Varsity Magazine Vol 3 No 9

IN FOCUS GETTING CLOSER RB Montee Ball reached out for the first of his three rushing touchdowns in the Badgers’ game against Nebraska last Saturday. The three scores left Ball just 12 touchdowns shy of breaking the NCAA’s all-time TD record of 78. PHOTO BY NEIL AMENT LAYING IT ON THE LINE Freshman second baseman Macy Oswald made a diving play to get the out in Wisconsin’s 3-1 win over Green Bay last Saturday. The Badgers won the second game, 10-2, and swept Heartland on Sunday to improve to 6-0 for their fall exhibition season. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS

OCTOBER 4, 2012 CONTENTS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9

» WITHIN THEIR REACH DEPARTMENTS Senior captain Mike Taylor won’t let the Badgers’ loss to Nebraska derail a season in which the team 10 LUCAS AT LARGE 24 can still achieve many of its goals. by Mike Lucas 12 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez « HOME AT 14 THE VOICE 34 LAST by Matt Lepay It was moving day for the Badgers earlier this week as 16 BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW the men’s and women’s hockey teams moved into their new 18 5 THINGS TO WATCH home at LaBahn Arena. Get an Where to catch the Badgers inside look at the sparkling new on TV and the web facility. 20 ASK THE BADGERS A day worth re-living? » HARVEST TIME 22 BADGERING... Brian Wozniak 50 With the 2012-13 season getting underway, men’s 46 INSIDE SPORTS hockey head coach Mike Eaves says Football, volleyball, it’s time for the Badgers to ‘harvest hockey, soccer our crop’ after spending the better 58 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY part of two seasons developing a Jumping for joy very young roster.

Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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Brian Lucas Director of Athletic Communications

Julia Hujet Editor

Brian Mason Managing Editor

Mike Lucas Senior Writer

Matt Lepay Columnist

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Contributors Paul Capobianco, Tam Flarup, Patrick Herb, Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom, Anna Poulter-Hendrickson, Jeremy Wodajo

Photography David Stluka, Greg Anderson, Del Brown, Bob Campbell, Ross LaDue, Icon SMI

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Gilbert looks to make noise on the field

isconsin defensive end you can get there.’’ I learned that you have to stay on David Gilbert stayed It’s one thing to get there -- to the your toes, and you can ever relax. I Won the field well after quarterback. It’s another thing to let my guard down and my quotes Tuesday’s practice to tutor redshirt get there when the ball is still in his ended up on ESPNews. freshman James Adeyanju on some hands. More and more offenses are “My parents told me, ‘You have pass-rushing techniques. Gilbert’s predicated on short drops and the to learn from this. You’ve got to emphasis was on firing out on the quick game, diminishing the impact realize that you’re now in a position snap and attacking the offensive of edge-rushers and negative yard- where people are going to listen to tackle with a speed move. age plays. what you have to say and you have “Every young defensive end “But when you get there, it’s to be careful.’’’ wants to master pass-rushing and worth it,’’ Gilbert said. “It’s well There would seem to be no limit it’s one of the hardest things to get worth it.’’ on Gilbert’s ability to be a disrup- good at,’’ conceded Gilbert, who Through the first four games, tive force because of his strength added that one of the develop- Gilbert got there just once; a sack and athleticism. But he has to per- mental keys is eliminating any bad of Utah State quarterback Chuckie form with more consistency, maybe habits from high school and “gain- Keaton. even more urgency. And he has to ing ground out of your stance, even For awhile, he got down on him- stay healthy, of course. if it seems obvious.’’ self, feeling like he should have had “If you’re going 100 percent,’’ he The best example of that was on more sacks. “That’s your measuring said, “there will be that one mo- film -- a third-and-10 play from the stick as a defensive end,’’ he said. ment when the quarterback holds Nebraska 23 in the third quarter “But you realize the game is more the ball a little too long and you’ll last Saturday night in Lincoln. As than just that.’’ get there. That’s the way I got my quarterback Taylor Martinez was It can be a mind game, if you first sack last year. The UNLV dropping back to pass, Gilbert beat let it. “I’m not where I want to quarterback was rolling away from left tackle Brent Qvale to the out- be at this point, I’m not where I me and I told myself, ‘Keep chasing side and knocked the football out of should be,’’ said Gilbert, a 6-foot- him.’ Martinez’s hand. 4, 250-pound junior from Coral “The one time he pulls up is the UW linebacker Chris Borland re- Springs, Fla. “But I will keep work- one time you get there.’’ covered on the Nebraska 13 and the ing at it -- that’s the only way to get Gilbert sacked UNLV’s Caleb Badgers scored four plays later on a there -- by working. It’s an effort Herring and also forced a fumble in Montee Ball touchdown run, which thing. Pressure turns into sacks.’’ the 2011 opener. increased their lead to 27-10 over There was enormous pressure When you get there, it’s definitely the Cornhuskers and temporarily on Gilbert to produce and “walk the worth it. That was something he muted the sellout crowd at Memo- walk’’ at Nebraska after he made learned from former UW defensive rial Stadium. some unflattering comments last ends O’Brien Schofield and J.J. “I just used a speed move,’’ week about Martinez. He called into Watt. Both are now starring in the Gilbert said of his second sack of question his unorthodox throwing NFL. Coming under their influ- the 2012 season. “I was low in my motion and his toughness. That ence as a young player, Gilbert said, stance, I gained ground, turned the drew the ire of Gilbert’s coaches. “They left a lot of good film for me corner and kept my surface area “I’ve been here four years and to study.’’ away from him (Qvale). Taylor I’ve never done anything like that,’’ Now he’s more determined than (Martinez) just held on to the ball a said Gilbert. “I put myself in a ever to make his own headlines. On little bit long, and if you’re hustling, position that I didn’t want to be in. the field, not off.

