IN [FOCUS] RESPECT YOUR ELDERS Standing out among the many fresh faces that have taken center stage in the first week of spring football practice, seniors- to-be Kyle Costigan (54) and Konrad Zagzebski (91) went head to head in a drill during the Badgers’ prac- tice session Monday inside the McClain Center. PHOTO BY BRIAN MASON IN [FOCUS] THROWING IT DOWN Wisconsin redshirt fresh- man Jesse Thielke used a pair of throws to prove his point and earn an 18-6 major decision over Pur- due’s Danny Sabatello in the seventh-place match at 149 lbs. at last week- end’s 2014 Big Ten Wres- tling Championships. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

IN [FOCUS] BEST OF THE BEST More than 28,000 fans packed the Kohl Center for the 2014 Big Ten Wres- tling Championships last weekend, witnessing the nation’s top wrestlers in a preview of the 2014 NCAA Championships, which are set for March 20-22 in Oklahoma City, Okla. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

CONTENTS MARCH 13, 2014 // VOLUME 4, ISSUE 31

THEY’LL PASS, THANKS DEPARTMENTS 24 Fundamentals are always the focus of a Bo Ryan-coached team, but this year’s balanced Badgers squad has become one of 12 LUCAS AT LARGE Ryan’s best offensive clubs because of its ability to move the ball. by Mike Lucas 16 THE VOICE by Matt Lepay 18 BY THE NUMBERS 34 LONG ROAD BACK Facts and figures on UW Brittany Ammerman is the Bad- 20 5 THINGS TO WATCH gers’ latest finalist for national Catch the Badgers on player of the year honors thanks TV and the web to a road to recovery that ran 22 BADGERING through an unlikely place: Africa. Barry Davis 42 INSIDE SPORTS Basketball, Hockey, Wrestling, Softball, Track, ONE TO GO 44 Tennis, Rowing As they head into their final series of 60 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY the regular season, the Badgers are How sweet it is focused on solidifying an already- strong lineup with the inaugural Big Ten tournament on the horizon.

9

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© 2014 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS // UWBADGERS.COM Brookfield boys looking to make an impact

fter Monday’s practice, Alec (meeting) room. It’s ‘Yes, Coach’ to defensive end. “Every practice is James and Chikwe Obasih ― and ‘No, Coach.’ They’re not ready getting better; obviously I still have Atwo-thirds of what Wis- to step out. Hopefully after a couple consin defensive line coach Chad of scrimmages, they will make some a learning process but it’s going Kauha’aha’a has labeled the “Brook- plays and come out of that shell a reallya lot to well. work The on,” D-line said James.has been “It’s real ― mulled over who got the best of who during their high James and Obasih are both Kauha’aha’a envisions James field Posse” expectedlittle bit.” to be factors, to whatever carryinghelpful with around the transition.”255 pounds on - degree, on the retooled D-line. his 6-foot-3 frame in the fall. “It’s a tral.school careers, James at Brookfield The emphasis has been on getting little different for him than playing EastThere or Obasih was a atcaveat Brookfield to the overCen - more athletic and quicker up front. all record, which turned out to be has to play inside the (offensive) said Kauha’aha’a, “but we’re doing tacklesnormal anddefensive we’re end,”relying he on said. Alec’s “He teased, pointing to James, “and a“We’re little morerunning movement the same with defense,” these athleticism and explosiveness to 2-2. “He was Mr. Big Man,” Obasih didn’t and Central beat East that James has made a position James was a sprinter on his high season.played his “My freshman sophomore year.” year, Obasih they switchguys.” from an outside linebacker help him succeed in there.” got us at the end. My junior East. He was also the Defen- school track team at Brookfield James jumped in and said, state of Wisconsin as a senior; JAMES “Ouryear, wesenior got year,them we at theblew end.” thesive winner Player ofof thethe YearKrumrie in the them out. So when me and Award named in honor of Tim Krumrie, a two-time All- American nose guard for the himBoth were have both been on theon thefield, we Badgers in the early ’80s. went 2-1.” Krumrie played and started Kauha’aha’a is now the score- as a true freshman. James was keeper.field at times“They’re this two spring young and more than happy to redshirt. “It was tough not to be out need to grow into dogs right puppies,” he said, “that we So far, so good. Kauha’aha’a Ifthere I had on to Saturdays,” go back, I would he said. do wentaway.” so far as to spell it out. the“But same it was thing definitely again. worthI learned it. “We’re in practice four (of 15 so much going against our this spring) and every day Obasih also took a redshirt. “They’re not arrogant kids but “Wefirst-team both didn’t O-line want every to day.” waste theythey’ve carry gotten some better,” swag, hethey said. plenty of guys returning for same time, they know how to thea year,” D-line he andsaid. we “They were had happy carry some confidence. At the to have a season just to get stronger. But last year was againbe humble.” and smiling, Kauha’aha’a kind of weird because he was said,Referencing “They’re real his “pups”quiet in my playing a different position Continued on Page 14

12 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 Brookfield boys looking to make an impact LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS // UWBADGERS.COM

Continued from Page 12 pus. Their sister runs track at Indi- The Badgers are rebuilding their ana State. It’s much different with James and Obasih were heav- D-line(linebacker) around for returning the first backupstime.” James, of course. “Whenever he has ily“and recruited. so did my The mom latter (Heidi).” opted to like Warren Herring, Konrad Zagze- bski and Bryce Gilbert, who’s from Obasih said. “And whenever I have Central Connection at Wisconsin, questions, he comes over to me,” whichbecome includes a part of assistant the Brookfield coach Ben Kauha’aha’a to come up with the Obasih would like someday to Strickland and Cleveland Browns Brookfield Central and prompted - goquestions, over to Nigeria.I go over Rather, to him.” he’d like ever all three are on the practice to go back. He was there when he Now James, Obasih and Gilbert have “Brookfield Posse” moniker when was 5. “And, to me, it was just like All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Thomas. James and Obasih should not be hardfield atto thepick same out of time. a crowd, or a extremely proud of his Nigerian said.their “Onceown Brookfield the other coachesPosse. left, pile. James is wearing jersey No. 6 ancestrythe Lion King,”and his said father, Obasih, Kemakolam. who’s I looked“Chikwe around. picked But, here in first,”the end, James I (same as tailback Corey Clement). made the right choice. Something He wore No. 7 at East but that be- about it feels right from the fam- longs to linebacker Michael Caputo. “HeJames has been can saythe thebiggest same influence about his ily environment to Coach (Gary) Obasih is No. 34 (same as fullback dad,on my Jimmie, life.” who played two years Andersen. He’s a good person and Derek Watt), which is the number of football at Ellsworth Community more than just a coach. It’s the right that he had at Central. College and two more at Minnesota “I’d never go to a single-digit (1981-82). “He helped me out dur- Kauha’aha’a can’t wait until his number. I don’t think it would look youngplace and pups the come right of fit.” age.

that he doesn’t have the body to ing the recruiting process,” he said, weargood ona single-digit me,” said Obasih, like James. kidding “I’ve OBASIH gained 20 pounds (since arriving on campus), I’m at 257. They want me

