The University of Michigan adopted its school colors in 1867. A body of students gathered and decided those colors would be azure blue and maize … blue and the color of ripe, golden corn. So it seemed only natural that Michigan would do what others have done before them, their school athletic teams would wear school colors to identify them.
What a shock a couple of Sundays ago when Indiana took to the floor in their traveling reds (Crimson) and out trotted the University of Michigan team in some sort of slimy, yellow-green uniforms, right down to their socks and shoes. Certainly not the color of maize you would find wrapped in a green husk on any Michigan farm.
Now I don’t care, and have no business in saying, what color the University of Michigan wears on the basketball court. It just seems to me that many of these kids coming from various points on the map want to do their own thing because they are at the university now and want to make a mark for themselves. It doesn’t make them better basketball players. (Ugh, slimy, yellow-green.) Not exactly azure blue and maize.
Notre Dame was supposed to have new uniforms, a light shade of green, but they came out looking like two-footed limes bouncing around the basketball court. It didn’t help them win. Now, because of St. Patrick and their nickname, “The Fighting Irish,” I suppose there’s some connection with green and Notre Dame. The school colors are blue and gold, or close to that, and that’s why the football team wears gold helmets and blue jerseys. At least they look like a football team, not some color dreamed up for this year’s fashionistas.
Cincinnati stayed close to their colors, but God only knows what the designs on their pants were. At least they stayed close to black and red, their school colors. The red was a neon-red and the other color was black with designs.
It was suggested to the Indiana University team (I heard this) they adopt new uniforms. You know, get rid of the red and white striped warm-up pants and the look of the Bobby Knight era uniforms. Well, these smart young men who wear IU emblazoned on their jerseys said “No!” Just makes it easier for you to cheer for old IU.
Here’s the rub of the entire thing … no matter what culture you came from, you are joining the culture of a given university or college. You are there to learn, play your favorite sport and, hopefully, respect the traditions of the school. You see, when your uniforms get more press and more time on national TV than your playing does, you have a serious problem.
I don’t care what the boys in your neighborhood think about your school colors. You’re actually there to defend them. It may sound medieval, but that’s what you’re doing … defending your school’s colors on the fields and courts of national sports while the people at the university or college are trying to cram some learning into your heads.
Ronn Mott, a longtime radio personality in Terre Haute, writes commentaries for the Tribune-Star. His pieces are published online Tuesday and Thursday on Tribstar.com, and in the print and online editions on Saturday.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Ronn Mott
Discussion
RONN MOTT: School Colors
- Opinion
-
-
EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
-
RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
-
LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
-
READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
-
MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
-
GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
-
EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
-
The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
-
A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
-
READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
-
The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
-
RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
-
READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
-
EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
-
READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
-
RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
-
READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
-
EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
-
EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
-
READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
-
RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
-
READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
-
LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
-
READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
-
EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
-
Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
-
FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
-
Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
-
RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
- More Opinion Headlines
-
EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Raw: Marines Land Osprey on Japanese Ship
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
Obama Welcomes WNBA Champions to White House
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: Australian Begins Cuba to Florida Swim
Pa. Girl Who Took on Donor Rules Gets Lungs
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Prosecutors Push for Smartphone "Kill Switch"
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone During UK Concert
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
