The Winkler Family and Their Furry Forecasters: A March Madness Tradition
For the Winkler family, March Madness isn’t just about basketball; it’s a cherished tradition that extends to every member of the family, including their beloved canine companions. Vince Winkler, a dedicated fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, has turned the annual NCAA tournament into a fun, inclusive event where even the family dog gets a shot at predicting the winners. This unique approach to bracketology has not only fostered family bonding but has also become a popular feature on the College Basketball subreddit, capturing the hearts of online basketball enthusiasts.
The Winkler family’s involvement in March Madness pools dates back to at least 2008, but it was in 2014 that the canine bracket became a staple. Vince Winkler shared with USA TODAY that the dog bracket exemplifies the broad appeal of March Madness, extending beyond traditional basketball fans. He emphasized that the winner of their family pool is often not the most knowledgeable or invested in the sport, highlighting the level playing field that the tournament offers.
Ripley’s Reign: The Current Canine Caster
Currently, the responsibility of filling out the dog bracket falls on Ripley, the Winkler family’s astute canine companion. Last year, Ripley showcased her predictive prowess by correctly picking the UConn Huskies to win the championship. However, another family member also selected the Huskies, resulting in Ripley securing the second-place position.
The Canine Bracket Formula: A Recipe for Success
The formula used to create the dog bracket is designed to cater to a dog’s particular preferences and instincts. While the specifics can be modified to suit the individual pup, the general approach considers factors like team names, mascots, and even the promise of treats. One Reddit user, BobRoberts01, humorously suggested that "food" trumps all other mascots, followed by a preference for those who aren’t delivering packages to the front door.
Vince Winkler acknowledges that this selection criteria can make the dog bracket heavily reliant on a limited number of teams. He explained that while a "dog team" winning games greatly benefits the bracket, the lack of depth in that category can be a challenge.
Despite these limitations, the dog bracket has proven surprisingly successful over the years. In 2011 and 2014, the dogs triumphed over their human counterparts, earning themselves a well-deserved steak dinner, a delightful alternative to the traditional restaurant prize for the humans.
Embracing the Dog Bracket’s Wisdom
Vince Winkler admitted that it’s often easier to accept being beaten by the dog bracket than by a friend who makes an improbable pick. He noted that the dog bracket operates based on a consistent formula and unwavering loyalty, making its success more palatable. In contrast, he finds it more difficult to accept a friend’s victory when it’s based on a whimsical decision, such as choosing a 16-seed over a 1-seed simply because they like the team’s mascot.
This year, Ripley’s official Winkler dog bracket has identified the No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers as the team destined to win the championship. Only time will tell if her prediction proves accurate.
A Tribute to Beloved Canine Companions
Beyond the excitement of bracket predictions, the Winkler family’s March Madness tradition serves as a heartwarming tribute to their past and present canine companions. Vince Winkler fondly recalled memories of dogs like Wesley, the backyard escape artist; Tesla, the tiger ball enthusiast; and Omar, the snow-loving retired racing greyhound.
Each dog brought unique joy and personality to the Winkler family, and the March Madness bracket helps keep their memories alive. Winkler emphasized that the tradition is as much a tribute to his family members as it is to the dogs, recognizing the special place that these furry friends hold in their hearts. All of the Winkler dogs are either from a rescue or from a pound.
In a world often driven by competition and knowledge, the Winkler family’s March Madness tradition offers a refreshing reminder of the importance of family, fun, and the unconditional love of our four-legged friends.