Even at that weight Obasih would beat 265considered for the season.”undersized by previ- ous UW standards. But he showed his quickness several times during a pass rushing drill Monday. “I need

start out too hot. The other prac- to build on that,” he said. “I didn’t He didn’t have to spell it out. Buttices he were did rough.”upon request. Chikwe is short for Chikwerendu. “It means, ‘God let me live’ ― when my mom was pregnant she almost had a mis-

brother, Chindedu, is a UW senior majoringcarriage,” insaid materials Obasih, engineering.whose older

schedules, the brothers haven’t seenBecause much of eachtheir otherconflicting on cam -

14 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY // VOICE OF THE BADGERS Loud crowds part of terrific Big Ten season - Hopefully the Big Ten tourna- home games are with Michigan ball venues, the atmosphere in ment will be a celebration of the ILincoln,n a league Neb., full lastof terrific Sunday basket night game, and how well it is played in was as loud as I can remember in this league. ―State, great! Illinois, ― the Indiana Badgers and get Purdue. to miss many years. Granted, everything To be sure, the fans have re- theAt Breslin first glance, Center, part Assembly of me says Hall, was in place for a rowdy crowd. sponded. During a winter of mis- the State Farm Center and Mackey The Huskers are trying to make the erable weather throughout the Arena. Traditionally, they make up Midwest, the Big Ten will have the league’s loudest houses. 1998, and they had all the bells and On the other hand, I am disap- NCAA field for the first time since decades. pointed because I enjoy those trips attendanceLarge crowds figures and not ear-ringing seen in four because of the atmosphere. And I whistles going at Pinnacle Bank volume levels. The Badgers saw and have to admit it is pretty cool when wereArena. ready, On what the musicschool was officials blaring, the Badgers play well and quiet andcalled football “No Sit legend Sunday,” Ndamukong the fans Bloomington, Ann Arbor, Iowa City those crowds. Suh had a front row seat. and,heard of it course, first-hand, Lincoln. especially in Clearly, this is the time of year While the result was disap- Visitors to the Kohl Center got a when it seems everyone pays atten- pointing for the Badgers, the noise taste of it as well, especially Michi- tion to college basketball. Fair or level in the football-crazy state of gan State. It was that Sunday after- unfair, a good chunk of the sporting Nebraska is one more reminder of noon one month ago when Traevon public will judge a season on what what is special about Big Ten hoops. Jackson knocked down a jumper in happens in these next few weeks. This week’s conference tourna- the closing seconds of the thrilling Believe what you will, but take a game with the Spartans. trip in Big Ten country during the be any crazier than the just-con- regular season and you discover cludedment figures regular to season? be wild, but can it released the matchups for next sea- those games in January, February Bankers Life Fieldhouse in India- son,Recently, when Rutgers the conference and Maryland office and early March matter a great deal. napolis is a jewel of a facility, but join the Big Ten. Every team hopes the best is yet can the crowds bury the needle the The Badgers will have double- to come, but Big Ten basketball had way they do in arenas across the play games with Iowa, Minnesota, a heck of a regular season. The bal- conference? Don’t get me wrong. Fans who State. They will have single-play fans who supported their teams are headed to Indy should be in gamesNorthwestern, at Maryland, Nebraska Rutgers, and Michi Penn- madeance on it eventhe floor better. was special. The for a treat. Teams in good shape to gan and Ohio State. The single-play make the Big Dance will hope to im- prove their NCAA seeding, and play as close to home as possible (see: Wisconsin, BMO Harris Bradley Center). Teams considered to be on the

amongbubble others).will try to fight their way intoAnd the there field is(See: this Minnesota, little thing called a trophy that goes to the win- ning team late Sunday afternoon.

16 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 Loud crowds part of terrific Big Ten season BY THE NUMBERS

MEN’S HOCKEY UW is 17-4-1 since the start of December, which is tied for the most victories in the ›› nation during that span (Boston 17 College and Union). Last season, UW went 21-6-4 from the start of December through the end of the season, the third-best record in the country over that span.

MEN'S BASKETBALL Bo Ryan owns 699 wins over his 30-year career and is poised to become just the 40th coach in college basketball history to reach ›› the 700-win plateau. He would also .842 be just the fifth active Division I coach with 700 wins, joining Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), Jim Boeheim (Syracuse), Roy Williams (North Carolina) and Bob WOMEN’S HOCKEY Huggins (West Virginia). The No. 3 women’s hockey team has a winning percentage of .842 in its previous 19 NCAA tournament games. The Badgers have made six appearances in the Frozen Four, winning four national championships.

SOFTBALL Senior right-hander Cassandra Darrah went 3-0 at the Judi Garman Classic last weekend, recording a 1.67 699 ERA in 21.0 innings 1.67›› of work. 18 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

5 THINGS TO WATCH MARCH 13 - 19

FRIDAY 3/14 • 5:30PM • BTN TOURNEY TIME [MEN’S BASKETBALL AT BIG TEN TOURNAMENT] 1 Wisconsin begins postseason play on Friday at the 2014 Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. UW will battle the winner of the No. 7 Minnesota/No. 10 Penn State matchup on Friday at 5:30 p.m. CT in the quarterfinals, live on BTN.

SATURDAY 3/15 • 6:50PM • ESPN3 CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON [TRACK & FIELD NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS] Wisconsin will send athletes to compete at the 2 2014 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships Friday and Saturday in Albuquerque, N.M. Fans can watch all of the action live on ESPN3.

SATURDAY 3/15 • 3PM • FS WISCONSIN ALTERNATE THE END IS HERE [MEN’S HOCKEY AT MICHIGAN STATE] 3 Wisconsin wraps up the regular season with a road series at Michigan State on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. Saturday’s game airs live on FS Wisconsin Alternate and streams live on BTN2Go.

SATURDAY 3/15 • 7PM • INSIDEBADGERSPORTS.COM HOST WITH THE MOST [WOMEN’S HOCKEY VS. HARVARD] The Badgers make their eighth appearance in the NCAA 4 tournament this weekend, hosting No. 6 Harvard in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 7 p.m. at LaBahn Arena. All of the action will stream live on InsideBadgerSports.com.

MONDAY 3/17 • 11 AM/1:30PM • GOCARDS.COM DOUBLE DIP [SOFTBALL AT LOUISVILLE] 5 Wisconsin starts the workweek off with a pair of games in Louisville, Ky., to conclude the Louisville Classic. The Badgers will play the host Cardinals in a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m. and streaming live on GoCards.com.

20 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

BADGERING BARRY DAVIS » WRESTLING HEAD COACH Now in his 20th year as the Badgers’ head coach, Barry Davis knows a thing or two about competing in March. Under his watch, 67 athletes have qualified for the NCAA championships and 21 have earned All-America honors. This season, Wisconsin will send eight wrestlers to compete at the NCAA Championships in Oklahoma City, Okla., March 20-22. The Badgers hosted the Big Ten championships last weekend. How did it go? “I think Daron Jones and his (event management) staff did a great job. Selling 28,000 tickets for a weekend was great. It showcased our sport and Wisconsin wrestling. It showcased our state, our fans and the direction we are moving as a pro- gram. A lot of great things are going on in our sport. “Overall, as a staff, we had our guys ready to go. They all bought in and now we are just waiting for NCAA brackets to

Whatcome out.”are you looking forward to at the NCAA championships? “Some people might think I am crazy, but with eight guys going, I think we have a chance to put all eight guys on the stand. Nobody thought we would have the year we had. Some good things are going on here. “We talked to (Tyler) Graff and (Connor) Medbery about staying loaded when they wrestle, always staying in a position to score, always in your stance. If we continue to look to score points, stay in our positions and do the small things right like wrestle on the edge, score on the edge, we’ll get those extra QUICK Q'S WITH COACH points here and there. “We could have a good weekend, again, just need to Favorite pre-match meal? make sure we are doing the small things right. It is all about the small detail things that some people forget when they PancakesHow many times a day do you work out? Two Whatget to nationals.”is one piece of advice you give an athlete, What do you do when you get back to especially an athlete making their first trip to NCAAs? the hotel? “Take care of yourself. The better you do, the better the “I’ll look at the bracket, I’ll make team does. You can’t worry about anyone but yourself. Worry about what you have to do and keep yourself individuals our guys could possible focused. Right now it is an individual thing. The better wrestlecards up and and write watch down film smallon all detailof the you do individually, the better we do as a team.

thingsDo you everabout get the too opponents.” excited during a “Take it one match at a time.” match? “You can’t. If I get too excited, I have to watch out because I can lose focus on the match. I have to be able

to keep my poise.”

