Last week I returned to Madison for the first time in 25 years. Many things have not changed. The people were warm and welcoming, the countryside was beautiful and the Wisconsin brews were cold and tasty.
I attended the Badger v. Tennessee Tech football game. Tuba players marching down the street and bagpipers playing “On Wisconsin” added to the festive atmosphere. It was incredible. I love the way the student sections show their enthusiasm during the “Jump Around” at the end of the third quarter, and their echo of “first and 10 Wisconsin” made me smile. However, I was not prepared for the obscene chants coming from the students throughout the game.
There were many youngsters in attendance with their parents, and the Field House end of the stadium was filled with high school bands. I wonder how they felt about this. This vulgarity reflects poorly on the university — one of the best academic institutions in the country — and the fact that this is tolerated disappoints me.
Still, I enjoyed the game experience including the 5th quarter. Even though I am not a Wisconsin graduate, I am emotionally touched by “Varsity” and I love to participate in singing along. U-rah-rah! On Wisconsin!
Peter Boam hosted the radio show “Peter B. and the Breakfast Bunch” on WIBA from 1982-1989.
