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I'll have to admit, I'm not much of a college basketball fan. I may
have filled out a March Madness bracket maybe once in my life, picking
a team here and there, no method really for the selections. But as
this year's March Madness unfolded, I couldn't help but get drawn
into the hype surrounding our very own Wisconsin Badger boys basketball
team.
The guys were portrayed as goofy, fun and respectful by national
media outlets. But it was more than just the playfulness with the stenographer
and their respect for other teams and each other that captured
hearts all across America.
These men are real. And they are a real reflection of the values many
of us have in the Badger state.
They focused on the basics like communication, problem solving
and teamwork. They stayed composed in tough situations. They believed
in themselves, and encouraged and empowered other teammates
to believe in themselves too. They played their hardest until
the very end.
They were a class act.
For me, it wasn't hard to see why famous people like Aaron Rodgers
attended the game as Badger fans. It wasn't hard to see why people
all across the country became Badger fans overnight.
There is just something special about being a Badger fan. And there
is something special about this team too.
Thanks for the exciting ride Badger boys. You have so much to be
proud of, but you should be especially proud of your professionalism
and sportsmanship.
Because of this, you made me and so many others so proud to be
part of the #BadgerNation. On Wisconsin!