10 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Work to do, but LaBahn a step forward

ast weekend, we took 80 of our donors to Omaha and L Lincoln. On Saturday, we toured the campus and the Nebraska people were gracious enough to take us through all of their facilities. I wanted our donors to see what we’re competing against in recruiting. I think they were very impressed by what they saw. They’re adding on to the upper deck at Memorial Stadium; a combination of club seats, suites and general public sure off the Kohl Center, too, and it I tell this story all the time, but seating. should keep our basketball teams a few years ago, I walked on to the The east stadium renovation will on the court instead of the practice ice with Mike Eaves and he said, be completed by the start of the gym. Plus, the new facility allowed “Coach, how many times have you 2013 football season and it will in- for improved locker rooms and been on the ice?’’ crease the capacity to over 90,000. team areas for both basketball I said, “This would be my first As I understand it, the entire proj- teams and our men’s and women’s time.’’ ect is already paid for. swimming program. I do appreciate the contact in We’re planning on following up Some of our former hockey play- hockey and there are reasons why by inviting those donors who made ers who are now in the NHL have we need to be competitive. the trip with us to Nebraska to tour toured LaBahn and they’d be the I’ve told anyone who has asked our facilities in Madison. They can first ones to tell you that there isn’t that I’ve always felt it was impor- make their own comparisons. anything better in the country. tant to have 23 strong sports. Obviously we’re in the process of I’ll take their word since I was But as a businessman -- an ath- doing some really good things here, never around hockey before I got letic director running a department and we’re absolutely going in the here. -- you have to be strong in your right direction. But now, more than The first time I saw it played was three revenue-producing sports: ever, we still need help and the sup- at Notre Dame. football, basketball and hockey. port of our donors. When I grew up in Pittsburgh, So we want to provide the re- This week, our men’s and there were no Penguins. When I sources necessary to be competi- women’s hockey teams moved into went to Nebraska, there was no tive in hockey. We understand how LaBahn Arena. hockey. There was no hockey in important it is historically for the I’m so happy with the way the Iowa, either, when I was coaching community, the university and the place turned out. The locker rooms there. state. look great and our fans will love the My first day on the job at Wis- All things considered, the timing intimacy of the ice rink. They’ll be consin, Pat Richter took me out to couldn’t have been better to cel- right on top of the action and really see the ’90 team play, and I had a ebrate the 50th anniversary of the into the game. chance to meet some of the guys modern era of Badger hockey than Having a first-class facility like in the locker room afterward. That with the opening of LaBahn Arena. LaBahn Arena takes a little pres- was my first real exposure. It should be a special place.

12 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS

Badgers still finding time to give back here is classroom work and Now the process of connecting embrace the concept. study table. There are posi- with UW Athletics is easier. The “We’ve tried to take this to our Ttion meetings, team meet- department recently launched a players. We have to give back, too,” ings, video sessions and practices. new platform called “Badgers Give Alvarez said. “It is not just about There is travel, which can include Back.” The goal is to better serve our fans giving to us. It is about us long flights and bus rides. fans and the Madison community. giving back to the community. All Then there are the games, with Organizations can make a re- of our student-athletes buy into packed arenas, stadiums, and per- quest online via the “Badgers Give that. We know we are an important haps up to a few million more fans Back” page at UWBadgers.com. part of this city, and we want to viewing every play. make sure we give back.” A college athlete signs up for all And they have. And they will of this. So do the coaches. Last year, Badgers continue to give back. Yet, at the University of Wiscon- players and coaches In recent years, certain stories sin, the 800 or so student-athletes have gained a fair amount of atten- and coaches make time to give engaged in more tion, such as former Badgers quar- back to the community. For the than 3,600 hours of terback Scott Tolzien’s relationship past several years, it was thought community service, with a young man who has battled to be a safe guess that UW student- cancer. athletes donated some 1,500 ranging from hospi- While he played basketball at hours a year to community service tal visits and trips to Wisconsin, Michael Flowers also projects. schools to promote became friends with a young man Turns out the number was more reading to projects going through a rough stretch. than double that. Those are just two examples of Last year, Badgers players and such as Habitat for countless stories where a fan can coaches engaged in more than Humanity. see a student-athlete away from 3,600 hours of community service, the athletic arena. ranging from hospital visits and I can tell you from personal ex- trips to schools to promote read- “It (the request) goes through perience that the athletes and the ing to projects such as Habitat for compliance,” explains Doherty. “It coaches enjoy using their platform Humanity. goes through our community rela- accordingly, and often are very “It’s really remarkable, with tions coordinator (Kayla Gross). touched by the people they meet. all of their busy schedules, with The process is easy now. We feel During the games it is easy to classes, practices, games and so good about it, and we feel good get excited when the Badgers win, on, that they make the time to do that we can communicate what we or frustrated win they lose. all of this,” UW Associate Athletic do.” But it is good to know that Director for External Relations Coaches spend countless hours there is a lot more to UW student- Justin Doherty said. trying to figure out how to win the athletes than where their teams Yet they do it eagerly. next game. Nobody understands are in the conference standings or “Our student-athletes are just that any better than UW Director national polls. amazing with the kids,” says of Athletics Barry Alvarez. Yet, he With the “Badgers Give Back” Doherty. “The hospital visits, with knows the importance of reach- initiative, it now is a more efficient reading. They have become kids ing out to the community, and he process for those efforts to con- themselves again.” wants every team on campus to tinue.