22 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

SHARING THE LOAD The only team to have all five of its starters bestowed with at least one Big Ten honor, Wisconsin has built its offensive attack around the idea of balance. For the fundamentally- focused Badgers, that all starts with the lost art of passing.

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA DAVID SHARING THE LOAD n assessing Wisconsin’s offensive effectiveness in Bloomington, Ind. That halted UW’s win streak at during an historic 16-game winning streak, Indi- 16, the longest to start a season in school history, I ana coach Tom Crean unwittingly gave headline erasing a pair of 15-0 starts in 1912 and 1914. writers something to work with ― “Success is More After the Badgers returned the favor in late Febru- ― by extolling their ary with a 69-58 win over Indiana at the Kohl Cen- skills to pass the basketball. ter, Crean reiterated, “Not only can all their starters Than“They Passing are not Fancy an above for Badgers” average passing team, they shoot the ball, but they can pass the ball. A lot of times you’re getting ready for one or two guys to be

andare ayou great are passingconstantly team,” helping Crean and said. over-helping “Where they (on The importance of sharing the ball ― making the defense)are so efficient or trying is whento stop the the game dribble gets or into stop rotation this or extravery good pass ―passers. can’t be Their emphasized whole team enough is.” as Wiscon- sin enters postseason play Friday as the No. 2 seed Noting that this was one area “where they have in the Big Ten tournament with the goal of not only stop that …” winning a league title in Indy but collecting a No. 2 under Bo Ryan’s watch at Wisconsin, Crean went seed, at the very least, in the Big Dance. onhurt to ussay, in “They the past not andonly havemake hurt the nextso many pass others”but the “Early-on when I was a freshman, and you’re watching teams in the non-conference games get- Ironically, Crean made his comments on the week- lypass Big after Ten coachesthat and, teleconference if need be, the thepass day after before that.” the a UW sophomore from Sheboygan, Wis., “people wouldting fast say breaks to me, and‘You’re alley-oops,” not going said to get Sam that Dekker, come

Hoosiers handed the Badgers their first loss, 75-72,

“NOT ONLY CAN ALL THEIR STARTERS SHOOT THE BALL, BUT THEY CAN PASS THE BALL,” CREAN SAID. “A LOT OF TIMES YOU’RE GETTING READY FOR ONE OR TWO GUYS TO BE VERY GOOD PASSERS. THEIR WHOLE TEAM IS.” STEVE GOTTER 26 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 “We have guys who have the skills, mul- tiple-dimension guys,” Gard said. “Pretty much everyone is comfortable playing on the perimeter. They have pretty high basketball IQs and understand the importance and purpose of the pass.”

tournament time.’ “I didn’t know what they meant until we got to March and I real- ized teams really buckle down and make it tough on every possession. That’s why there are lower scor-

―you have to be sharp and have a loting ofgames. movement You have ― and to be passing efficient is

Those qualities are emphasized daily.a big thing.”“Whether it’s March or No-

- cientvember,” you saidcan be UW in associate taking care head of thecoach ball, Greg the odds Gard, are “the going more to point effi in your favor. The less you turn the ball over usually means the more

Gard feels a team’s personality • • • • matchesshots you’re the getting.”personnel. “We have guys who have yan has asked the same question for decades, much everyone is comfortable playing on the perim- R It usually comes up during his summer bas- eter.the skills, They multiple-dimension have pretty high basketball guys,” he said.IQs and “Pretty un- ketball“Who’s camp or the a quickestclinic, though player he here?” has also quizzed - - waukee and Wisconsin. nessderstand of the the individuals, importance especially and purpose when of the it appliespass.” hisWho’s freshmen the quickeston basketball player teams here? at The Platteville, response Mil is to Allplaying of which, good inoffense. sum, can Besides speak getting to the theunselfish ball to always the same. Some hands will shoot up in the your best shooters, Gard said, “It’s good if they can air and Ryan will pick one out of the crowd. turn down an average shot for a good shot or a good

If it gives you the best shot to win, who wouldn’t “Back in the day, son, I was pretty quick myself,” wantshot for to bea great known shot.” as a good passing team? “It’s the he will tell him. “Seriously, I could move pretty good.” Pausing, he will then bait the hook some more by “From Day One in practice, that’s what we work on, saying, “Still can. Tell you what, let’s race.” theway fundamentals, it should be,” passing said junior and guardcatching, Josh the Gasser. little he’sRyan doing figures everything the kid he is canthinking, to convince “Are you him kidding of that things that are important to a successful team. It withme? Inot can so beat subtle this hints old, gray-haired and body language. dude.” To which all starts with Coach Ryan and the leadership at the So they both line up on the baseline and Ryan sta- tions a coach at half court. Whoever gets the basket-

top. He preaches the fundamentals.” 27 There’s a passing element in almost every drill. set, go. “It’s something that always has a spotlight on ballThe to kidhim takes first offwill dribbling be declared the ball.the winner.Ryan throws Ready, a baseball pass to his assistant. No contest. it,” Gard said, “regardless if it’s a passing drill or a Ryan will lecture the group, “you can always move shootingIt’s highlighted drill, even when in five-on-five it’s done livewell, situations, he said. It’sit’s The moral of this exercise? “Guys, remember this,” alsoalways highlighted something when that it’sis emphasized.” done not so well. Why would he go to such great lengths to make suchthe ball a fundamental quicker with point?the pass “The than demonstration the dribble.” al- Gary Close, “you’re going to get better at. And we ways raises awareness to the value I place on being literally“Anything do a youpassing emphasize,” drill every added day in UW practice. assistant We

“Ball-handling is important and you still need Ryan and his assistants never take anything for thea good dribble passing because team,” there Ryan are said. times when you can’t granted,work on especiallyour passing, techniques. so it’s ingrained.” advance the ball through the air. I just don’t like it “A pass that is right on the money versus a pass

Ryan leaves nothing to chance. Just ask Shon Mor- difference in the world between making and miss- ris,when a Big a player Ten Network gets dribble-happy.” analyst. ingthat a is short a little or evenbit off,” having Close a shot.said, “can make all the “They’re one of the few teams when you come to “You’ve got to have people who take pride in it a practice or a shootaround, you’ll see them work- and want to make the extra pass. Some players are

scorer in Northwestern history (1985-88). “It’s noting onby theiraccident passing,” that when said Morris,it comes the time 11th-leading to execute lookingIt would for betheir the shot antithesis first and of they’re this Wisconsin not as good team. of a passer and it permeates the team.” -

they’re able to do that.” In the first half at Penn State, the Badgers had 10 as STEVE GOTTER

