Fast-forward several decades, and Maguire University has grown from a ragtag crew of Chicago barflies into a prestigious, tongue-in-cheek organization with members spanning the globe. What began as a one-time ticket heist became an annual tradition: the “Traveling Team” road trips to the Final Four, where “Maguire alumni” (anyone with a sense of humor and a love for hoops) gather to cheer, banter, and “play hurt”—their motto, emblazoned on everything from tees to challenge coins.

 “We Play Hurt!” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a nod to pushing through hangovers, close games, and life’s curveballs with grit and grins.