Celebrating MU's Madness run: April 11 proclaimed 'Marquette Day' in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee leaders took time to honor the Marquette University men's basketball team Tuesday, April 11. The Golden Eagles had a historic season, securing their first ever Big East conference season title, and first Big East Championship. 

Marquette men's basketball was a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and Shaka Smart was named Big East Coach of the Year. 

To celebrate the team, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and County Executive David Crowley each issued proclamations making April 11 Marquette Day. 

"They showed that they're made of toughness, that they're made of grit, that they're made of do-not-quit attitude, and that that exactly embodies what we stand for here in this city, here in the city of Milwaukee," said Mayor Johnson. 

County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson also gave the team and Coach Smart an official county board citation, which is similar to an executive proclamation and is adopted by the county board.

A couple Marquette players made special headlines this season. Guard Tyler Kolek was named the Big East's Best Player, and forward David Joplin was named the conference's Sixth Man Award.