The Start of an Era

One hundred and eighteen years ago in Chicago, Illinois at Palmer House hotel Purdue University president James H. Smart, met with representatives from the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota, University of Northwestern, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin to discuss regulations and policies for governing college athletics. None there could have possibly understood the undertaking that was occurring. They began an era of college athletics, organized college athletics for that matter. The group brought together in that hotel, on that January day placed the stepping stone for colleges across the nation. Little did they know that their rendezvous would lead universities to one day rake in millions upon millions of dollars upon the backs of the athletes they so cherished. Why mention this in my first post? Well, just as those representatives began an era, I too am beginning one here.

For as long as I can remember my passion for sports and writing have always found themselves on a crash course. Butting heads like boxers profusely, just to garner my attention. Well now gentleman you may stop exchanging blows and come together as one. My passion has lead me here. The world of sports writing has been softly whispering in my ear, gently nudging me to bring my desires to fruition. Here I am beginning my journey and what better place to start in the always zany but somehow weirdly magical Big Ten. Living in a Big Ten state, (Michigan) I saw it fitting that I write about the conference that runs almost everyone's lives here. Whether you're a Walmart Wolverine reliving past Michigan victories and trophies not even their fathers were alive for, or brand new Spartan who can't wait to hop on anything negative about their brothers from Ann Arbor; the Big Ten controls the aspects of your life. It's a right of passage in this state; you pick green or maize and you better be damn happy no matter what happens. I'd love to reveal which side I'm on but nah, I'd rather have some fun first. Living within the Big Ten's borders brings with it many hardships. The bashing and brandishing of the Big Ten by national pundits as a mess and a "deer in the headlights" when it comes to the national stage. I do know one thing though about the Big Ten, you love or hate it but you can't get enough of it.

This blog was developed to bring all the commentary about the Big Ten that I can cram down your throat. From story-lines, players, coaches, games, rankings, predictions, to the outright weird things the Big Ten does (and somehow there will be more I'm sure), you can find out about it here. We'll start with football and carry on from there. Here's to an era that's beginning. Good Luck Big Ten Country.

-Stephen