Photo byMoises AlexonUnsplash

In a playful corner of the Upper Midwest, sandwiched between two Great Lakes, lies the cheese-shaped state of Wisconsin, affectionally known as the "Dairyland of America." But the kids here don't only eat cheese and drink milk. They swing tennis rackets with an enthusiasm and energy that can put a kangaroo to shame. Meet Benny the Badger. No, not your ordinary badger. You see, Benny is the official 'Tennis Mascot' of Wisconsin. The kids absolutely adore him. He's a real hoot, with his raccoon-like eye mask, fluffy tail, and hilarious cheese jokes. He may not have the sleek physique of a tennis star, but boy, he has an unbeatable serve! Benny has a little secret up his fur. He wears sneakers that he claims are ticklish. He says they giggle every time he serves, making the ball whizz past in a blurry streak of yellow. The kids of Wisconsin, eager to defeat giggly sneakers, train hard, hoping one day, they can outserve Benny. The kids here are not just tennis enthusiasts; they are cheese-loving, Benny-chasing, racket-swirling stars with a passion for the game. They dash, they dive, they swing, and sometimes, they even do a little victory dance when they win a point. It's not rare to hear someone yell, "Watch out, here comes the Cheesy Slam!” as they dash to return a serve. Every serve, every swing, every game, is a joyous occasion, an adventure, a tale of triumph or a lesson learnt, a tale as lively and humorous as Benny’s cheese jokes. So, if you ever find yourself in Wisconsin, don't forget to pack your tennis racket, because you might just get a chance to play a game with Benny the Badger and his tribe of tennis-loving kiddos.