14 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS BY THE NUMBERS 49 WOMEN’S HOCKEY During UW’s season- VOLLEYBALL opener on Sept. 28, 7 Sophomore Courtney Thomas sophomore Katy Josephs just missed two double-dou- scored with 49 seconds bles on the weekend, saving remaining in regulation nine digs against No.1 Penn to help the Badgers force a State and against No. 22 Ohio 2-2 tie against Minnesota State. The 6-foot setter has a State. team-best seven double- doubles this season.

99.0FOOTBALL Following a pair of 100-yard receiving games, junior WR Jared Abbrederis leads the Big Ten with 99.0 receiving yards per game. Abbrederis also ranks second in the league in yards per catch (19.9 yards) and touchdown receptions (4).

VOLLEYBALL The Badgers have entered the toughest stretch of their Big Ten schedule, as they play five ranked teamsover their next six matches. The stretch started at No. 20 Illinois last Sunday and con- tinues this weekend with No. 1 Penn State and No. 22 Ohio State.

SOFTBALL Cassandra Darrah pitched a perfect game in UW’s 12-0, five-inning win over Heartland on Sunday. Darrah faced the minimum 15 batters, striking out seven. Wisconsin is 6-0 this fall and will host Loyola-Chicago on Oct. 13 in its final fall games. 16 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 0

5 THINGS TO WATCH OCT. 4-10

FRIDAY 10/5 • 10 PM • BTN

Worth the wait Volleyball vs. Michigan State Lock yourself in your room and don’t check Twitter, Wisconsin’s 7 p.m. match with Michigan State will be shown on BTN on delay at 10 p.m.

1 SATURDAY 10/6 • 2:35 PM • ABC/ESPN2 Bringing Big Ten home Football vs. Illinois The season heats up when the Illini come to town for a Big Ten showdown. No tickets? No problem. Watch live on ABC.

SUNDAY 10/7 • 1 PM • InsideBadgerSports.com

Field House fun 2 Volleyball vs. Michigan Wisconsin closes out the weekend with a visit from Michigan. You can watch the match streamed live on InsideBadgerSports.com.

TUESDAY 10/9 • 7 PM • BTN 3 Football flashback Big Ten Elite: 1993 Wisconsin Football The Badgers finished the 1993 season with a 10-1-1 record and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Take a trip down memory lane with Big Ten Elite.

WEDNESDAY 10/10 • 7 PM • InsideBadgerSports.com 4 I-94 clash Men’s soccer vs. Milwaukee Wisconsin welcomes its rival from the east to the McClimon Soccer Complex on Wednesday. Catch all of the action on InsideBadgerSports.com 518 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 2 4 Question of the Week: Ask The If you could relive a day from your BADGERS past, what would it be?

JEFFERSON DAHL • JUNIOR • MEN’S HOCKEY “If I could relive one day it would be the day we won the state hockey championship my senior year of high school at Eau Claire Memorial. We played Madison Edgewood and beat them 3-1 to finish undefeated that year.”

GABRIELLE ANZALONE SOPHOMORE • WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

“Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Trinidad with the USA team (for the 2012 NACAC Cross Country Championship). I wish I was able to take it in again and capture it a little bit more to share it with my team back home. It was great to travel to another country and compete against people from so many other countries, it was really amazing. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and it’s a moment I’d relive over and over again.”

ILANA FRIEDMAN • JUNIOR • WOMEN’S HOCKEY “I’d want to relive one of the days this past summer while I was on vacation with a bunch of my teammates in the Bahamas. We had so much fun on the beach relaxing basically all day long. We met Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from Jersey Shore and I also accidentally went down a rapids-type water slide without ’’an inner tube; it hurt but was by far the best memory of the trip.”

ZACH BOHANNON • JUNIOR • MEN’S BASKETBALL “I would love to relive playing in the state championship my senior year of high school against Harrison Barnes and Doug McDermott. I wish I could have done more to give us a chance to win. We were down two points with two minutes to go, but lost. Even in loss though, it was the greatest days of my life. I’d also love to relive the day we won the state championship my sophomore year. That was incredible too.”

20 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012

BADGERING...

BRIAN WOZNIAK »» FOOTBALL Brian Wozniak is in his first season as a starting tight end for the Badgers and has seen action in all five of UW’s games this season. The junior from Loveland, Ohio, recorded his first career catch with a grab in the season opener vs. Northern Iowa and has five receptions for 37 yards on the season. What did you know about UW before you were recruited? “I didn’t know a whole lot about Wisconsin in general. To the point that, when I was on my official visit, I was sitting with Ron Dayne and I didn’t know who he was until afterward when my dad told me all about what he’d done. I grew up a Notre Dame fan and always watched Indiana and Purdue, but I didn’t know much about the University of Wisconsin.” What won you over about coming to Wisconsin? “When I first came here and saw the school and met the coaches and sat down with Coach B (Bielema), everyone was very genuine and I knew being a part of this school academically was a sure win for me.” You also played linebacker in high school. Do you miss playing defense? “Sometimes you miss the aggressiveness and the sort of swagger you can have on defense. It’s fun playing offense, and I love being involved with both the passing and blocking game, but sometimes you miss getting out there and tackling guys.” What do you enjoy about playing tight end? “I like the versatility. You can be a big threat in the blocking game and you can also jump over smaller DBs or linebackers in order to make a catch. It’s a fun position because you have to know almost as much as the quarterbacks because you need to know all the run plays and all the pass plays.” How does your new beard stack up with some of your teammates? “I started growing it in the summer and I trim it up every once in a while, but I’ll probably have it all season. You won’t see me bare-faced. I think the No. 1 beard is definitely Travis Frederick, but I think I’m in the top three. Jeff Duckworth has a good beard going right now, but I think I’m right there.”

