So we're walking through the mall when my mom spots this sweatshirt with a cute bird on it. On closer inspection, it's kind of a strange feathered foul with it's red head, bright blue wings and large beak curled into a cocky grin. And what kind of a bird wears buckled shoes anyway? But it's on sale, is my brother's size and it says "Kansas" across the front--my dad's home state. My dad will be so proud, right?
Welllll.....
My brother is wearing his new collegiate apparel when my dad gets home from work and nearly has a heart attack when he walks through the front door.
My dad is indeed from the state of Kansas, but was born into an allegiance to Kansas State. My great-great grandpa was an instructor in electrical engineering at the university, although he himself had only a third grade education. Perhaps the most important lesson he ever taught, however, is that wildcats hate that little bird. Unfortunately my mom was the last one to find out.
Despite protests from my dad, Wesley wore his sweatshirt with pride to my grandpa's house and nearly got himself written out of the will. My brother became a fan for life and Sunday dinners were never the same.
March Madness brought out the best in their rivalry and I'm reminded of it again as I fill out my championship bracket. Can K State beat Kentucky then hand the Shockers their first loss of the season? Not likely. Which means I hope my grandpa isn't looking down from heaven to see which two teams from the Sunflower State I have playing in the final four.
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