28 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

sists on 11 baskets. Ben Brust and Nigel Hayes had three each. Five different play- ers contributed. DAVID STLUKA DAVID

“Guys“This are is looking an unselfish for one team, another; a team they’re that notdoesn’t necessarily care who looking scores,” for Close their observed. shot. “They know when their shot is there but they’re able to make good decisions and good passes to get people better shots. It can be that extra pass that gets a

What does it take to be a good passer? Gasserwide open is probably shot.” best suited to address that question. As a true freshman and sophomore, he was second on the team in assists to Jordan Taylor. “You have to have good vision and you

passing,have to beif you’reunselfish,” willing Gasser to makesaid. “Aplays lot forof it teammates, is mental. If that’s you’re a bigconfident thing. in your “We work so hard in practice at shar- ing the ball and changing sides of the “You have to have good vision trying to get everyone to touch ― and you have to be unselfish,” the ball on each possession. That’s Gasser said. “A lot of it is mental. whatfloor makes you successful offensively. If you’re confident in your passing, “Anytime you can have bigs and if you’re willing to make plays for smalls that can make plays via the teammates, that’s a big thing.” pass, it just makes you better. That’s what makes a good team when everyone stuff is very important. Every pass on a possession

Opposing defenses that double-team Dekker on mindis making giving plays up thefor ball.each other.” thehas anlow influence.” block are not only gambling that they can At 6-8, Dekker is one of those “bigs” that doesn’t of guys that don’t really care who scores, as long as can’t make a pass out of the trap. “It’s just our unselfish nature, we’ve got a bunch cut“If off you his canscoring see fromthe game that spotone stepon the ahead floor orbut one he Dekker said. - we“Every score, timeand that’s we score, kind everyoneof special hasabout some this type team,” of click ahead (Dekker snapped his fingers) you can be comeBefore a good his passer,”growth hespurt, said. Frank “You have Kaminsky to keep was your a influence on it. If you look at it that way, it becomes a pointbrain organizedguard. Now, and he’s your a 7-footer vision wide.” with a unique skill littleBasketball easier to assists be more don’t unselfish tell the and whole give story;up a good not likeshot hockey for a great which shot.” awards two assists on a goal. defender off the dribble, and he can pass. “The pass into the pass sometimes is the most im- set“Obviously in that he canwhen put you the seeball twoon the people floor inand front beat of a

and hit a guy and then that guy makes the extra pass. portant,”“The guy said penetrating Dekker. “A doesn’tguy can getdrive the and stat penetrate (the as- you,” Kaminsky said, “the first thing that pops into sist). But he forced the play to happen. That type of yourKaminsky mind is got‘Someone dribble is penetration open’ so you in try the to lane find and the open person.”

30 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 DAVID STLUKA set up Dekker for a dunk at Nebraska. He also assist- ed on baskets by Duje Dukan and Traevon Jackson. “I was obviously one of the tallest kids on the team and“It I startedwas always when double I was inand the triple-teamed. fourth grade,” So he it said. was Gard compared Kaminsky’s development as a always there for me to pass the ball. passer“We like to sharing that ofthe former ball,” he Wisconsin said. forward Jon “I really liked passing and getting the ball to my Leuer, who also learned the game as a guard. The teammates because all of the other parents looked at 6-10 Leuer is now with the Memphis Grizzlies. it and said, ‘We’re glad you passed the ball and didn’t

take that feel and that vision and those skills from the“Frank perimeter has a verythose good can feel,”be great said Gard.weapons “When as you ledtake them all the to shots.’ the ball I fed with off athat.” bounce pass to an open At Penn State, he twice passed teammates open or Factoring into that success formula this season hasgrow been and maturethe Kaminsky-Hayes into a post player.” tag team. The 6-7, areaHayes on the has floor. appreciated “That just Ryan’s comes approach from having to heavy trust fundamentalswith the guys,” in he practices. said. bolstered the UW’s presence in the paint. “Coach Ryan takes pride in his teams usually lead- 250-pound Hayes, a true freshman, has definitely “He’s playing out of position (as a center or power credit for us doing so many passing drills. forward“But Nigel in tandem really withisn’t Kaminsky)a ‘big,”’ contended because Jackson. he’s re- ing“We the getcountry a feel in for fewest one anotherturnovers,” and he we said. know “It’s the a correct passes and when and when not to make cer- Hayes’ passing skills were honed at a very young age.ally a guard in that size of a body.” Hayes is just scratching the surface, too, Gard pre- tain passes.”

“It started when I was in the fourth grade,” Hayes said. “I really liked passing and get- ting the ball to my teammates because all of the other parents looked at it and said, ‘We’re glad you passed the ball and didn’t take all the shots.’ I fed off that.” DAVID STLUKA DAVID

32 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 dicted. “His vision and feel are very good now “I ALWAYS TRY TO READ “You’ll see a monumental jump in him THE DEFENSE AND I TRY nextand thatyear. willHe’ll onlyknow get what better,” to expect he said.and TO BE ONE STEP AHEAD,” STLUKA DAVID he’ll be more at ease. That holds true for maybe the most gift- KOENIG SAID. ed passer on the team, Bronson Koenig. “He sees a lot of things that other peo- ballple don’t into holes see,” whereDekker they said. really “He hasshouldn’t quick hands and a quick mind and he can fit the “He made some passes to me (in AAU games)fit. that to this day I still wonder how they got there. He made me look really good a lot of times. You’ll be seeing special

Awardthings fromwhen him.” he was in the second grade. HeKoenig was playingrecalled inwinning the Happy a Best PasserHoops League at the YMCA and he said, “It’s al-

During his formative years, he used to ways been pretty instinctual for me.” true magician. “I saw clips of him and otherwatch good video passers of the andlate IPete tried Maravich, to emulate a

It’s a simple game, Koenig contended. “I always try He mentioned that Gasser was a high school quar- their games a little bit,” he said. terback“really good and atit showsfinding in those his anticipation. open seams.” Gasser has said, adding that some of his no-look passes “might credited the experience that he gained on the grid- to read the defense and I try to be one step ahead,” he iron for helping shape his game on the hardwood. Gard knows exactly what Koenig was talking Those football instincts are relative Gasser said, about.have given a few people bloody noses.” “If you’re in transition and you have to lead a guy “The other four guys have or someone has a defender to be ready or he’ll bounce “YOU’RE NOT THROWING TO WHERE sealed and you have to lob it over the top. he said. “You have to be alert THE GUY IS NOW BUT YOU’RE LEAD- “You’re not throwing to whenit off theyou side see ofhim their start head,” to ING HIM AND THROWING THE BALL where the guy is now but make a play; get your hands TO WHERE HE’S GOING TO BE,” GASSER you’re leading him and ready and move into position. throwing the ball to where Koenig, by his own admis- SAID. “ANTICIPATION IS HUGE.” he’s going to be. Anticipation sion, is still adjusting to the is huge. speed of the game and the length of the defenders at “You have to know where the defense is and where this level of competition. “I haven’t thrown my best they’re going to be. It’s one thing that Coach Ryan preaches a lot and it’s something you have to have While conceding Hayes is talented passer (“He al- wayspasses jokes yet,” aroundhe said. with me on how he should be a Especially in March when you can anticipate the rewardsas a player.” being far greater if you pass the tests. point guard”), Koenig singled out Gasser for being 33 MORE THAN WORDS Describing the emotions of chasing another championship with the Badgers can be a challenge for Brittany Ammerman. After a whirlwind year filled with ups and downs for the Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, it’s hard to express just how much it means to be back on the ice.