22 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012

COMFORT LEVEL Senior linebacker and team captain Mike Taylor has seen a lot in his four years at Wisconsin, enough to know that the Badgers’ goals are still within reach

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA n the early years, there was too much think- Taylor, a captain and fifth-year senior from Ash- ing and too little sleep the night before a game; waubenon, Wis. Today, he’s an All-Big Ten line- Itoo much uncertainty and grey area and not backer with 309 career tackles and 38 starts in 38 enough self-assurance and confidence to close his games. eyes to. He’s sleeping much better, too. “Looking back on my freshman and sophomore Taylor and fellow linebacker Ethan Armstrong years,’’ said Wisconsin linebacker Mike Taylor, are roommates the night before games. When the “you’d get anxiety attacks because you’re so ner- Badgers are playing at home, Armstrong will usu- vous thinking about what you’re supposed to do.’’ ally bring a DVD for their viewing pleasure. That would lead to more anxiety on game day. One week, it might be “Gladiator’’ and the next it “You’d be thinking about things and getting ner- could be “Braveheart.’’ vous before even stepping on the field,’’ said Tay- “Or we’ll just watch the Discovery Channel,’’ lor. “My freshman year, there were plays where I Taylor said. would forget the (defensive) call completely.’’ But the cable selection was limited at the team So much has changed between then and now for hotel last Friday night in Lincoln, Neb. “So we

26 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 “It was a big game and everyone was excited,’’ Taylor said of the Nebraska game. “It’s easy to run around the first quarter of a game when you’re hyped. But you have to hold and sustain that over four quarters.’’

was at 3 p.m. (All players had to be seated at 2:55 p.m.). The hit film was at 4:30 p.m. “I don’t really mind it,’’ Taylor said of the ex- tended preparation. “You get to eat two meals instead of one, and hydrate. You have a lot of time to think about the game, which could be a bad thing. But, for me, I kind of like to think about everything and lock in and focus.’’ The team buses left for Memorial Stadium at 4:40 p.m. A short drive was doubled in time because of the heavy game-day traffic, and that was despite having a police escort from the hotel. “I don’t listen to music, I usually sit and think about things; I mind my own business,’’ Taylor said of the bus ride. “On away games, you usually go through campus and see everyone tailgating. It gets you psyched. People are booing and giving watched a little bit of everything and fell asleep you hand gestures, which is fun to see. It gets you eventually,’’ said Taylor. going.’’ The players could sleep in. They had a 10 a.m. Taylor loves the excitement of a night game, wake-up call Saturday for their 7 p.m. kickoff. home or road. “If it’s an 11 o’clock kick,’’ Taylor said, “you prob- At Nebraska, the atmosphere was electric lead- ably don’t sleep as well.’’ ing up to the opening kickoff. Not only does the wake-up call come much ear- “It was a big game and everyone was excited,’’ lier, but the mind begins racing the night before. Taylor said. “It’s easy to run around the first quar- That was not the case for a late kickoff at Ne- ter of a game when you’re hyped. But you have to braska. hold and sustain that over four quarters.’’ Saturday was a long day. The Badgers silenced the 322nd-consecutive Brunch was served between 10:15 and 11:15 sellout crowd by jumping out to a 14-0 lead. a.m. That was followed by a team walk-through On defense, everybody was flying to the ball. (stretch/flex) at Memorial Stadium. That was particularly true after Nebraska’s Ameer Taping started at 2 p.m. The pregame meal Abdullah returned a kickoff 83 yards to the UW 13.

27 On first down, Wisconsin linebacker Chris Martinez fumbled the mesh with Burkhead, but Borland leaped over pulling guard Spencer Long the ball bounced right back into his hands and and threw down running back Rex Burkhead for Martinez ran for 5 yards. Taylor was on the stop. a 1-yard loss like he was wrestling a steer to the On third down, Burkhead was tackled for no ground. gain by Borland. “It’s fun to watch Chris,’’ Taylor said. “I didn’t The Huskers had to settle for a field goal. see him jump over the guy (Long) but I saw the Do Borland and Taylor feed off each other? tackle on film the next day and he looked like a “Definitely,’’ Taylor said. flying squirrel or something; he looked pretty cool. Do they compete with each other to see who can “When your teammates make plays, it definitely make the most tackles? gets you going.’’ “Definitely,’’ said Taylor, now smiling. On second down, Nebraska quarterback Taylor Three hours and 28 minutes after the opening kickoff, he wasn’t smiling. Nor were any of his teammates as they left the field after a 30-27 loss to the Cornhuskers in the Big Ten opener. Taylor, who led both teams in tackles with 15, was the second UW player -- Jared Abbrederis was the first -- to show up for the postgame media interviews. Taylor was dressed in a suit and tie, which was required for all of the players on the travel roster for the flight to Lincoln and the return trip to Madison. Responding to all questions po- litely, Taylor was generally short and to the point. “It came down to the last quarter and big plays. “On defense, we gave up a few big plays and they were able to capitalize. “In a close game like that, it comes down to those plays. We have to play a four-quarter game. Big games come down to playing a complete game. “All we can do now is correct the mistakes and move forward. We know what we’re capable of doing on both sides of the ball. “It’s still a long season, and our goal is to get back to the Big Ten

