The Badgers kicked off 2011, in the Rose Bowl. Yes, they lost, but Wisconsin still represented the state well.
Fast forward another month...when the Packers brought Vince Lombardi's trophy home, winning Super Bowl 45.
And now the Brewers are ready to start the most promising playoff run, well, since 1982...since 2008 just seemed like they were happy and content just to make the show.
So is 2011 the best overall year in Wisconsin sports?
In 2008, the Brewers made the playoffs...but the Packers were sub-.500, and Wisconsin went 7-6 while losing in a lackluster bowl.
1982 was a pretty good year. Brewers lost, but made the World Series. The Packers won their first playoff game in a decade. The Bucks started an incredible run of 50-win playoff seasons under Don Nelson. And Wisconsin won its first bowl game in a decade.
In 1971, the Bucks won the team's only NBA title...but the Packers, Badgers and Brewers all had losing seasons.
And in 1957, when the Braves won it all, the Packers...barely won. Three games total.
Are you thinking this is a best time to be a state sports fan? Certainly better than our border neighbors...as the Bears got punked out in the NFC Championship game by the Packers, and then again in last week's "revenge" game...while Minnesota is just a train wreck, with the Vikings, the Twins, Gophers and Timberwolves all ranking as the worst teams in their leagues.
You can respond to me on twitter @lanceallan
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