We might not remember who won last year’s NCAA men’s (or women’s) D-1 basketball tournament. However, we’ll never forget Loyola of Chicago’s chief cheerleader, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who sadly passed away recently.
Photo courtesy Loyola University of Chicago
Faithfully, Sister Jean wore eye-catching, wide-striped maroon-and-gold scarves.
But why? Aren’t scarves for soccer fans and skiers? Why on earth do Loyola Rambler fans wear scarves?
Answer: Wearing the scarves began at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. Loyola was 4-14 and a newcomer to the Missouri Valley Conference. The Rambler alumni office wasn’t expecting much of a turnout at the conference tournament; however, they wanted to make an impression.
Eureka came in the form of maroon-and-gold rugby scarves, priced at $10 each. The price fit the alumni office budget, and they promptly ordered 100 scarves. Soon, they needed more.
Fast forward, the scarves remain Loyola’s signature, sold with the school’s logo, a wolf.
How about adding Sister Jean’s image to the scarves?
BTW, answers from the lead-in: the Florida Gators won the 2025 Men’s tournament, and the UConn Huskies won the 2025 Women’s tournament.
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Jon Hart is the author of Unfortunately, I was available, illustrated by Coverkitchen
