College Basketball, Old Trapper Style

No doubt many of you will be watching the March Madness tournament with keen interest, especially as it relates to the health of your bracket. It’s my understanding that many Americans stand to win (or lose) vast sums of money during this period of fierce competition. Though I myself am not a gambling man, I do understand the rush one gets by having a little skin in the game, and I’d never begrudge a man for that.

The Origin Story

Have I ever told you I played in the very first basketball game? No? How odd… Back in (18)91, I found myself wintering in Springfield, Massachusetts, for a reason that presently escapes me. During those long winter days, I’d escape the cold by spending much of my time in the local YMCA—boxing, running, and generally carrying on with the local fellows.

Well, one day, this older gentleman by the name of James hangs two peach baskets on opposite ends of the gymnasium and tells us all he’s invented this game he called “Basket Ball.” I can tell you there were more than a few raised eyebrows as he tried to explain this strange new game. The rules were different then—there was no dribbling, there were 18 players on the court at a time, and we played with a soccer ball—but I managed to pick up the finer points pretty fast. I think I finished the game with something like 45 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, and nine blocks. Little did I know I’d just missed out on the world’s first quadruple-double.

Forging a Love for College Basketball

Ultimately, we all had a fine time and decided this “Basket Ball” had a real future. I did suggest a few minor tweaks that have now become popularized, such as the dunk and the three-pointer, but the world just wasn’t ready. Still, I always knew the game had potential, and I’ve followed its growth from humble beginnings into the fast-paced sport we know today.

While my playing days are behind me, my love for basketball has never faded. That’s why Old Trapper proudly supports college basketball, particularly in the Big 12, Mountain West, and Big Ten conferences. These leagues represent the highest levels of athleticism, teamwork, and passion—values that I myself hold dear in crafting the world’s best beef jerky.

My Top College Basketball Events

The Big 12 is known for its up-tempo play, high-flying dunks, and relentless competition. Night in and night out, teams battle for supremacy in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Meanwhile, the Big 10 is a bastion of gritty, hard-nosed college basketball—where physicality and defensive intensity define the game. It’s also my distinct honor to support the very forward-thinking Mountain West Conference, fueling athletes and fans alike with the best-tasting beef jerky in the west and beyond.

Whether it’s a buzzer-beater in March or a defensive showdown in January, or women’s basketball on one court and men’s basketball played in 70,000 seat stadiums, Old Trapper is proud to fuel the athletes and fans who make these conferences great.

Stay Fueled, Stay Ready

Playing college basketball, much like jerky-making, requires an unyielding commitment to excellence. Player or fan, you need the right fuel to keep you going—and that’s where Old Trapper comes in. Packed with lean protein and bold flavor, our beef jerky is the ultimate game-time snack.

So, as you enjoy the madness of March remember this—college basketball has come a long way from peach baskets and soccer balls, but the spirit of the game remains the same. And as long as there are athletes giving it their all on the court, Old Trapper will be there to support them, one delicious bag of jerky at a time.