28 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012

championship game.’’ game or putting the blame on a certain individual These post-game media sessions are part of the and trying to get you to say something.’’ learning process for athletes. Taylor added, “For the most part, that doesn’t “I don’t think anybody likes talking with the me- happen.’’ dia after a loss,’’ Taylor admitted. “After a win, it’s On the one-hour flight home, Taylor and- Bor easy; it’s fun. You know the type of questions that land sat together and viewed some of the cut-ups you’re probably going to get. from the Wisconsin-Nebraska tape on a small “But after a loss, the questions are completely computer screen. different and you just have to stay positive. You “We watched the defense and our positions and can’t let yourself get too upset. I don’t know if we saw what went wrong; we saw the good things, anyone loves to talk after a loss. too,’’ Taylor said. “But it’s what you do. It’s part of the game. I’m “We watched the plays that hurt us and we talk- totally respectful and I understand it.’’ ed about fits. We talked about run plays and pass Road games present different challenges. plays and what we were supposed to do. We were “Nobody likes to express their feelings to people just trying to see how we can get better.’’ that they don’t know,’’ Taylor said. It was after 3 a.m. when the team charter land- In addition, he said that can become problem- ed Sunday in Madison. atic after a loss “when they’re asking questions Taylor got to bed at 4 a.m. you weren’t ready for and they’re jumping to con- “There are a lot of guys who have trouble go- clusions on what could have happened during the ing to sleep right after a football game especially

30 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 VIDEO: BADGER BREAKDOWN - ILLINOIS when you lose,’’ he said. “You’ve thinking about it’s not going to be that way. It’s a different season. how you lost and why you lost.’’ “The games are going to be a grind and they’re Taylor set his alarm for 11 a.m. Sunday and re- going to come down to every drive and every play. set it for 11:30 a.m. As a defense, we have to realize that these games “I wanted to catch up with some sleep,’’ he said. are all going to be close.’’ When he got up, Taylor reported to Camp Ran- Taylor stressed the importance of not allowing dall Stadium for a lift, film study, treatment and the season to be defined by the Nebraska loss. a massage. There were position meetings, correc- “We lost two conference games last year, and we tions on the field and finally dinner at 6:15 p.m. still made it to the championship,’’ he said. “We By then, Nebraska had been flushed from his have to realize that we have everything to play for system and Illinois was on his radar. -- all of our goals.’’ “You just have to move on,’’ he reiterated, “and Monday is an off-day for the players, although learn from your mistakes.’’ treatments are mandatory and available between On the heels of back-to-back Big Ten titles and 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Taylor will get over to the sta- Rose Bowls, nobody anticipated that the Bad- dium to lift and watch film on his own. gers would struggle to the degree that they have His schedule is more flexible than some of his this season in winning three out of their first five teammates since he doesn’t have any classes on games. Monday. He needs only six credits to get his un- “Look at the guys we had the last few years,’’ dergraduate degree in sociology. Taylor said. “Having Russell Wilson obviously Career plans beyond football? Don’t ask. helped a lot. So going into the season, we knew “I’ve thought about it,’’ he said. “But I’m not re- that we could have close games. ally sure.’’ “Last year we could give up 25 or 30 points and All of his thoughts, for now, were on Illinois. He still win because we were scoring so much. Now, won’t sleep on any opponent.

WELCOME TO LA BAHN ARENA TAKE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE BADGERS’ NEW HOME

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA WELCOME TO LA BAHN ARENA TAKE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE BADGERS’ NEW HOME

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA n Nov. 17, 2010, the Wisconsin State “I can’t wait,’’ Decker said. “Being able to fill it Building Commission gave final ap- up with fans will be unbelievable.’’ proval to a construction project ad- The UW women will play all of their home jacent to the Kohl Center that would games in the 2,273-seat LaBahn Arena. Oimpact multiple athletic programs on the Madi- “I think it will definitely be a (home-ice) advan- son campus and bear the name of its lead donors, tage,’’ said Decker. Charles and Mary Ann LaBahn. Matching or exceeding, she said, what the Uni- “When I saw the plans, my hopes got up for ev- versity of Minnesota women’s team has by play- erything,’’ said Brianna Decker, a two-time All- ing its home games in 3,400-seat Ridder Arena, American on the Wisconsin women’s hockey team which is adjacent to Mariucci Arena in Minneapo- and the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award lis. winner. “I knew everybody wanted the best for the “They use their fans to their advantage,’’ Decker athletes and my expectations were just that.’’ said, “and hopefully we’ll be able to use ours.’’ After moving her hockey gear into the plush new Both the UW women and men will practice on locker room in LaBahn Arena and skating through the Lance Johnson ice surface, which recognizes a 45-minute practice Tuesday night on the Lance a major gift from Peter O. Johnson and his son, Johnson Memorial Rink ice surface, Decker saw Erik S. Johnson, and their families. Peter’s son, the finished product in a different light, while still Lance, was a youth hockey player in Madison who meeting all of her expectations. died in a 1987 car accident. “It was really bright in there,’’ she said, “com- Meanwhile, the Kohl Center ice surface will be pletely different from the Kohl Center.’’ renamed to honor the memory of legendary Bad- She discovered that it was really loud, too, while gers coach Bob Johnson (no relation to the afore- they were testing the horn signaling a goal. mentioned Johnsons) whose son, Mark, is the “It was pretty neat to see how loud it was,’’ said coach of the women’s team. The “Bob Johnson Decker, who has scored 86 career goals and will Rink’’ will be dedicated on Nov. 2. put that horn to the ultimate test this season. “It’s The Badger men will open their home season going to be a riot in here.’’ Saturday night with an exhibition against the U.S. The home opener will be Oct. 19 against Bemi- Under-18 team. Senior center Derek Lee, who will dji State. serve as an assistant captain, believes there will

