Why I Love the Wisconsin Badgers

Pride. Tradition. Prestige. Three words that come to mind when thinking about the University of Wisconsin-Madison athletic programs. All of my life I have been a die-hard Wisconsin Badger fan, from the "Motion W" logo all the way to Camp Randall Stadium, I have always lived for Badgers athletics. Growing up I was never able to attend any games, but watched furiously on television as the Badgers won their first Rose Bowl in 1993. Also as Ron Dayne led "Bucky" to back-to-back Rose Bowl titles in '98-'99 over UCLA and Stanford respectively.

In 2006, I moved to Madison, WI. I was attending MATC-Madison in order to become closer to the Wisconsin Badgers. It was a pretty dumb reason, but at age 18 I thought it was the smartest thing I ever did. I was finally able to go out to yard parties for "Badger Saturday" in Madison. I was able to attend my first game at Camp Randall, a 34-10 beat down of Western Illinois. It was unreal, one of the most fun things I have ever been to. Getting to participate in the "Jump Around" after the 3rd quarter, watching the game, and then the parties afterward were all a blast.

Wisconsin football hasn't been as successful in the past 10 years however. Despite some really good seasons they haven't returned to a Rose Bowl, or even tied for a Big Ten Championship. I like watching successful seasons, but I want them to start contending for a Rose Bowl, or even a National Championship. However, this isn't going to be the case anytime soon. They need to start adding tougher non-conference opponents to their schedule, and they need to win the big game. Winning all of your games except the ones against Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State will never get them any credit nationally. I don't predict a Badger National Championship in my lifetime, sad but true.

Wisconsin Men's Basketball would have to be my second love. Although I was never that into it growing up, (I was a football kid.) I have fallen hard for it later in life. I think it might have started after their 2000 Final Four appearance, even though they suffered a 53-41 defeat at the hands of conference rival Michigan State.

My favorite basketball memory would have to be the game I attended against then-ranked #2 Pittsburgh in the 2006-07 season. My buddy and I scalped student section tickets for the game and it was worth it. The Kohl Center was rocking and Wisconsin came away with a huge win that would eventually lead them to their first ever #1 ranking.

Wisconsin athletics have been a part of some of the best and worst times in my life. Thrilling victories and agonizing defeats have had a huge impact on my day-to-day life. A lot of people say "It's just a game" but for die-hard Badgers fans, it's our life.