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM MORE THAN WORDS DAVID STLUKA DAVID

rittany Ammerman responded in short, ing down more ― being smarter. Every mistake you meaningful bursts; not unlike one of her B shifts on the ice for the Wisconsin women’s As a true freshman, Ammerman skated on a pow- hockey team. erfulmake Wisconsincan make the team difference that won in the37 gamesgame.” and the fourth national championship in six years under leading scorer reeled off the words in staccato fash- head coach Mark Johnson. ion.Excitement. And she could Passion. be talking Adrenaline. about Do-or-die. only one thing: UW’s Ammerman, who accounted for 13 goals and 12 postseason hockey. assists, couldn’t help but learn “I THINK WE CAN BEAR DOWN,” from future U.S. Olympians like she elaborated. “You just have Meghan Duggan, Hilary Knight to “It’swin the a few best games time of andthe year,”then AMMERMAN SAID. “WE WERE NO. 2 and Brianna Decker. you’re at your end goal, which FOR A REASON ALL YEAR. SATUR- “Everything I know about is what you work towards your postseason hockey, I adopted DAY IS A NEW SLATE FOR US.” When the No. 2-ranked Bad- had a lot of great leaders. Hilary entire year.” and Megan had wonfrom (NCAA them,” titles) said once Ammerman. and twice “I game Saturday night at LaBahn Arena, Ammerman knowsgers face that No. it will 6 Harvard be unlike in any an previous NCAA quarterfinal experience In particular, Duggan, the gritty senior captain, during the regular season. before (respectively).” - chasing and winning championships. It was so im- - pactfulinfluenced that howit has Ammerman stuck with her looked ever and since. felt about “Totally different game,” said the 21-year-old ju nior from River Vale, N.J. “It’s faster. People are bear 36 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 Ammerman remembered Duggan saying, “The ast March, Ammerman was still recovering feeling that you get at the end of the year when you from a concussion ― her third overall ― that accomplish something so big is unspeakable. You L had ended her season in early October after just three games and had forced her to take a medi- There are few comparisons between the two UW cal redshirt. teams:can’t put the it intoone words.”’that beat Boston University, 4-1, in Ammerman said, “but I was only turning left because that has lost two of its last three games. of “Imy had eyes just ― started skating again for the first time,” Erie, Pa., for the 2011 Frozen Four title and this one Ammerman and Stefanie McKeough, who was also conceded of shutout losses to Minnesota State and they wouldn’t move the other way.” - North“We’ve Dakota had in a the rough WCHA few tournament. weekends,” “It’s Ammerman a differ- eled with their UW teammates to the 2013 WCHA ent group; it’s a working class group. Finaltrying Face-off to fight backin Minneapolis. from a string of concussions, trav “I think we can bear down. We were No. 2 for a “The two of us skated; we were in rehab ice as we reason all year. Saturday is a new slate for us. My line - has been in a little bit of a slump. But we’re getting a ery day, three times a day. But I was seeing a light at called it,” Ammerman said. “Rehab ice for us was ev A year ago, few people gave Ammerman any The irony was not lost on Ammerman that she chancelot of shots, of being we’re in getting this position chances.” ― where she would wouldthe end use of tunnelthat phrase, with how given I was that feeling.” she had spent so - much time in the dark during the early stages of her morial Award and chasing another NCAA title. ordeal. be a top-10 finalist for the 2014 Patty Kazmaier Me -

“A year ago,” she said,• “I • didn’t • • know if I’d ever play of “Thather sensitivity was the toworst light part,” and the she migraine said of beingheadaches con a collegiate hockey game again.” fined to her campus apartment for a month because BRITTANY AMMERMAN: 2014 PATTY KAZMAIER CANDIDATE DAVID STLUKA DAVID

37 that were so debilitating. one of the patients there, as well; only she was far “That’s what leads to being depressed, the com- bination of not being active every day and playing a sport that you love and not being able to go into a aheadDr. Ted of my Carrick, recovery. the Butfounder she hasof the definitely Carrick been Brain a Center,positive is influence nationally my renowned whole journey.” for his treatment of She felt so helpless, so isolated from the outside world,room with so distant even moderate from her light.” friends. There were just so many limitations (no TV, no cell phone) and so concussions. Among his highest profile patients has few guarantees that she would return to normal. spentbeen Pittsburgh a week with Penguins him. He superstar restricted Sidney her to Crosby. skating But she had support from her teammates, the onlyAmmerman to her left firstduring saw rehab Carrick sessions in late on January. the ice. She coaching staff and the UW athletic training staff, followed his orders for three months. headed by Denny Helwig, one of the sage veterans It wasn’t until July that she saw another neurolo- of the profession. He cut his teeth with the late Bob gist and was cleared to play hockey again. Johnson. Fortunately, she also had her older sister, Brooke said of her journey. “Every time I skate, whether it’s Ammerman, a four-year letterwinner with the Bad- a practice“It totally or changed a game, me,it means 180 degrees,” so much Ammermanmore to me gers, as her roommate and Dr. Allison Brooks as her now. specialist with UW Sports Medicine. “When you tend to do something for your entire - life, you eventually take it for granted. The whole human species will take it for granted. But when it’s She“I saw had her so (Brooks) many who every cared week,” and supported Brittany Ammer her, in- taken away from you for a year… “ cludingman said. her “Sometimes family and twiceDuggan. a week.” “I don’t see double anymore. I don’t have head- “She was my captain and my mentor and I was aches anymore. And I get to play on Saturday … I’m - reached out immediately. She has been through the sameclose amountto her as of a concussions freshman,” andAmmerman severity. said. “She in the NCAA quarterfinals• • and • • I have a chance poten “When I went to see Dr. Carrick in Atlanta, she was tially of being a national champion again.”

“I DON’T SEE DOUBLE ANYMORE,” AMMERMAN SAID. “I DON’T HAVE HEADACHES ANYMORE. AND I GET TO PLAY ON SATURDAY ... I’M IN THE NCAA QUARTERFINALS AND I HAVE A CHANCE POTENTIALLY OF BEING A NATIONAL CHAMPION AGAIN.”