36 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 be a lot of great days for hockey -- and great days one is kind of excited right now,’’ Lee said, “and ahead for the program -- because of LaBahn Are- we’re still in awe of what we’re experiencing being na. in that locker room. It’s a definitely a boost for us.’’ “It’s really something special and we’re privi- In this context, the Badgers are banking on get- leged to have it,’’ Lee said. “I don’t know if you ting off to a fast start. can really pinpoint one thing (that stands out). “It will be great for us to get some of the rust off,’’ The rink itself is going to be biggest thing for us Lee said of Saturday’s exhibition, “and see where because we don’t have to go to the Coliseum for we need to improve.’’ practice anymore. It puts us under one roof for The UW women got that opportunity last week- the whole year.’’ end at Minnesota State. “We’re young but we also The Kohl Center features an extension of the carry a lot of experience,’’ Decker said after the Fetzer Academic Center and its own weight room. Badgers gained a win and a tie in their opening Now a dining area has been added. “We have series. “We have solid goaltending, we work really everything right here,’’ Decker said. “Our locker hard and we have a lot of heart on the team.’’ room is connected to the training room, which And now they have LaBahn Arena to showcase is connected to the rink. Everything is so conve- as their home rink. nient.’’ “It should be an atmosphere that you won’t for- Just about every need can be satisfied within get,’’ Decker said. the Kohl Center/LaBahn Arena complex, which also houses new locker rooms, lounges and training facilities for the UW men’s and women’s swimming programs. There’s even a connecting skywalk to the team’s practice pool in the Southeast Recreation- al Facility (SERF). The project also included larg- er, updated locker rooms for both the UW men’s and women’s basketball teams, who moved into their new digs on the lower level of the Kohl Center this week. Not a discouraging word has been uttered by anyone; especially anyone connected to men’s hockey, whose athletes no longer have to make that trek to the Coliseum in the middle of win- ter. “We’re not going to take it for granted,’’ pledged Lee, a native of North Vancouver, B.C. Given the newness of everything, it represents somewhat of a fresh start for the returning players, even the seniors. “Every-

37 Men’s basketball moved its locker room into the space previously oc-

cupied by men’s hockey in the Kohl Center. The space was renovated to

« include a lounge for the team. The athletic training room in the « Kohl Center was renovated, which included more office space and the addition of a underwater treadmill for rehabilitation purposes.

The team lounge is one of the central high- lights inside the new men’s hockey locker room. In the design process, the team wanted to make sure it had room for a ping- pong table, which has been a staple of the « team’s space over the years.

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it can handle the abuse of a full team practice. practice. team full a of abuse the handle can it

sheet. The new rink had to be “broken in” before before in” “broken be to had rink new The sheet.

first two players to skate on the new ice ice new the on skate to players two first

LaBahn Arena. Josephs and Decker were the the were Decker and Josephs Arena. LaBahn

Brianna Decker posed for a photo at center ice in in ice center at photo a for posed Decker Brianna

Women’s hockey forwards Katy Josephs, left, and and left, Josephs, Katy forwards hockey Women’s « The men’s hockey team moved its equipment from its locker rooms in the Kohl Center and the Bob Johnson Hockey Facility into the new locker room in LaBahn Arena. The men’s team no longer has to travel across town for practices and will be able to practice on either ice surfaces at LaBahn Arena or the Kohl Center year round.

« TIME-LAPSE: LAYING LA BAHN’S ICE SHEET «

Freshman forward Morgan Zulinick grabs his sticks from the stick rack on the way out of the new men’s hockey locker room as he heads to practice on the Kohl Center ice sheet.

40 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 The men’s hockey team moved its equipment from its locker rooms in the Kohl Center and the Bob Johnson Hockey Facility into the new locker room in LaBahn Arena. The men’s team no longer has to travel across town for practices and will be able to practice on either ice surfaces at LaBahn Arena or the Kohl Center year round.

« « Freshman forward Morgan Zulinick « grabs his sticks from the stick rack on the way out of the new men’s hockey locker room as he heads to practice on the Kohl Center ice sheet.

41 Men’s hockey equipment manager Nate LaPoint sharpens a pair of

skates on the new skate sharpener in

« the men’s hockey locker room. Sports medicine staff go through « the process of relocating materi-

als from their makeshift training room to the newly-renovated training room in the Kohl Center. « PHOTOS: BUILDING LA BAHN ARENA

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The west side of LaBahn Arena features a skywalk that connects the men’s and women’s swimming and diving facilities to the pool inside the SERF. While most of the renovations to the Kohl Center « were focused on athletic teams, Video Services « got a new scoreboard control room, moving from the 200 level of the Kohl Center to the ground floor. The room coordinates all programming and control for the video and scoreboards in Camp Randall, the Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena.

« 43 The men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs also received new facilities, including hot and cold therapy pools, on the second level of LaBahn Arena. «

New dining facilities were built in the Kohl Center where the men’s basketball locker room used to be located. The dining area will be utilized by the four sports that call « the Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena home.

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INSIDE FOOTBALL BY BRIAN MASON @BadgerFootball

SCHEDULE (3-2, 0-1) If history holds, Badgers Regular Season Sept. 1 Northern Iowa W, 26-21 are far from finished Sept. 8 at Oregon State L, 10-7 UW has strong Big Ten record following loss Sept. 15 Utah State W, 16-14 Sept. 22 UTEP W, 37-26 Sept. 29 at Nebraska L, 30-27 Oct. 6 Illinois 2:30 p.m. t’s no secret that Camp In the previous five sea- Oct. 13 at Purdue 11 a.m. IRandall Stadium provides sons in which the Badgers Oct. 20 Minnesota TBA some very friendly confines lost their first Big Ten road Oct. 27 Michigan State 2:30 p.m. for the Wisconsin football game, UW went on to post a Nov. 10 at Indiana TBA Nov. 17 Ohio State TBA team. The Badgers are 42-3 combined record of 24-7 af- Nov. 24 at Penn State TBA at home since Bret Bielema ter suffering that initial road took the helm in 2006. loss. With that in mind, it will That includes a 5-1 mark Take me to your leader feel good for the Badgers to last season and a 7-0 record » Since returning from an injury return home Saturday after in 2010 after losing confer- that sidelined him for UW’s game suffering a tough loss on the ence road openers at Michi- against Utah State, WR Jared Ab- road at Nebraska last week. gan State. brederis has been tough to stop. Beyond the fact that UW Wisconsin has won 18 Big Putting together consecutive 100- loses so rarely at home — Ten games since the start of yard receiving games vs. UTEP the Badgers are 21-3 in Big the 2010 season, tying with and Nebraska, Abbrederis leads Ten games at Camp Randall the Spartans for the most the Big Ten at 99.0 yards per under Bielema — history league wins of any confer- game. Saturday, Abbrederis can says that last week’s setback ence team over that span. become the first Badger with three won’t derail Wisconsin’s In other words, don’t write straight 100-yard receiving games league title aspirations. these Badgers off just yet. since Lee Evans in 2001.

