Maryland Terrapins Fans: Meet The Indiana Hoosiers

Mar 8, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Troy Williams (5) dunks in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena. Michigan won 84-80. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

As we tour around the Big 10 to meet the new opponents of the Maryland Terrapins I am sure you are asking the question, “What is a Hoosier?” It is a term for people from Indiana simply enough. Beyond that there is some doubt, but generally it is believed that it began as a negative term for backwoodsmen in the area when the nation was at its early beginnings.

Indiana University (Not University of Indiana) is located in Bloomington, the sixth largest city in Indiana (approximately 80,000 population); and it is located about an hour southwest of Indianapolis. Residents of the area are generally the fans of the Colts (once again, sorry Baltimore) with a good amount of Chicago Bears fans around. The Cubs, Reds and Cardinals generally split the baseball crowd, although since the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, plays in state, there may be some sentiments for the Pirates. Basketball is loved in the state and NBA support will obviously go to the Indiana Pacers. Indianapolis has had some success with minor league hockey over the years, but NHL love is usually shown for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Basketball is HUGE in this state. The Hoosiers basketball team is currently having a hard time under coach Tom Crean of getting to the levels of play seen under legendary Bobby Knight, although they still play at a decent level. Football is not used to any success at all, often making even Illinois look good at football. At this point, men’s soccer is probably the best sport on campus, as they have won eight national championships in men’s soccer (1982, 1983, 1988, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2012). Swimming, Diving and Baseball are other strong sports. The  John Mellencamp Pavilion was a major gift to the athletic program by the “Pink Houses” singer, who happens to be a major supporter who lives nearby.

There are great food options around town. Dagwood’s has great deli sandwiches, FARMbloomington has a creative and delicious menu, and the Fourth Street has plenty of ethnic restaurants to choose from. The Crazy Horse and Upland Brewing Company offer up some good drinking choices.