Meet the American Who Coined “March Madness”: Illinois High School Hoops Pioneer H.V. Porter

Every year in March, millions of people around the world tune in to watch the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as “March Madness.” But do you know the story behind the term “March Madness” and how it became so popular? It all started with a man named H.V. Porter, an Illinois high school basketball coach who coined the phrase in the 1930s.

In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of H.V. Porter and his contributions to the sport of basketball.

Meet H.V. Porter: The Man Who Coined “March Madness”

H.V. Porter was born in 1898 in Martinsville, Illinois, and grew up playing basketball in his local community. In the 1930s, he became a high school basketball coach and was responsible for organizing the Illinois High School Boys Basketball Tournament. It was during this time that he coined the phrase “March Madness” to describe the excitement and intensity of the tournament.

The term “March Madness” quickly caught on and was soon being used to describe other basketball tournaments across the country. In 1982, the NCAA officially adopted the term to describe their own men’s basketball tournament, and it has been a popular and widely recognized term ever since.

H.V. Porter’s contributions to basketball go beyond just coining a catchy phrase, however. He was also instrumental in developing the format for high school basketball tournaments, including the use of regional and sectional tournaments leading up to a state championship. This format was eventually adopted by other states and became the standard for high school basketball tournaments nationwide.

Conclusion:

H.V. Porter may have passed away in 1975, but his legacy lives on through the term “March Madness” and the many contributions he made to the sport of basketball. His love for the game and dedication to improving it have had a lasting impact on the sport, and his name will forever be associated with one of the most exciting and beloved sporting events in the world.

FAQ:

H.V. Porter also served as the president of the National Federation of State High School Associations and played a key role in establishing rules and regulations for high school basketball. His contributions helped to shape the sport into what it is today.

Interestingly, the term “March Madness” was not the only phrase coined by H.V. Porter. He also came up with “Super Sectionals” to describe the sectional tournaments leading up to the state championship. While this phrase did not catch on in the same way as “March Madness,” it is still used in some areas to describe these tournaments.

In addition to his work in basketball, H.V. Porter was also a teacher and principal in Illinois schools. He was known for his dedication to education and his belief in the importance of athletics as part of a well-rounded education.

Today, H.V. Porter is remembered as a pioneer in the world of basketball and an important figure in the history of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. His legacy lives on through the excitement and intensity of “March Madness” and the many high school basketball tournaments that continue to use the format he helped to develop.