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INSIDE VOLLEYBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerVBall

SCHEDULE (13-4, 1-3) Last Week Sept. 28 #1 Penn State L, 0-3 Sept. 29 #22 Ohio State L, 1-3

This Week Friday #25 Michigan St. 7 p.m. Sunday Michigan 1 p.m.

Up Next Oct. 12 at #6 Nebraska 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Iowa 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at #10 Minnesota 7 p.m. Oct. 19 Indiana 7 p.m.

leaving it behind you and just moving forward and improving your own game,” explained Waite. “Some of the teams will obviously bring out your weak areas and you need to improve a little bit more. But give (the players) a positive feeling and make sure they’re healthy and happy and come to play.” The Badgers have to be ready Sophomore Ellen Chapman has been the Badgers’ kill leader to play this weekend as they face most of the season. No. 25 Michigan State, their fourth-straight ranked opponent. Lessons learned: UW Badger block! needs to step up play » Despite losing both matches on the Big Ten slate challenges Badgers to improve weekend, Wisconsin outblocked both ranked opponents, averaging 3.43 blocks per set on the weekend. hen the Badgers back and totally turn things The Badgers outblocked No. 1 Penn Wplayed top-ranked around and part of that was State 8.5 - 8.0 and No. 22 Ohio Penn State and No. 22 Ohio just our frame of mind.” State 15.5 - 9.0. State last weekend, Wiscon- The Badgers rallied late in UW was led by senior Alexis sin lost both matches while the match against the Buck- Mitchell, who averaged an im- struggling as a team. eyes but it wasn’t enough as pressive 2.0 blocks per set on the “We were fighting each UW fell in four sets. weekend. The 6-0 middle blocker other more than we were So what does Wisconsin recorded a match-high six blocks fighting the opponent ...,” need to do to get back on the against the Nittany Lions and a said UW coach Pete Waite, winning track? match-high eight blocks, including “and we had to just come “You talk to them about two solos, against the Buckeyes.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE This Week Saturday U.S. Under-18 (Ex.) 8 p.m.

Next Five Oct. 12 vs. Northern Mich. 7 p.m. Oct. 13 vs. Northern Mich. 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Minn. Duluth 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Minn. Duluth 7 p.m. Nov. 2 Colorado College 7 p.m.

reached the 2010 NCAA championship game.

Getting your zzzzzzz » Prior to junior forward Mark Zengerle’s arrival at Wisconsin in 2010, only Jason Zent could claim being a letterwinner a last name beginning with the letter “Z.” With the addition of freshman forward Morgan Zulinick, Wisconsin will play the 2012-13 season with two student-athletes whose names start with the letter “Z.” Interest- Eaves: Time is now for ingly enough, both played their junior hockey for the BCHL’s Salm- UW to ‘harvest our crop’ on Arm Silverbacks before coming Badgers return 15 of team’s top 16 scorers to UW. Starting Slow ead coach Mike Eaves “These are the two years » After the Badgers skate at the Kohl Hmade his first regular we need to harvest our crop,” Center Saturday for their exhibi- Monday news conference Eaves said. tion against the U.S. Under-18 appearance of the year and- Since Eaves came to Wis- Team, they won’t appear in Madi- said that, after two years of consin for the 2002–03 son until Nov. 2. That is part of the putting an underclass-dom- season, it has been a four- start of a season that includes two inated team on the ice, the year cycle for the Badgers to off weekends before mid-Novem- team is a little more grown reach college hockey’s upper ber. The Badgers will play three up this year with 10 juniors echelon. of their first four and four of their and seven sophomores on The program captured the first six weekends of hockey on the the roster. 2006 NCAA title and then road.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LA DUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (1-0-1, 1-0-1) Last Week Sept. 28 at Minnesota State T, 2-2 Sept. 29 at Minnesota State W, 3-2

This Week Friday at Lindenwood 7 p.m. Saturday at Lindenwood 2 p.m.

