One of the things I most love about this time of year is that the madness isn\u2019t really madness. While it\u2019s oft crazy amid the rampant upsets and improbable three point shots, it also happens to be one of the best, authentic celebrations of difference and diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We root for all sorts of teams, regardless of what we have in common\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We cheer for the good story, regardless of who they represent\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And we openly admire ability, even when it\u2019s on the other team.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, how fun is March Madness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this year\u2019s field of 68, with 4 having to \u201cplay their way in,\u201d we see all sorts of people groups, animal representations and creative monikers. Some stand out more than others\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n We start with the Aztecs and both of the Aggies. I do always wonder what an Aggie is exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then come the Ursidae, otherwise known as the bear family via the Bears, Bruins and Grizzlies. Be sure not to confuse them with the feline family portal that the Panthers, pair of Wildcats, all 3 Cougar teams and 4 Tiger teams represent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re wondering (as I was),<\/em> the Wolverines are members of the family Mustelidae; interestingly, a most minor Google search will reveal that their scientific animal name is Gulo gulo, meaning \u201cglutton.\u201d This, too, includes the Badgers, meaning Michigan and Wisconsin have more in common than they may like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While we\u2019re on the animals, let\u2019s add a few more\u2026 there are 2 Rams; both they and the Bisons hail from the family Bovidae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the reptiles\u2026 the Gators seem dominant this year, but in their bracket are also the far-more-than-amphibious Terrapins. For the record (mostly because I simply find it entertaining), <\/em>a Terrapin is \u201ca small edible turtle.\u201d Hoping no one actually eats them on the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s not, however, forget the fowl\u2026 the Bluejays, Cardinals and Jayhawks\u2026 not to be outdone by the Ducks, Eagles and Golden Eagles. And Seahawks? What\u2019s a Seahawk? It\u2019s not a real bird, friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other animals in this year\u2019s tournament? Dogs bark via the Huskies, Terriers and 6 sets of Bulldogs. There are horses and cows and Longhorns and Sooners. Still we find the Hornets and Razorbacks\u2026 can\u2019t say I\u2019m a fan of either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then come the weather fronts, which always delight me \u2014 this year represented by the Cyclones and Red Storm. Colorful monikers follow \u2014 the Crimson Tide, Red Flash, Red Raiders and Blue Devils. Sorry, I can\u2019t root for the devil no matter what color he shows up as.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regal reps are also interesting, from the Colonials and Commodores to the Tritons and Trojans\u2026 in addition to the ethnically-identified Illini, Gaels, and 2 sets of Spartans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bravery, too, abounds in the tournament \u2014 or at least it\u2019s projected in the Mavericks and Musketeers. I have a place in my heart for the Rebels, as well\u2026 as long as they know when to fight and when to congratulate the other team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also interesting are the Tarheels and (my beloved) <\/em>Boilermakers. Did you know that each of their names were originally designed to be derogatory? Seems like their success on the court has long surpassed any sustaining insult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Somewhere in here should be the Cowboys, Mountaineers and Volunteers; each seems both respectful and respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But our final shout out for this year\u2019s tourney goes to the small but mighty Lobos, Lopes and Zips; it\u2019s just fun to say their names. (Did you know that the Zips hail from the \u201cRubber Capital of the World\u201d?)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Love the diversity, underdogs and healthy competition. Love, too, when we can all celebrate the same thing. Indeed… let the madness begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One of the things I most love about this time of year is that the madness isn\u2019t really madness. While it\u2019s oft crazy amid the rampant upsets and improbable three point shots, it also happens to be one of the best, authentic celebrations of difference and diversity. We root for all sorts of teams, regardless … <\/p>\n