For years, any well-rounded Division III fan has associated one purple team with Salem, and that's Mount Union football. In basketball, you could make a case for both Williams and UW-Stevens Point wearing the colors of royalty.

But it's Amherst bringing the color to the Salem Civic Center these days, as the Lord Jeffs return to the Final Four for the second year in a row and the third time in four seasons. Amherst has yet to win a game at the Final Four, but has a chance to improve with three starters back who started last year's national semifinal against Wittenberg.

Final Four features Va. Wesleyan: Balenga tries to bounce back Wooster: Port's return keys Salem run Washington U.: Untargeted team on target Amherst: Podcast interview with Dave Hixon

D3hoops.com's Pat Coleman spoke with Amherst coach Dave Hixon by phone on Monday, talking about electrifying point guard Andrew Olson, why his best post player starts the game on the bench, his own recovery from a torn Achilles', as well as recruiting nationally for a roster that includes players from California, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. It's D3hoops.com's weekly podcast, download and take with you to listen at your leisure.

Part One, 6:55, click here to listen, right-click to download.

Part Two, 7:50, click here to listen, right-click to download

We also spoke with Carey Harveycutter, who's in charge of the Salem Civic Center, over the weekend at halftime of the sectional semifinals. Hear what he has to say about the improvements made to the Final Four's host site this season, what it takes to put the event on and whether any new security measures have been put in place after the Borat incident. The interview is 6:30, click here to listen, right-click to download.