Super Weekend

OK, Horse Dads, even on Super Bowl weekend, when the nation’s collective attention turns to the pigskin, it is possible to get a little horsey, isn’t it?  If you are like me, you are at a point where you can’t handle another in-depth analysis of Gronkowski’s ankle.  You have long since grown weary of the debate about who history will judge to be the better Manning (I need to find a way to let go of my concern for Cooper’s psyche …).  Soon the queso will be made, the beer will be on ice, and you’re already good-to-go in the office pool that tries to predict the exact timing and nature of Madonna’s inevitable malfunction.

It is time for a little horse mascot trivia.  Since the NFL has only two teams whose mascots are equine in nature – the host city’s Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos (more on them in a minute) – our quick quiz will focus on the collegiate gridiron.  Simply match the school with the live horse mascot (no costumed imposters here, my friend) and be prepared to impress your Super Bowl party crowd:

1.  Texas Tech                  a.  Traveler

2.  Southern Cal               b.  Peruna

3.  Oklahoma State          c.  Midnight Matador

4.  SMU                           d.  Bullet

While you mull this over, I’ll share a recollection about the time I had the privilege of being up-close with the Denver Broncos’ beautiful white Arabian, Thunder.  I was at a charitable event called Men for the Cure in Denver. Philanthropist Sharon Magness Blake, the mascot’s owner, rode into the assembled crowd atop her magnificent mount.  Old Glory was waving from the flagpole she displayed from the saddle and Lee Greenwood was singing “I’m Proud to be an American.”  Not a recording of Lee Greenwood.  Lee Greenwood, his ownself.  It. Was. Spine-tingling.

Your answers are 1c, 2a, 3d, 4b.  Enjoy Super Sunday.