I watched the Benton Zephyrs this past Friday and Saturday at state, and it was simply amazing to see such a small school beat all of the odds and win a D4 championship. It was even more amazing for me since I’m a Benton High School alum who graduated back in 1990. I went out for a lot of sports in high school, and we struggled due to the size of our school. There were no tryouts, you just joined the team.

I really didn’t know what it was going to be like when I went to these games. Would I know anyone? My parents moved to Madison about 10 years ago, so I literally never get to Benton anymore. I found myself surrounded by people I grew up around, which had come together to see their town’s team pursue a dream. It felt like I knew just about everyone, yet I hadn’t seen most of these people since my graduation day.

I guess Benton closed down Main Street that evening for a night of celebration. I wish I could have been there! Anyway, congratulations Benton, and let’s hope this is the start of new trend for the mighty Zephyrs.

Benton wins WIAA D4 boys basketball championship

WIAA state boys basketball: Benton best in show

My wife and I went to the Badgers/Michigan game this afternoon, which the Badgers won. Instead of blogging about the actual game, I thought I’d blog about something that’s been bothering me for a few years now. I don’t know what it is, but the fountain soda at the Kohl Center tastes horrible. We’re season ticket holders for hockey and volleyball, and both the Kohl Center and the Field House has weird tasting soda. It’s like there’s too much syrup or their hoses are dirty, or something! Either way, it tastes nothing like the Diet Coke that I’m familiar with.

While we’re on the subject of food and the Kohl Center; how many years are they going to serve the same awful food in the luxury boxes? The term “luxury box” makes you think you’ll be living in the lap of luxury during the game. Yes, there’s alcohol, snacks, and some of the best seats in the house, but why the bland chicken and frozen pizza? Me personally, I skip the chicken and hit the concessions. Regardless, I still jump at every opportunity to watch a game in one of the luxury boothes, but if the food was better, it would be the ultimate game experience. If you’re unsure how to improve the food, I suggest talking to the people at Lambeau Field, since they’re luxury box food is excellent.

Oh, by the way, the Badgers won! Go Badgers!!!

Roncalli led for most of the game, only to have a few questionable fouls hurt them at the end, and they couldn’t quite come back before time expired. The Jets are one of the best coached goup of basketball players I’ve ever seen. They play really good defense, have incredible ball control, and every single one of them can shoot a three-pointer.

The big difference between Roncalli and Racine is their size. For example, Roncalli’s two biggest starters are forward Chris Netzel at 6’2″ and Eric Pozorski at 6’1″. Racine’s two starting forwards are Devron Bostick at 6’5″ and Reggie Bunch, also at 6’5″. They also have a 6’10″ center, which didn’t seem to make much of an impact.

Either way, the Roncalli Jets played much bigger than their physical stature. Those boys absolutely played their hearts out today, and deserved a better officiated game, but unfortunately that’s how the chips fell for them this year. They had a great season and should be proud of what they’ve accomplished. Good job boys!