I have to aknowledge it. Wisconsin has the premium Big Ten sports environment right now...and I'm jealous. In addition to having top notch football and basketball programs, lunatic fans, and a dedicated athletic department they have something that none of the other tradtional Big Ten powers have: realistic expectations. It's really the best of both worlds, and it's something that essentially boils down to the culture and history of the university. Michigan fans are spoiled. Ohio State fans are spoiled (and obnoxious). Wisconsin fans legitimately and sincerely can say that a season is a success without necessarily winning a Big Ten championship. I guess this is due to the fact that their sports renaissance has been relatively recent. This attitude matters for reasons other than sustaining the long term physical and mental health of their fans. It has to help the athletes. It seems that the lack of extraordinary year-in year-out expectations would limit the pressure. Maybe the ceiling for Wisconsin athletics doesn't quite equal that of their Michigan and Ohio State counterparts but you wouldn't know that based on the last decade which has included a final four and multiple Rose Bowls. Are they too drunk on brats and miller lite to know any better? If it's at the expense of Ohio State then who am I to complain.
As the seconds wind down on Ohio State's undefeated hoops season, I can only think that Madison is the Mecca of the Big Ten...at least as of February 2011.
Brian - it's just one UW grad's opinion, but I think you've got it pretty much right on. In particular, I agree the idea that lower expectations have permeated from years of futility and the subsequently grateful attitude of a Wisconsin sports base which endured decades of torment in every major sport (UW football and basketball - 60's-early 90's; Green Bay Packers 70's-early 90's; Milwaukee baseball mid 80's-mid 2000's; Bucks basketball in 90's). Whatever the reason, its been my experience that Wisconsin fans certainly enjoy the party before the game and the celebration leading up to these events as much or more than the games / events themselves, which makes for a generally fun and inviting experience. In any event, it's been a great year to be a Wisconsin sports fan. Please keep up with the good work!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I guess I can't really comment on being a "state of Michigan fan" since I'm a Chicagoan and only have allegiance to UofM. I suppose that the years of "futility" of wisconsin pro sports in general adds to the "we'll take anything we can get" mentality with respect to the Badgers. The long term question is will that ever change if the Badgers continue to succeed consistently at such a high level in the two major sports. When I went to Wisconsin's first Rose Bowl in the 90s it was clear that the party began hours before and continued hours after the game. No one does it quite like the Wisconsin band...and throw in brats and beer and it's quite a party. At Michigan it's Rose Bowl or bust, at Wisconsin it's "don't let the keg run out!!"
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