Badger of Honor
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Proof Bucky Badger is the #1 B1G Mascot

By Noah Seligman

Feb 21, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger entertains the fans during the game with the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 69-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger entertains the fans during the game with the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 69-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bucky Badger represents Wisconsin well

As you Wisconsin natives probably learned in school (I did) the Badger nickname came from our state’s mining history.

"The nickname actually dates back to the 1820s, when mining became a huge business, leading thousands of men to the ample iron ore mines in the Midwest. Wisconsin workers made temporary homes by digging caves into the rock of the mines, similar to tunnels that badgers dig for shelter. The miners came to be known as “badger boys” or “badgers,” and the name eventually came to represent the state itself."

So Badger is a rich part of the Wisconsin tradition.  But the same cannot be said for every Big Ten team.  For example, I’m unconvinced there is evidence of Knights of any hue in New Jersey. I await your reply Rutgers.  My aunt has lived in Evanston for many years and I don’t recall that particular section of Illinois being overwhelmed by wildcats.  As for Penn State.  Wikipedia is something short of convincing as to whether mountain lions actually were/are indigenous to the campus area.

Mar 11, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; The Northwestern Wildcats mascot “Willie the Wildcat” dances on the court during a stoppage in play against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Badgers won 76-48. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; The Northwestern Wildcats mascot “Willie the Wildcat” dances on the court during a stoppage in play against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Badgers won 76-48. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; The Penn State Nittany Lion prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; The Penn State Nittany Lion prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Eliminated: Northwestern Wildcats, Rutgers Scarlet Knights (again), Penn State Nittany Lions

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