This is the most difficult column I have ever done.
It is my final chance to talk openly and honestly about sports from my perspective. But sports are not just about an individual experience. They are about the people that you are with at the time'your friends and acquaintances.
Along with myself, I decided to have some of my friends describe their favorite Wisconsin sports memories.
James Wold: The best memory, without a doubt, has to be the men's basketball team winning the Big Ten Championship at home. Since it happened at home, it made the entire event special. I still remember seeing the Big Ten Championship trophy held high by senior guard Travon Davis.
Bill LeTourneau: My favorite memory would have to be the day UW running back Ron Dayne broke the rushing record against Iowa. I have never been a part of such an electric atmosphere in my entire life.
Dan Delgado: Two years ago when the UW men's basketball team played Indiana with a NCAA Tournament bid on the line. We came back from 12 points down in the second half. But the best part was seeing Indiana Head Coach Bobby Knight steamed because he thought there was a foul on the final shot. I also remember the people, wearing hunting gear, heckling Knight.
Matt Benedict: R-O-N D-A-Y-N-E. I liked how he brought the whole crowd together. He could not be stopped, he just ran over his opponents.
I also asked them about what was better the anticipation of a big game or winning it and why.
BLT: It was more fun with the anticipation of the big game because everyone knew the implications going into it. The hype was there and the energy going into it was in the air. Everyone had a hunch history was going to be made.
DD: The winning of a big game is the best because the game actually lived up to the hype. When you win the game, it is the culmination of all the buildup and you can go out and celebrate with your friends afterwards.
MB: Winning it of course. Anticipation only makes us think about what could happen. When it's the fourth quarter ... and you are down by a touchdown and you score, that's when it's bigger, and better.
JW: I think the anticipation is better because everyone is excited, no matter what team you root for.
Finally, I asked them what Wisconsin sports meant to them.
BLT: There is just nothing that can compare to it. There are no better venues in the country, whether it being Camp Randall, or the Kohl Center where I feel as if the fans are a true part of each and every sport. Every fan takes pride in and loves their team and will support it through the good times and the bad.
DD: Having a chance to experience something magical and exciting with friends.
MB: More beer drinking afterwards and how it brings everyone together to drink that beer and celebrate afterwards.
JW: Wisconsin sports are an extension of my life. I grew up in Janesville, following Wisconsin sports. The university is such a big part of my life I cannot explain it in such few words.
These are just some of the aspects that make Wisconsin sports the environment that they are legendary for. While they are great for fans to be involved in, there are some things that only a sports writer are privy to.
For example, how many people can say they had Bo Ryan give them a lesson on how to watch and break down game film? Not too many. These are the things that make my job special.
But I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my three co-editors who stuck with me through the good and the bad.
Thank you, Jamie Duklas. You taught me the ropes and how to make a sports page look good.
Thank you, Alan Hamari. You helped me create some incredible headlines and are now my boss.
Thank you, Katie Gilbert. You kept the page going when I had my pneumonia. I can't forget that.
A special thanks goes out to my photo editor, Mike Staab. We had some fun road trips'Grand Rapids, Chicago and Indianapolis. I want you to know I appreciate everything you have done for the sports page. You made it the page that it is today.
But now I must go. I only hope that the next generation of students at Wisconsin has it as fortunate as I did.
I really am a lucky guy.