38 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

WATCH: AMMERMAN’S TRIP TO KENYA

hortly before Ammerman sustained her con- And that’s what it has become for Ammerman af- cussion last season, she was in the process of ter spending one month in Kenya. S - bike, a mobile health initiative for women that brings services,filling supplies out an and application information to Health to unreachable by Motor starving“People’s and firstunhappy impression and it’s a in miserable the developed life. In rural communities in countries like Kenya. parts,world,” yes, she it’s said, true. “is We that went it’s to poor slums and and everyone witnessed is Ammerman’s goal is to be a doctor and a surgeon. that. But people were still very happy; smiling and “Once I became a Women’s Studies major, I became more interested in women’s health and I shadowed While she was in Lungalunga, she came to the re- alization,singing and “It’s dancing not like for they us.” want to get out of there wanted to go somewhere ― a Third World country and come to America. They just wanted to have a ―a bunch of doctors,” she said. “I mentioned that I Ammerman was so moved by what she saw, par- were to helponly people accepting and somake many a difference.” applicants. Still, she ticularlybetter life; with a better how qualitythe women of life.” reacted to a soccer Kenya sounded “cool” to Ammerman. But they ball that she had brought on the trip, she’s going out the paperwork, if for no other reason than it back to Kenya in May for two weeks. And she’s tak- wouldwas encouraged serve nicely to as take a diversion the necessary at a time steps when to thefill ing her mom, Babette. Their goal is to organize a concussions were weighing heavily on her. soccer league. “My family was behind it because it gave me That takes money, and she raised nearly $2,000 through the sale of T-shirts that feature the “Health it was a conversation on whether I would ever play hockeysomething again. else My to focusparents on,” were she said.like, “At‘You that might point, as the back, the word is Nikumbuke, the health post well apply, maybe this will be something as impor- by Motorbike” logo on the front and one word on

Maybe, they thought, this would be a driving force in You Lungalunga. can’t put it “In into Swahili,” words, but Ammerman she won’t soon said, for “it- fortant her to you― with (as hockey).’”or without hockey. getmeans, the last‘Remember 18 months. me.”’

40 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY JEREMY WODAJO @BADGERMBB SCHEDULE (25-6, 12-6) LOOKING BACK March 5 Purdue W, 76-70 March 9 at Nebraska L, 68-77 BIG TEN TOURNAMENT Friday Penn St./Minn. 5:30 p.m. Saturday Semifinal 3:05 p.m.

ways say, individuals getting accolades is

team is doing,” head coach Bo Ryan said. “Ia reflectionthink having on thesix playerswork that named the wholeto the list speaks to the balance of our team and the success we have had collectively.” Kaminsky is the eighth Badger to be - - dannamed Taylor first-team and Jon All-Big Leuer Tenin 2011. during Those Ry an’s 13 seasons, and the first since Jor team all-conference honors, which is tied witheight Ohioplayers State have for combined the most offor any 11 teamfirst- in the Big Ten during that era. Six Badgers honored with Kaminsky leads the Badgers in scor- ing at 13.4 points per game, raising his All-Big Ten accolades scoring average 9.2 points this season af- ter averaging just 4.2 points per contest Kaminsky earns first-team All-Big Ten honors a year ago, the third-largest increase in the Big Ten. The junior was twice named unior center Frank Ka- tabbed the Big Ten’s Sixth Big Ten Player of the Week, once after minsky was one of six Man of the Year, as voted on pouring in a UW single-game record 43 JBadgers to earn All-Big by the coaches, while also be- points on Nov. 19 against North Dakota Ten honors when the confer- ing named to the Big Ten All- ence handed out its season- Freshman Team. double-double (25 points, 11 rebounds) ending awards Monday eve- Ben Brust, Josh Gasser and atand Michigan again after on Feb.recording 16. his first career ning. Traevon Jackson each earned “I’m honored that people think I’m Kaminsky was named a con- honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, with Gasser be- happy that I’m able to contribute to the honoree, while Sam Dekker ing chosen to the Big Ten’s All- teamworthy success of first-team we’re All-Bighaving,” Ten Kaminsky and I’m wassensus a second-team first-team All-BigAll-Big Ten Defensive team for the second said. “When you come into the program selection by the coaches and a time in his three seasons of eli- you hear all about the great players who third-team selection, as voted gibility. have come before you and made Wiscon- on by the media. “I’m proud of our guys that sin what it is. I’m humbled to be in that Freshman Nigel Hayes was were recognized and like I al- company.”

42 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BADGERMHOCKEY

SCHEDULE (21-9-2, 12-5-1-0) Focus on solidifying roles LAST TIME OUT With postseason up ahead, game simplifies March 7 at Penn State W, 4-2 March 8 at Penn State W, 3-2 (OT) and Badgers look to crystalize play COMING UP Friday at Michigan State 6 p.m. s the regular season the job. Saturday at Michigan State 3 p.m. comes to a close and Despite giving up two pow- March 20 Big Ten Tourney 2 p.m. Athe postseason begins, er-play goals last weekend, the March 21 Big Ten Tourney 7 p.m. the teams that end up with a Badgers’ penalty kill seems long, successful run may just to be in good hands. Led by lowed two goals or less in nine consec- be the teams that know who Keegan Meuer and Sean Little, utive games and three goals or less in they are, play to their strengths the group has been nearly per- every game since the start of December. and play together, with each fect over the last 11 games, Even the power play has come around person on and off the ice doing allowing just three short- of late. It failed to score a goal on four what they are supposed to do. handed goals. They actually Sounds simple. Wiscon- balanced the two power-play put up six goals over the previous four - games.chances last Saturday at Penn State, but rently includes sophomore last weekend with two short- Nicsin Kerdiles has a first and line seniors that Mark cur handedgoals allowed tallies of at their Penn own. State STARS OF THE WEEK Zengerle and Tyler Barnes. Goaltending has been a ● Mark Zengerle earned his first Big Ten strength for months, with ju- honor after scoring a short-handed 13 points last weekend, having nior Joel Rumpel posting num- goal, an overtime game-winning goal aThe hand trio in posted six of the five seven goals goals and bers that rank among the top and racking up six total points in UW’s three in the country. He’s been UW’s scoring line and doing part of a defense that has al- Big Ten Second Star of the Week. scored at Penn State. They are sweep at Penn State. Kerdiles was the 44 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY AJ HARRISON @BADGERWHOCKEY

SCHEDULE (27-7-2) Familiar matchup awaits LAST WEEK March 7 #9 North Dakota L, 1-0 Badgers in NCAA quarters COMING UP Saturday NCAA Quarterfinal UW meets Harvard after memorable ’07 clash #6 Harvard 7 p.m.

hen you ask many head coach Mark Johnson Badgers fans about Wthe most memora- room watching the start of our game ble women’s hockey they have said. “The players were eating while we’re still playing it at 10:30. And seen, one game stands out: the Skittles,The teams and we saw went more out, than and then come back in the next overtime, and - Jinelle (Zaugg) scored a goal.” it’s still going on. - “Exciting night. The fans that stuck it at2007 the Kohl NCAA Center. quarterfinal be two games’ worth of ice time outThe saw Badgers an exciting had finish a lot and more a great to cel- tweenThe Wisconsingame started and Harvardat 7:07 before Zaugg scored a one- ebration.” - p.m. and ended at 11:42, a 2007timer Frozen in the Four. 127th minute to span of over four and a half propel the Badgers into the- ebrate that year, as a week later, Wis hours. In fact, the game went - consin captured its second national title, so long that the players ended “It was a long night,” John defeating Minnesota Duluth, 4-1, in Lake son said. “I’ll never forget sit Placid, N.Y. ting in the coaching room, I Wisconsin and Harvard have only met up“I eating remember candy weduring ran oneout of think it was probably going- once since that fateful March night, when the intermissions. into the second overtime, and UW defeated the Crimson, 4-1, in the toit wascome going back to on be at on 10:30. tape And de 2008 Frozen Four semifinals. things in between the third lay that night. So it was going Like 2007, the Badgers hope that their and fourth overtime, and semifinal against Harvard is the start of 46 somebody// VARSITY March had 13, Skittles,”’ 2014 UW we’re sitting in the coaching something special.

