There comes a time in the course of human events that as a humble teacher, one must simply say "I am not worthy". That was the case today as the Elite 8 competed for a trip to the Final Four in the Most Influential American Tournament. The assignment for the Regional Finalists was to create a Common Craft Video highlighting the influences of each of these Great Americans made.
The Presidential Bracket pitted upstarted Dwight D. Eisenhower against blue blood Franklin Roosevelt. The"pride of Abilene, KS" entered the tournament as a 12 seed. Though probably a bit undervalued as a 12 seed, Ike has punched his ticket in the final four on the strength of his military successes in D-Day and the accomplishments of his presidency primarily the establishing the Nation's first Interstate and his successes in the Cold War. Take a look at Ike's Common Craft Video. The people liked Ike! and the votes showed it as Eisenhower advanced
The Presidential Bracket pitted upstarted Dwight D. Eisenhower against blue blood Franklin Roosevelt. The"pride of Abilene, KS" entered the tournament as a 12 seed. Though probably a bit undervalued as a 12 seed, Ike has punched his ticket in the final four on the strength of his military successes in D-Day and the accomplishments of his presidency primarily the establishing the Nation's first Interstate and his successes in the Cold War. Take a look at Ike's Common Craft Video. The people liked Ike! and the votes showed it as Eisenhower advanced
In the innovators bracket, the defending champion Bill Gates looks to build a dynasty similar to the Microsoft Office empire he has created. Gates, entered the tournament as a 10 seed, continued his winning ways and though, considered "twerpy" by some (ahem, KMohr), he is a giant in this contest. Gates creation of Microsoft and for the video game generation, the creation of the X Box continues to thrive in this tournament. Using a bit of humor and a different approach, Gates' common craft used humor, personal connections, and some fun to knock off Alexander Graham Bell. Though Gates never graduated from college, he graduates here to his second consecutive final four and a realistic chance to defend his title. Watch Gates' video here!
In the Wild Card Bracket, General George Patton earned a final four appearance in his first ever appearance in this tournament. Patton has a long list of awards, commendations, and medals during his time in the military but no honor may be greater than the chance to cut down the nets in the Most Influential American Tournament. Patton knocked off #1 seed Lewis and Clark in a classic #1 vs. #2 seed match up. Patton, a no nonsense general, used the no nonsense approach in his common craft video to identify with the voters. Patton wiped out Lewis and Clark like he wiped out plenty of Nazi soldiers to advance to Final 4. Take a look at Patton's Common Craft Video.
In the final match up of the tournament, Eleanor Roosevelt carried the hope of all the ladies as she matched up with the Great Integrator of Baseball Jackie Robinson. Ol' #42 would carry the day as his ability to integrate America's past time was deemed more influential than Eleanor Roosevelt and her role as the first lady and ambassador to the U.N. Robinson's grace under pressure, his role to integrate baseball and several companies as a spokesman helped him to defeat Eleanor. It was a tough day for the Roosevelt family as both Franklin and Eleanor will spend the rest of the tournament watching from their Hyde Park estate in upper New York. Jackie Robinson, the 11 seed, looks to be a formidable candidate in the final four.
So, the final four are set a #12 Seed in Ike, a #10 seed in Gates, a #2 Seed in Patton, and a #11 seed in Robinson makes this a cinderella story that folks will be talking about for years!
So, the final four are set a #12 Seed in Ike, a #10 seed in Gates, a #2 Seed in Patton, and a #11 seed in Robinson makes this a cinderella story that folks will be talking about for years!