Feb. 1 is a date I will never forget due to sheer mental anguish and despair.

For the eighth consecutive year, I hosted a Super Bowl shindig in North Puyallup. In my opinion, Super Bowl XLIX was one of the best Super Bowls ever played. It was by far the biggest emotional roller coaster I’ve experienced watching a game as a fan.

Following Jermaine Kearse’s acrobatic catch on the Patriots 5-yard line late in the fourth quarter, it appeared to Seahawks fans across the world it was only a matter of time until they punched the ball into the end-zone for a 31-28 lead and a second consecutive Super Bowl title.

Unfortunately it never materialized. Following a 4-yard run by Marshawn Lynch, Russell Wilson was intercepted by Patriots’ defensive back Malcolm Butler with 20 seconds left in regulation, sealing a Patriots 28-24 victory.

In the seconds and minutes following Wilson’s interception, the mood was undeniably somber at my apartment. It was a mixture of shock, sadness, anger and disappointment all rolled into a package of pure agony.

The Seahawks were agonizingly close to winning back-to-back Super Bowl titles. They were 1-yard away from realizing not only their dream, but the aspirations of every Seahawks fan on the planet. The days following the loss were undoubtedly tough for Seahawks fans.

The good news for Hawks fans is the future is bright for the home team. Star players Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Russell Wilson are cornerstones of the franchise and will be on the roster for years to come. Going to back-to-back Super Bowls is an accomplishment in itself. I just hope the Seahawks will return for their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance in Santa Clara in February of 2016.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com