So up here in Wiiiiisconsin we have quite a motley crew of sports teams. Some have tradition coming out of their ears, while some have newly found success, and others keep falling flat on their face! Here is a modest opinion regarding a few WI based sports teams.
The Good
With such a mountain of tradition in the past, and what was supposed to be a 'rebuiling' phase in progress, I don't think most realistic Packer fans expected the romp through the season and all the way to the NFC Championship Game. Don't get me wrong, IT WAS GREAT!!! I think the best part I like about this team and organization is the fact that they 'keep the apple core strong by cutting out the worms'. With a team that is full of talent and youth (except Favre) they should be in great hands with Ted Thompson pulling the strings.
The Wiscosin Badgers Men's Basketball Team
With Bo Ryan guiding this defensively minded team, they may not be the prettiest, but they have great teamwork. Last night the Badgers beat the Spartans 57-42 while commiting only 1 turnover! Brian Butch, dubbed the "Polar Bear" by TV announcers went 4-6 from 3 point range to boost the Badgers to victory. Michael Flowers also played stellar defense on the Spartan's Drew Neitzel to limit Neitzel to 1-10 shooting.
The The Brewers have a great core of players to watch! After gaining a little in the win column last year, they sign Eric Gagne and Mike Cameron to help boost them into the Playoffs! With the new ownership's commitment to 'doing what it takes to win' this is definetly a different team fromm a few years past under the Seligs.
The UW-Whitewater Warhawks Football Team
After being the back to back NCAA DIII National Runners-Up they finally jumped that last hurdle in an exciting championship game and became the 2007 NCAA DIII National Champions! With a team that is commited to excellence and under the tuteluge of coach Lance Leipold the Warhawks have a promising season ahead of them!
The Bad
The Milwaukee Bucks
I dont know where to start... They do have a great shooter in Michael Redd and a handful of other good players. Redd came into the season in better shape and a better all-around game, but unfortunately was hampered by injury. The team is sooooo streaky that either they shoot 'lights-out' or get blown off the court in embarrassing fashion. As much as people appreciate the effort, are most long term thinkers in that they should just shut Michael and Yi down and get Michael Beasley in the draft? Also to note.... they should have never, EVER traded T.J. Ford away! If you look at all the better teams in the league they all have that assist man leading them. Mo Williams can play, but he is more of a shooting guard than a point guard. All in all, I love basketball, but sometimes you gotta look at the big picture and the future.
The Ugly
Since I can't really say that any of our Wisconsin teams are UGLY.... I can say this - our rec league team is not playing well. I am part of the Menomonee Falls, WI Wednesday night basketball rec league. After going back to back as champions in 06-07 we have fallen way short this year. We don't practice together besides a couple of pick up games before the start of the season - which has shown its effects during games (blowing a 14 point lead with under 2 min to play!). I would say most people are in basketball shape (i am almost there). I would like to say it is all the 2 refs' fault, but that would be untrue. It is only one of the ref's fault! haha... We have one ref that is afraid to go on the other side of the gym because the guys over there hate him so much. He cost us the game this wednesday when he called ME for a flagrant foul near the end of the game when we were attempting to steal the ball/foul since we were down 6. Anyways.... He cut the game off early (which was a first for a rec game) since he couldn't handle the comments (from both players and fans watching) So I think we lost by 6 with 25 seconds still on the clock! No worries though, since a) it is just a rec league, b) we already are out of the championship race, and c) we have a petition to ban him from reffing league games next year.
Well... I got a little off track at the end, but sometimes you just need to vent a little. Overall, Wisconsin sports have brought great joy and entertainment to our community. I am proud to call myself a fan, a Wisconsinite, and a student of the game.
Thanks for reading!
Matt Yogerst - Realtor - Menomonee Falls and SE WI - RE/MAX Realty 100
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