The evening also brought a long-awaited return to the tournament for Amaker, who last reached March Madness as coach of Seton Hall in 2000 and was unsuccessful in bringing Michigan to the Dance during his six-year tenure there.

“We are thrilled and honored to have an opportunity to compete in the 2012 NCAA tournament,” Amaker said in statement. “This is a tremendous moment for Harvard University, our basketball program and our community. Go Crimson!”

The last time Harvard was a part of March Madness, the tournament consisted of just eight teams, ten total games, and two sites: Kansas City and New York City. The Crimson, representing New England, was eliminated following a 46-38 first-round loss to Ohio State, and also fell, 67-61, to NYU in its region's third-place consolation game.

This time around, the tournament will be 60 teams larger, and Harvard could end up playing its first-round game on March 15 or 16 in one of eight cities ranging from Pittsburgh to Portland.

But no matter where it ends up, the Crimson will be ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

“Now that we’re in the tournament, we can’t stop working,” Rivard said. “We want to advance.... That’s the next goal.”

—Staff writer Scott A. Sherman can be reached at ssherman13@college.harvard.edu.