Next Five Oct. 13 at Minnesota Duluth 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at Minnesota Duluth 3 p.m. Oct. 19 Bemidji State 7 p.m. Oct. 21 Bemidji State 2 p.m. Oct. 26 New Hampshire 7 p.m.

es too early can damage the ice. A few of the players were recruited to skate a bit on the new surface, and Brianna Decker became the first Badger to skate on the new rink. When Tuesday rolled around, the Badgers split their ice time between the Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena. “Excitement” was an understate- ment for the team as everyone got to be on the new rink together. Badgers make the move Not having a home game for a few weeks will give the team time to get into their new home used how the puck plays in the rink. LaBahn Arena opens for first practices Opening statements » Even though the Badgers tied in he men’s and women’s er room this past Saturday their season opening game and Thockey teams moved night after returning from followed with a one-goal win over into LaBahn Arena this Minnesota State. Minnesota State, the weekend week, and the women’s team On Monday, the team games still showed great things for held its first practice on the got dressed for practice for the team. While to some it looked new ice on Tuesday. the first time in the facility, like a less offensively-potent team, While LaBahn Arena however they were unable the Badgers created numerous won’t debut to the public un- to skate on LaBahn’s ice as a scoring chances and were denied til the Badgers host Bemidji team that day. New ice in a multiple times by WCHA Defen- State on Oct. 19, the team rink needs to be “broken in” sive Player of the Week Danielle first moved into its new lock- and having full team practic- Butters.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S SOCCER BY JEREMY WODAJO @BadgerWSoccer

SCHEDULE (7-4-1, 1-3-1) Last Five Sept. 16 at No. 8 Penn State L, 1-2 Sept. 21 Michigan State W, 1-0 Sept. 23 No. 22 Michigan L, 0-3 Sept. 27 at Minnesota L, 2-3 Sept. 30 at Ohio State T, 0-0 (2OT)

This Week Friday at Nebraska 7 p.m.

Next Five Oct. 8 at Green Bay 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Northwestern 7 p.m. Oct. 14 Illinois (BTN) 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Purdue 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at Indiana 1 p.m.

Early bird gets the worm » UW holds a 60 percent chance of winning the match when scoring first, and the Badgers are 6-0-0 in games in which they have accom- plished just that this season. The Badgers are 5-0-0 when leading at Late arrival: Richard the half and 2-1-1 when tied head- ing into the intermission. impressive in goal Junior posts six saves, shutout in first start Goal-oriented » After just 12 matches, Wisconsin has recorded nearly 90 percent enevieve Richard began ting in the top 25 and riding of its entire goal total from 2011. Gthe season out of the a five-game home win streak. Behind a pair of four-goal out- running for the starting goal- Following a 1-2-0 stretch, ings and a five-goal performance keeper position at UW. She the junior was inserted into against South Dakota State, the was selected to join the Ca- the starting goalkeeper role, Badgers have 23 goals to date, just nadian national team at the making her first appearance three shy of their 2011 total of 26 FIFA U-20 Women’s World on the road against Ohio goals. Wisconsin’s offensive im- Cup in late August, missing State. The Quebec native did provement is largely due to its ag- most of preseason camp. not disappoint, tallying six gressiveness on the front line. UW Richard returned to Madi- saves and posting UW’s first is outshooting its opponents 159- son to find the Badgers sit- road shutout of 2012. 150 and is outscoring foes 23-15.

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INSIDE MEN’S SOCCER BY ROSS LA DUE @BadgerMSoccer

SCHEDULE (3-4-3, 0-1-0) Last Five Sept. 14 at Western Illinois T, 0-0 Sept. 16 at IUPUI W, 2-1 Sept. 21 Penn State L, 1-0 Sept. 26 at Marquette L, 2-1 (OT) Sept. 29 Cleveland State W, 2-1

This Week Saturday at Indiana 6 p.m.

Next Five Oct. 10 Milwaukee 7 p.m. Oct. 13 Michigan 7 p.m. Oct 17 Green Bay 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Michigan State 12 p.m. Oct. 24 UMKC 7 p.m.

streak against IU was snapped last year, when Wisconsin posted a 2-0 shutout win in Madison. In fact, all four of UW’s victories over IU have been shutouts. Saturday, the Badgers look to continue their recent success against the Hoosiers. The Badgers have had a quiet week to prepare for the up- Men’s soccer looking to coming game, and with no mid-week contest, the team can focus on pre- repeat Indiana win paring for IU. Badgers finding more success against Hoosiers Trask enters Bloomington, Ind., this weekend as a rare coach who gets to say he’s played Indiana with- ead coach John Trask 32 times. out losing. Hholds a rare claim at the However, the Badgers helm of the Wisconsin men’s have been showing improve- Closing out at home soccer team, remaining un- ment against the Big Ten » With only eight games remain- defeated against Indiana. powerhouse in recent years. ing, the Badgers have the luxury of In the 35-year history be- In the past six seasons, the playing five at home. UW returns tween the two sides, the Bad- Badgers have played the to Madison next week for a three- gers have four wins and five Hoosiers to three overtime game homestand and, after a quick ties. Indiana owns the most games — including two ties trip to Michigan State, come back wins of any team over Wis- — and four one-goal losses. home for another pair of games at consin, downing the Badgers The Badgers’ winless the McClimon Complex.

56 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012 INSIDE THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Wisconsin’s 1998 homecoming win over Purdue gave fans a reason to “Jump Around”

October 10, 1998 Jumping for joy Wisconsin defeated Purdue, 31-24, on homecoming at Camp Randall Stadium in a game known primarily for two things: The Badgers survived an NCAA record passing performance by Boilermakers QB Drew Brees, who completed 55-of-83 attempts for 494 yards, and also saw the birth of the “Jump Around” tradition between the third and fourth quarters.

October 6, 1951 TV DEBUT: The Badgers played their first football game on live television. UW fell, 14-10, at eighth-ranked Illinois in a game that aired on NBC.

October 8, 1999 ALSO THE BEGINNING: Women’s hockey opened its inaugural season against Minnesota- Duluth in front of 3,892 fans at the Kohl Center in Madison. It was the second-largest THIS crowd to view a collegiate women’s hockey contest. WEEK October 9, 1999 OT THRILLER: In one of the most emotional wins of the Alvarez era, the Badgers defeated Minnesota, 20-17, in Minneapolis in UW’s first-ever overtime game. Vitaly Pisetsky booted the game-winning field goal as Alvarez followed the game from a hospital bed due to an ailing knee.

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