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A few Saturdays ago, I was fortunate to attend the Wisconsin Badgers football game vs. Florida Atlantic. It couldn't have been a nicer day as the sun was shining and there was a light breeze - plus it was significant other Jamie's first time at the stadium and we were given the celebrity treatment as we viewed the game from Lands' End's box seats.
Although it was a beautiful day in Wisconsin, Hurricane Irma was predicted to hit Florida the next day. And I had been watching the weather there like a hawk.
I was intrigued by this hurricane - so large it could encompass the state of Wisconsin, so strong that it would bring chaos for hours and so unpredictable that meteorologists had to update the path within 24 hours of it making landfall.
It was hard for me to imagine what being in a hurricane would be like. Severe weather in Wisconsin blows in and out within minutes - this weather event would span days. I tried to wrap my head around not having power for days, maybe even weeks. I tried to imagine four feet of water in my house, my office, anywhere. It was nearly impossible.
As we sat at the game that day, it had been announced earlier that the visiting Florida Atlantic team would be staying in Madison for an extended period of time while Hurricane Irma marched toward their state, with expenses of their stay paid for by the Badgers. The team was also allowed to use Camp Randall Stadium and the UW facilities in preparation for the team's next home game back in Florida.
Knowing this made the game even better in my mind. I got the feeling players felt similarly, even as the game began to wind down and it was evident the Badgers were in for a win. The sportsmanship was incredible to watch as the players shook hands and hugged each other at the end of the game.
Last week, I opened up the Wisconsin State Journal and read with interest a full page ad that was placed by Florida Atlantic football coach Lane Kiffin. It read:
"Dear Badger Nation,
Thank You! You have opened your hearts to our football program for the past six days in our time of need. Every single person on campus and in the community was kind and courteous. The Badger Football Team even shared their home with us and made our stay as comfortable as possible. We are forever indebted to the Wisconsin Athletic Department, Athletic Director Barry Alvaraez and Head Coach Paul Chryst for their collective generosity. We wish you nothing but the best of luck with the rest of your football season. ON WISCONSIN!"
Our instinct to help others in need or those in a bind is something we as Wisconsinites should be very proud of. Many of us would give a stranger the shirt off our back, hand over a few bucks to someone who is short change at Kwik Trip or stop to point someone who is unfamiliar with the area in the right direction. These things do not go unnoticed - as noted in Lane Kiffin's message to the Badgers.