Does the state of Wisconsin hate us?

[WarriorDoc]

It's unbelievable how much hate I hear from my friends, relatives, and co-workers.  I put my Marquette banner up at my desk and all I get is smirks from co-workers who have Wisconsin banners up.  My friends all tell me how it's a huge joke to have 11 teams in the Big East in the tourney, and how Marquette does not deserve it.  People on JSOnline are clearly Wisconsin fans and Marquette haters--in recent polls about Marquette's chances to make the tourney and to beat Xavier, most people vote "no" or "they will not make it".  I don't even look at the comments of Rosiak's blogs anymore since it's just people bashing Marquette.

As uneducated about basketball and tourney selection as these people are, why all the Marquette hate?  What is it about the state of Wisconsin that they just can't stand Marquette basketball?  Is it that we've won a national championship when it mattered, is it the sense of disgust for private schools, or the love of football (and the fact that Marquette is a basketball only school)?  Or some other reason?

Does anyone else experience this kind of hate towards their favorite team, or is this just a state of Wisconsin thing?

[GGGG]

I don't.  I didn't when I lived in Wisconsin either.  I think some people just like to feel oppressed.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Didn't the state vote for a Marquette alum as their governor.....wait, that might not be a good example.   

[Goose]

I do not think it is hate at all. Actually it probably is a general lack of respect. It seems to me that the media provides no positive support and we might not flaunt being alums enough. There are times that I am with MU alums and they almost seem to embarrassed to say they went to MU.

Sad part is that 25 years ago UW was much less highly regarded as MU. They obviously have done great job improving and the school and a better job improving athletics. Our athletic (bball) is our greatest advertisement to the rest of the country. That is why I believe we need to make every effort to move up the ball food chain and do so ASAP.

[Boone]

Actually, Walker never graduated from MU.

I've always thought MU was an island in Wisconsin, surrounded on all sides by douchy UW fans.

[KenoshaWarrior]

1.Private School
2.Has 1/4 of students from Illinois
3.Students are usually boss's of most people in state
4.Black student athletes

I believe that #4 is the main reason as the average joe in wisconsin can not relate to black athletes.  

Marquette needs to embrace this role of the evil empire kinda like cincinnati did or UNLV Did. We need to carve out our own niche and our own fan base not try to convert dumb hillibillies from Crivitz

[ChicosBailBonds]

Actually, Walker never graduated from MU.

I've always thought MU was an island in Wisconsin, surrounded on all sides by douchy UW fans.

I realize that, but you don't have to graduate to be an alum

[Skatastrophy]

We're in the middle of Big Ten country.  There's bound to be a certain amount of jealousy from the farmboys and girls.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

We're in the middle of Big Ten country.  There's bound to be a certain amount of jealousy from the farmboys and girls.

This.

[Marqus Howard]

I realize that, but you don't have to graduate to be an alum

Correct. I think Marquette considers anyone who has completed 21 credits an alum... DWade is a good example of an alum who didn't graduate.

[Shack]

Not just the state but in the city of Milwaukee as well.  Amazing last night how many Badger fans were out rooting on Bucky at local establishments in Milwaukee.  Guaranteed you won't see 1/2 the turnout tonight for MU.   Even in Milwaukee Marquette is viewed as "want them to win, but really don't care either way."  A lot of factors go into it... style of play, stigma of being a stuck up private school, only rich people to Marquette, no football - translates into lack of interest for bball, racism card, etc...  The Bucks are viewed the same way unfortunately.   Too much Bucky love all around, probably due to all the goodwill the football team earned.  

[Skatastrophy]

Correct. I think Marquette considers anyone who has completed 21 credits an alum... DWade is a good example of an alum who didn't graduate.

Didn't Dwyane Wade graduate just recently?

[NersEllenson]

I'd simply guess that due to Wisconsin getting good in basketball again..in the last 15 years..that they just mouth off a lot more now...and are much more proud to pound their chest.  It also helps their football team has been good for the last 15 years as well.

Prior to 1993...there wasn't really a whole lot UW alum, or fans could be proud of with regard to athletic accomplishment...

[MarquetteDano]

Being from Chicago I will only say that there is more animosity for Marquette in Wisconsin than there is for Depaul/Loyola/Northwestern in Illinois.  And this has very little to do about sports as it is a general vibe.

Is it Marquette's fault?  Maybe partially.  Is it simply private school thing?  Probably a little.  I really don't know the reasons but you definitely see more animosity versus private schools in other states.

[Boone]

Sadly, we even have fans who aren't comfortable with #4.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

Marquette needs to embrace this role of the evil empire kinda like cincinnati did or UNLV Did. We need to carve out our own niche and our own fan base not try to convert dumb hillibillies from Crivitz

I reside in Cincinnati, and frankly there is no comparison.  As a rule, the city gets behind UC regardless of whether or not they attended the school.  Further, there doesn't seem to be a huge hate between UC and OSU so the fans of both schools root for each other.  This in no way describes how things are in WI.....not even in MU's backyard of Milwaukee, something that is very disappointing. 

[Goose]

Not to stir anything up but I think the recent activity in Madison indicates the beliefs of many Wisconsinites. Most people I know from MU, faculty excluded, probably are on different side of the Walker debate. Seems to me it almost became politically incorrect to be proud you attend or attended private school.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

Sadly, we even have fans who aren't comfortable with #4.

Funny story regarding #4.  Went to the MU/UW game in Madison during the 3-amigos junior season.  We were sitting next to an older couple and when MU came out to get loose before tip the woman commented to her husband, "They have lots of colored people".  We just covered our faces and shook our heads.  An unfortunate and somewhat unexpected reality still in 2007

[Chicago_inferiority_complexes]

Being from Chicago I will only say that there is more animosity for Marquette in Wisconsin than there is for Depaul/Loyola/Northwestern in Illinois.  And this has very little to do about sports as it is a general vibe.

My guess is that there is a lot more white trash in out-state WI than in the suburbs of Chicago.

[jaybilaswho?]

There are times that I am with MU alums and they almost seem to embarrassed to say they went to MU.

You need new friends. Embarrasssed? That is ridiculous. I love saying telling people, when asked, I went to Marquette. I feel nothing but pride and enjoy their reactions when they find that out. Even at bars its never turned into fisticuffs or anything, just playful ribbing of the other's school being inferior.

[Goose]

Thanks Jay for the advice. Maybe my MU friends and I need to avoid sticky situations. I proudly state I am MU grad. It seems to me that depending on the company of the evening I see my friends gringe on occassion. Rather than looking a UW grad in the eye with pride they state MU and hope conversation moves on.

Again, I will work on the new set of friends this weekend!!

[ChicosBailBonds]

Funny story regarding #4.  Went to the MU/UW game in Madison during the 3-amigos junior season.  We were sitting next to an older couple and when MU came out to get loose before tip the woman commented to her husband, "They have lots of colored people".  We just covered our faces and shook our heads.  An unfortunate and somewhat unexpected reality still in 2007

From liberal, tolerant, Madison you heard this?  SHOCKED I tell ya...SHOCKED

[[Mu]EngiNerd]

I had it twice as bad in the state of Wisconsin cause I am from Illinois... so everyone in Wisconsin are a bunch of haters either way.

[jaybilaswho?]

Again, I will work on the new set of friends this weekend!!

I wish you well on your endeavor.

Cheers.

[Goose]

Jay---Will you be my friend?