Year in Review - Wisconsin Sports 2009

Team of the Year:
UW-Whitewater football - The Warhawks defeated Mount Union to win their second D3 championship in 3 years. The resurgence of the Packers and Badgers was good, but an undefeated championship tops them both.

Game of the Year:
Wisconsin basketball over Duke. I never thought this would happen in my lifetime - but it makes me smile every time I think about it. And the Badgers controlled the game from start to finish, showing that this program is firmly established as one of the best in the nation. Too bad no one realizes it.

Disappointment of the Year:
Milwaukee Brewers - the Crew followed up their first playoff appearance in 26 years with a disappointing 2009. The pitching staff fell apart (didn't we see that coming in the Exhibition season?) and too many players has sub-par years (Hart, Hardy, Hall). The Fielder/Braun window is closing fast, but the team does not have the means to get the necessary pitching. I fear I will be able to write this same paragraph next year.

Most Electrifying Newcomer:
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks - Jennings got people excited about the Bucks, at least for a few weeks. Injuries and inconsistent play have hit again (and what has happened to Michael Redd??), but Jennings seems like a building block to get things going again.

Most Heartwrenching Moment(s):
The Green Bay Packers losing twice to the Brett Favre-led Minnesota Vikings. Ouch. Still hurts. Could we have one more chance please?? I know the Packers made the right decision and Aaron Rodgers is awesome, but if Tavaris Jackson was the QB of the Vikings, I would feel much better.

Biggest Reason for 2010 Optimism:
Wisconsin Badger football. The Badgers lose a few key players in O'Brien Schofield, Garrett Graham, and Chris Maragos, but after a 10-3 season, a victory over Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl and the return of John Clay, Scott Tolzein, Chris Borland, Nick Toon, JJ Watt, Mike Taylor, Lance Kendricks, and all 5 offensive lineman - I have three letters for you - B-C-S!!!