INSIDE WRESTLING BY ANNA POULTER-HENDRICKSON @BADGERWRESTLING

SCHEDULE Big Ten championships COMING UP NCAA Championships - Oklahoma City lived up to the hype Thursday Session 1 11 a.m. UW welcomed more than 28,000 to Kohl Center Session 2 6 p.m. Friday Session 3 10 a.m. Session 4 7 p.m. ans of the sport already everybody else. Saturday Session 5 10 a.m. knew it, outside observ- It was a great weekend of Championship 7 p.m. F - wrestling and Wisconsin was nocent bystanders learned it. happy to host. BIG TEN ATTENDANCE Wrestlingers finally is exciting got it and and no in- “It showcased our sport ● - where is it more so than in the Big Ten Conference. head coach Barry Davis said. butThe if Big it did, Ten the doesn’t Badgers’ keep champion official at- and Wisconsin wrestling,” UW The Badgers welcomed “A lot of great things are going shipstendance would figures have forrank Olympic close to, sports, if not more than 28,000 fans to on in our sport and the cham- at, the top. the 100th Big Ten Wrestling • Session 1: 9,026 Championships last weekend. Now the sport moves on • Session 2: 9,405 pionships showed it.” Fans were treated to the best to its biggest stage, the NCAA • Session 3/Finals: 10,011 that the Kohl Center has to of- Championships March 20-22 • Combined Attendance: 28,442 fer ― lights, smoke and great in Oklahoma City, Okla. wrestling. Brackets will be drawn and NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD SET No. 1 seeds fell, two four- wrestling will commence with ● time champions were crowned 330 wrestlers and end with the 2014 NCAA Wrestling Champion- and there was plenty of razz- 10, capping off another great shipsThe NCAA and thehas Badgersannounced will the send field eight for ing between the Iowa fans and season. to Oklahoma City. Read more here.

48 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

INSIDE SOFTBALL BY CHRISTIAN BLATNER @BADGERSOFTBALL SCHEDULE (10-9) COMING UP Mar. 15 Kent State 11:30 a.m. Mar. 15 Iowa State 4:30 p.m. Mar. 16 Iowa State 10:30 p.m.

feating them in a 7-5 offensive shootout. Despite trailing by three in the hit cate- gory, the Badgers found a way to get run- ners on, over and across the plate. There wasn’t much time for UW to cel-

later to face No. 6 Washington. ebrate,The Huskies as it took entered the field the just game 30 minutes with a mere one loss more than Arizona at 17- 2, following a 7-1 win over No. 5 Michi- gan on Thursday. The Badgers battled hard, even taking the lead in the top of the fourth, but were unable to hang on, dropping the tight contest, 4-2. Wisconsin was humbled by No. 10 ASU

in The its firstBadgers game weren’t on Saturday, discouraged as it run- by theruled early the afternoonBadgers, 9-1, defeat in five and innings. respond- Badgers impress with ed with a dominant 5-0 shutout win against Long Beach State. tough battles in California At the time the win may have appeared Wisconsin goes 3-2 at Judi Garman Classic no more special than any other UW had the tournament with four wins and just isconsin knew it od of just under 20 hours. onegathered loss ―in meaning2014, but Wisconsin the 49ers finishedwas the would have its hands First up: No. 7 Arizona. The only team that had The Beach’s number W full, as it travelled Wildcats entered the weekend at the Judi Garman Classic. to Fullerton, Calif., to play in with a record of 20-1. It had After two days in California the Bad- the Judi Garman Classic last compiled wins over three top- gers were a .500 team with a 9-9 season weekend. But the team was 25 opponents, including two record and 2-2 tournament record. UW prepared to embrace the chal- shutouts against then-No. 4 wouldn’t leave The Golden State below lenge head-on. Alabama, and had won eight of even, though. The Badgers drew a tourna- its previous nine contests by The Badgers beat host Cal State Ful- ment schedule in which they run rule. lerton, 4-1, on Sunday to close out a would face three top-10 teams UW was not fazed by the weekend that head coach Yvette Healy in a two-day stretch ― a peri- Wildcats’ prowess, though, de- deemed a success.

50 // VARSITY March 13, 2014

INSIDE MEN’S TRACK & FIELD BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK SCHEDULE COMING UP March 14-15 NCAA Championships

ing in at 13:41.84 to earn All-America honors. “Ahmed has found his groove late in

said.the season,” “He battled Wisconsin a hamstring director of injury cross lastcountry month, and but track overcame & field it Mickand looked Byrne

Connor will double in both the 3000 andstrong 5000 at the meters, Big Ten a combination meet.” that he conquered at the Big Ten championships. Connor won the 3000, while his second- place showing in the 5000 helped the Badgers win their second-straight con- ference crown. Connor has the nation’s best time in the 5000 meters of 13:37.42, a time that is the fourth-fastest in the world this year. Byrne was very impressed with the se- nior’s showing in the 5000 meters at the Big Ten meet. “I know he wanted to go after Moham- Distance duo to pace No. 4 med, but it was more important that he stay back and didn’t take the rest of the Badgers at NCAA meet -

Ahmed and Connor lead Wisconsin’s efforts partfield intoof pulling the race Malachy and go Schrobilgen,after Moham a redshirtmed,” Byrne freshman, said. “He back also into played that 5000a big hroughout the years, the duo of Reed Connor and Mo- meters, and I think Malachy fed off of Wisconsin men’s track hammed Ahmed. T Ahmed, a 2012 Olympian Byrne believes both runners, who will known for its dominance in and two-time Canadian cham- competeReed’s energy.” in their last indoor national the distanceand field events. team has been pion in the 10,000 meters, will meet, complement each other on the This year is no different. run in the 5000. Ahmed won track. Even though the No. 4 Badgers the 2014 Big Ten title in the have only two athletes in the event with a time of 13 min- said. “But on Friday night when they get distance events at this week- utes, 44.32 seconds, which on“They the 5000 help meters, each they’re other out,”going Byrneto try end’s NCAA championships, ranks 12th nationally. The se- to win that race. They’re going to try to Wisconsin expects to collect score big points for us. But they are great points thanks to the senior NCAA meet in the 5000, clock- nior placed fifth at last year’s 52 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 friends, great teammates.”

