March Madness is undoubtedly one of my favorite times of the year. Regardless of how up-to-date I’ve stayed all season long concerning the top teams and players, I am always excited to watch endless basketball games, fill out a bracket, and fully embrace basketball. But, for and all of you who aren’t basketball geeks like me, this post diversifies. It was a challenge- I seriously could have written pages on March Madness news- so if you want more, check out my last post for the Ninja Zone with March Madness activities for kids and families.
1. NCAA student-athlete commercials
I’m a sucker for these commercials. They first started airing several years ago- one of my favorites is “Dumb Jocks” from 2011 (you can watch it here on YouTube). I love hearing the stories behind who the student-athletes are behind-the-scenes, and these commercials always bring that reality. They have so much discipline, determination, and skill in multiple areas that often goes unnoticed.
2. Georgia public schools recess mandate
Enough research is published now to support that recess for elementary school kids is a no-brainer. Georgia’s House of Representatives just approved a bill that mandates recess in its public elementary schools for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. If passed by the state’s Senate, the law will require an average of 30 minutes each day for recess or physical activity. The National Association of Sports and Physical Education recommends that kids get 150 minutes per week of physical education or recess, as one of three kids in the US is overweight or obese. Only 21 states (Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) have legislation in place to require activity breaks for students.
3. The Fitness Marshall
I love to work out, but I especially love to do varied, fun, and enjoyable workouts. The Fitness Marshall (aka Caleb Marshall) started in October 2014 and is quite well-known for his hip-hop cardio workout videos. You can stream them for free from his YouTube channel, but he and his “back up booties” are also touring the United States. Boston, Syosset, NY, and St Louis are up next on the list. Plus, he’s from my hometown!
4. Real life Hunger Games?
Ever since former Colts player Pat McAfee retired and informed us of his new job with Barstool Sports, I’ve been following the brand and enjoying their content. Last week, they shared this article about the Game2:Winter coming up in Siberia. 30 participants will take place in the “contest,” and they have signed death waivers and liability releases. It sounds pretty crazy and intense and has sparked some major political controversy, naturally.
5. Coach Junior
My alma matter recently competed in the NAIA National Championship (March Madness, Christian school edition), but my favorite part about the team and their journey is always the behind-the-scenes entertainment they provide to fans while they contend for a national title. Indiana Wesleyan’s coach Greg Tonagel’s two sons are the stars of the “Coach Jr” YouTube series in which they critique the mistakes and silly moves of their dad’s players. Their takes and youthful perspectives are hilarious and bring lighthearted moments to intense games and pressure-filled seasons. I could watch these guys for hours!