It’s February, and while the jubilation of the holidays is now a distant memory, another season of hope and happiness is just around the corner: the Winter Olympics! For two and a half weeks, all eyes will be on Vancouver as athletes from around the world hope to make their families and nations proud.

Long before there was Real Housewives and American Idol, the Olympics were the original reality show, with all the drama, tears, athleticism, and even the trash talking to boot.  Skeptical? Take a look at these top Olympics highlights from years past:

5. Tara Lipinski Steals Figure Skating Gold, Nagano 1998

In 1998, America was in love with Michelle Kwan. The graceful seventeen-year-old was already a two-time US Figure Skating Champion and winner of the 1996 World Championships when she took the stage in Nagano. While Tara Lipinski, then just fifteen, had a National and World title of her own, it was Kwan whose experience and artistry made her the favorite for the Olympic title. However, after a solid performance by Kwan, Lipinski emerged with this exhuberant, youthful, and technically more difficult program to clinch the gold medal, becoming the youngest Winter Olympic champion ever. Jump to the 6-minute mark to see her receive her scores, and hear the scream heard ’round the world. Read More »

Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

Put on yer best Midwest accent, serve up some hot dish, and grab yer mittens, because this week we’re taking a look at two of the nation’s premier state schools who rival each other in just about everything–but especially hockey. The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin–Madison are both members of the Big Ten conference and the northern region, where hockey is the recreational sport of choice. Can one of these schools score a hat trick?

1. Mascot Match-up

Minnesota- Goldy Gopher, the leader of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, has led fans in cheering for twenty-four NCAA  titles, five of which were won for hockey!
Wisconsin-The Wisconsin Badgers have won twenty-six NCAA titles, six of which were for men’s hockey. However, the men’s boxing team has won the most of any Wisconsin sport, with eight national titles.

Three credits to:  Wisconsin. Cuz they’d beat the crap out of me if I didn’t say that. Read More »