying on warm, sunny beaches. For others, it was a time for relaxation and school work at home with their families.

For ISU basketball players and fans, it was a whirl of emotions – excitement and elation for the women’s team, disappointment and devastation for the men’s team.

But both teams can proudly say it was a great season, despite tournament downfalls for the men.

ISU fans watched this year as seniors Paul Shirley, Martin Rancik, Jamaal Tinsley, Kantrail Horton and Richard Evans proved their team could be one of the nation’s best even without Marcus Fizer.

They played hard and they played well, earning the regular season Big 12 Championship title.

They hoped to have a second chance at the Final Four after being stopped short in last year’s Elite Eight by Michigan State.

That team went on to win the national title, and many people called the MSU-ISU match-up the real championship game.

This year, Hampton, which defeated the Cyclones, went on to lose in the next round.

The men’s dreams were again denied, but that doesn’t change the wonderful things they accomplished as a team.

Now ISU fans have to stay positive and cheer on some other seniors – Megan Taylor, Erica Haugen, Sarah Robson and Gintar‚ Cipinyte – as they advance in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

Another incredible team with an incredible season, they won the Big 12 Tournament and Sunday advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.

Iowa State still has a chance to go to the Final Four.

And don’t forget the rising stars – Jake Sullivan, Shane Power and Tyray Pearson among the men, and Angie Welle, Tracy Gahan, Lindsey Wilson and Erica Junod among the women – who have a chance to take what those seniors taught them to next year’s season and tournaments.

Congratulations to both teams. We wish you luck in all you do.

editorialboard: Carrie Tett, Jocelyn Marcus, Katie Goldsmith, Andrea Hauser and Tim Paluch