INSIDE WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK SCHEDULE COMING UP March 14-15 NCAA Championships

meet, but was overshadowed by Jessica- Flax and Dorcas Akinniyi, two of the best athletes in school history. The duo com- lades.bined to win eight conference titles and earn nine first-team All-America acco-

Assistant coach Nate Davis, who over sees the multi-events at Wisconsin, says Latham’s hard work has helped her get to this point in her career. - “You can’t say that Deanna waited her turn, because she’s never waited for any body,” Davis said. “Dorcas and Jess came along before her, but she never deferred to them. She worked to achieve at the level they were at, and she used that to- get better. “The only reason it’s ‘her turn’ is be cause she’s worked so hard to earn it and to get to this point as an athlete.” Latham seeks success at Latham’s score of 4,176 set at this year’s Big Ten meet ranks as the fifth- NCAA championships best in the nation and the third-best total in school history. She tied a personal best UW junior looks to improve on last year’s finish in the high jump, soaring 5 feet, 7 inches,- cordand also of 8.33. clocked a time of 8.37 in the 60 fter a second-team All- - hurdles, .04 seconds off her school re A2013 NCAA Indoor discipline event, as the New The pentathlon field at the NCAA meet America finish at the berry, Mass., native won her- is stacked and is headlined by 2013 in Fayetteville, Ark., Wisconsin first Big Ten title last month in NCAA champion Erica Bougard, who has Track & Field Championships the pentathlon with a person a season-best score of 4,458 points that al-best score of 4,176 points to she tallied at the SEC championships en junior Deanna Latham looks to help Wisconsin win its fifth- route to the conference title. NCAAearn first-team meet in honorsAlbuquerque, in the straight pentathlon crown. “It’s going to be a great competition N.M.pentathlon on Saturday at the Latham, the school record- and nothing is going to come easy,” Davis holder in the 60 hurdles, has said. “But that’s exactly what Deanna is excelled at the big meets in her used to and what she’s trained for for the Latham is coming off her career, finishing as the Big Ten past few years. 54 best// VARSITY performance March 13, 2014 in the five- runner-up at last year’s indoor “She’s ready to go.”

INSIDE WOMEN’S TENNIS BY MINDY VAN DYKE @BADGERWTENNIS SCHEDULE LAST TIME OUT: March 8 UIC W, 4-3 COMING UP March 18 at San Jose State 3 p.m. March 21 Nebraska 3 p.m. March 23 at Iowa Noon

Lauren Burich, who teamed up to de- the first time were Lauren Chypyha and Sharples, 8-3. feat UIC’s Mariana Palacios and Kathryn was the combination of Becca Bailey and SydneyAlso forRider. the firstThey time were in No.able 2 todoubles claim victory, 8-4, over Jana Knoppe and Nata- lia Kuvakina. Back together after switching it up for the last two weeks were Anastasia

Wisconsin finds success season,Tripolskaya defeating and NovaVeronica Patel. Lacerda The duoand Keticlaimed Mebuke, their 8-1. fifth doubles win of the Wisconsin used its strength at the once again at Nielsen top of the lineup to seal the win, as the Chypyha holds strong in No. 1 singles at 9-0 Badgers claimed victory in No. 1, 2 and 3 singles. In No. 1 singles, Chypyha was able oming off three straight second time in the last few to capture her ninth-straight win this heart-breaking 4-3 de- weeks. Wisconsin was not Cfeats, the Badgers re- only able to claim the doubles Burich was able to win, 6-1, 6-3, in No. gained that winning feeling point but was also victorious 2spring singles after against defeating Sharples. Palacios, 6-1, 6-1. Saturday at Nielsen Tennis in all three doubles matches. At No. 3 singles, Tripolskaya defeated Stadium. Wisconsin pulled out “This was the best energy Kuvakina, 6-4, 6-1. a 4-3 win over Illinois-Chicago Up next, the Badgers will travel to San to improve to 5-4 on the young said head coach Tina Samara. Jose, Calif., to compete against San Jose season. “AllI’ve sixseen of allthem year came for doubles,”out with State at 3 p.m. on March 18. UW will then great energy that we have host its second Big Ten match at Nielsen a winning combination for lacked in the past. We were re- at 3 p.m. on March 21 against Nebraska, theirThe doubles Badgers teams figured having out before heading to Iowa City, Iowa, to take switched the lineup for the on the Hawkeyes at noon on March 23. ally happy with the doubles.” 56 // VARSITY March 13, 2014 Paired at No. 1 doubles for BY MINDY VAN DYKE @BADGERWTENNIS INSIDE WOMEN’S ROWING BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BADGERROWING SCHEDULE COMING UP: OPENWEIGHT Sat.-Sun. Cardinal Invite March 29 Pac 12 Challenge April 12 Big Ten Double Dual COMING UP: LIGHTWEIGHT Sat.-Sun. Cardinal Invite March 29 Pac 12 Challenge April 13 Knecht Cup

jective coming out of spring break is to have a lightweight varsity eight and a lightweight second varsity eight heading to the Pac-12 Challenge to visit defend- Spring Break is vital ing lightweight champion Stanford.” Badgers to make the most of valuable water These challenges for the Badgers seem time in Tennessee while on spring break to be overcome annually. Most schools don’t have frozen water limitations like Wisconsin, but the Badgers are always fter one practice this top three lightweight crews for right there at the end of the season. Saturday in Tennessee, the 15th consecutive season. “There is something about the atti- AWisconsin’s women’s To do that, both women’s pro- tude that we have, what we do with our openweight and lightweight grams must make the most of time and what our expectations are that rowing programs will race their time on liquid water dur- allows us to do things that maybe we ing next week’s spring break. shouldn’t be able to,” Bryans explained. 2014 season. “It is a critical week because, “There is something about us that en- forThose real for races the first count time inwhen the ables us to take a bunch of walk-ons who NCAA selections are made in week on the water for a long have never done this before, and get to May. time,first of but all, also it may we beare the testing only the NCAA championships every year. We “What other people see as a what we’ve been doing,” Bry- shouldn’t be able to do that. We shouldn’t disadvantage, we see as a se- ans said. “We put a lot of em- be able to go to spring break and com- cret weapon,” said head coach phasis on our indoor training, pete not having rowed for three months, Bebe Bryans about UW’s lack partly because we have to. We but we do.” of on-the-water training. “Yes are going to test all the work Despite the lack of practice, hope we get cranky, but it gets us we’ve done.“ springs eternal, even if spring hasn’t For lightweight coach Lisa quite yet. Just ask Schlenker. “Look out out there, we are going to eat Schlenker, spring break means for Wisconsin. We have a very young ourmeaner. young.” When we finally get even more work. “We can be team. We are ambitious and you never The Badgers will look to on the high intensity training know what we can bring,” she said. “I make the NCAAs for the 10th program,” she said. “We can do am looking forward to being surprised time in 11 seasons and will a couple of steady-state rows at their performance. I have great faith and lots of seat racing. My ob- with this team.”

58 also// VARSITY look toMarch finish 13, 2014 among the

THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

WATCH: WISCONSIN VS. KANSAS STATE HOW SWEET IT IS MARCH 19, 2011: UW earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament and traveled to Tucson, Ariz., to knock off No. 13 seed Belmont, 72-58, in the first round (March 17) and No. 5 seed Kansas State, 70-65, in the second round. Led by senior Jon Leuer, who averaged 20.5 points per game, the Badgers made 21 of 42 3-pointers in Tucson, advancing to the Sweet 16 in New Orleans. ALL-AMERICA HONORS MARCH 17, 2007: Two-time All-American Craig Henning finished second at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships in the 157 lbs. weight class. He was the high- est UW finisher since Donny Pritzlaff brought home an NCAA title in 2001. NATIONAL CHAMPS ALSO MARCH 18, 2007: The women’s hockey team broke or tied 18 NCAA records on its THIS way to a second-consecutive national championship. The Badgers defeated Minne- WEEK sota Duluth, 4-1, in the national championship game. TOURNAMENT TITLE MARCH 16, 2008: UW beat Illinois, 61-48, in the final of the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament to give the school its second-ever conference tournament title. Wis- consin also became the fifth school to win both the regular season and tournament { championships in the same season.

60 // VARSITY March 13, 2014