IN FOCUS

VIEW TO A THRILL Much as they have all season, the Badgers had football fans glued to their TVs on the way to another dramatic finish Monday. Still, the 91,245 that attended the record-setting 98th Rose Bowl Game had the best view of all as Oregon battled UW to a 45-38 win. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

IN FOCUS

A SEA BY THE SEA A sea of red, that is. For the second-straight year, thousands of fans packed Santa Monica Pier for a pep rally to cheer on the Badgers two days before they clashed with Oregon in the Rose Bowl. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

JANUARY 5, 2012 CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 22

18 BALL RETURN Junior RB Montee Ball is coming back for his senior season at Wisconsin out of love for the Badgers as much as the chance to raise his NFL draft stock.

42 DEPARTMENTS » BACK FOR MORE 10 LUCAS AT LARGE More than a cliché, it truly by Mike Lucas is about love of the game — and their teammates — for 12 BEHIND THE DESK men’s basketball walk-ons by Barry Alvarez Dan Fahey and J.D. Wise. 14 BY THE NUMBERS 16 5 THINGS TO WATCH 48 MEN’S BASKETBALL 50 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 52 MEN’S HOCKEY 30 Watch latest ‘Hockey Digest’ » PETAL DOWN 56 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Russell Wilson and Co. pour Not quite a miracle, but... on the points, but Badgers 58 THE VOICE come up short in a record- by Matt Lepay setting Rose Bowl shootout.

EDITOR’S NOTE What I’ll remember most Varsity is published weekly by: Wisconsin Athletic Communications n old saying holds that time heals all wounds, and it’s Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., an idea that certainly applies to the world of sports. Madison, WI 53711 A Time provides us a clearer picture, a more complete perspective of what we’ve seen and experienced. Subscribe to Varsity At least I hope that’s the case, because some of what I read following the Badgers’ loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl seemed View All Issues to lack logical perspective altogether. Maybe some comments from fans can be chalked up to the emotions of the moment. Certain statements in the media, however, stand out. Brian Lucas That includes one describing UW’s seniors as a “class that Director of Athletic Communications won 39 games over four years, but will be remembered mostly for two agonizing losses in the Rose Bowl.” Brian Mason Giving up 621 yards — and a couple of very big scoring Editor plays — to the Ducks? Committing a pair of very uncharacter-

istic turnovers? Sure, missteps like those Mike Lucas dealt fatal blows to UW’s hopes of win- Lead Writer ning the Rose Bowl against an extremely talented Oregon team. Matt Lepay But do they really help overshadow Columnist what Wisconsin has accomplished in Drew Scharenbroch compiling three straight seasons with Video Production double-digit win totals, claiming back- BRIAN to-back Big Ten titles and getting to the Drew Pittner-Smith MASON Granddaddy of Them All twice? Advertising Give me a break. I’m going to appreciate the Rose Bowl for what it was: Contributors a sweet experience that ended on a sour note. It certainly Karl Anderson, Paul Capobianco, doesn’t diminish the accomplishments of this team or detract Charlie Healy, Patrick Herb, from the ride the Badgers took all of us along for. Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom, Sure, losing on the under such a bright spotlight hurt — Anna Poulter-Hendrickson especially given the circumstances of another game-ending replay review — but I’ll always take coming up a little short Photography over the alternative of never making it onto the stage. David Stluka, Greg Anderson, UW knows better than most that the margin between win- Neil Ament, Bob Campbell, ning and losing at the Rose Bowl is razor thin — they’ve won a Icon SMI, Southcreek Global couple close ones and now lost a pair of nailbiters in Pasadena. No, what I’ll mostly remember about this year’s senior class didn’t happen in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains or Problems or Accessibility Issues? under the roof in Indianapolis. What I’ll take away is a lesson [email protected] they taught us, that there is always something to look forward to, something to strive for — even in the face of adversity. With change on the horizon, it’s a lesson the next group of © 2011 Board of Regents of the senior leaders must now take to heart. University of Wisconsin System. Personally, I can’t wait to see what’s next. Kickoff on Sept. 1 All rights reserved worldwide. is just 238 days away — and counting. LUCAS AT LARGE MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

Ball proof that happiness can’t be bought icture this: Alabama tailback Maybe that best ex- enough for Calhoun, who skipped Trent Richardson, Baylor his senior year. Pquarterback Robert Griffin plains why Ball opted to As it turned out, Calhoun was III and Wisconsin tailback Montee return, simply because indeed selected in the third round Ball shooting the bull in the back of coming back felt like (74th pick overall) by the Detroit a limo on the streets of New York. Lions in the 2006 draft. A string “We were all sitting in the car the right thing to do of injuries limited his effectiveness and cracking jokes,’’ recalled Ball, based on his own per- and shortened his pro career. one of five Heisman finalists along “Hindsight is always 20/20,’’ with Griffin, Richardson, Stan- sonal circumstances. Calhoun said. “I could have come ford senior Andrew Luck and LSU back to school and maybe we could sophomore Tyrann Mathieu. his own personal circumstances. have won the national champion- “Trent leans over and says, ‘So Asked if he had been influenced ship and maybe I could have won guys, what’s our decision?’ We all by Luck’s decision to return to the Heisman Trophy. started laughing.’’ Stanford the year before, or Matt “But I thought it was the best They cracked up because each of Barkley’s decision to return to USC decision that I could make at the the junior underclassmen — Ball, next year, he said, “No, not at all. time. Who knows? I could have Griffin and Richardson — had Didn’t think about that at all.’’ come back and got hurt during fielded the same questions: Are you Instead he says, “I was worried spring ball or fall practice or even returning for your final year? Or about what my parents were telling during the season. are you entering the NFL draft? me, what my coaches were telling “Of course, when you look back, “On the side, I later got to talk me and what I was telling myself they did have an amazing season.’’ with Trent,’’ Ball said. “He really when I looked in the mirror.’’ In 2006, the Badgers went 12-1 didn’t say what he was going to do Griffin, who won the Heisman, is without Calhoun, who spent the and I really didn’t say what I was reportedly leaving Baylor. Richard- year on injured reserve in Detroit. going to do.’’ son hasn’t announced his inten- Surely, there are more inherent But they agreed that they had to tions, though Alabama offensive risks for running backs since they do what was in their best interests tackle Barrett Jones, the Outland have such a short shelf life. and “what’s going to better our- Trophy winner, is coming back. That would apply to any decision selves, our families and our team- “I don’t know if life gets much that was made — to stay or leave — mates,’’ Ball pointed out. better than this,’’ Jones said. though Calhoun said, “If I had torn To each his own — consider- So why go anywhere else? my ACL at Wisconsin the same way ing Ball, Griffin and Richardson On the other hand, USC junior I did in the NFL, where does that each have different motivations offensive lineman Matt Kalil is leave my future?’’ and needs. “That’s basically what turning pro because “I came to the Ball considered all the potential it narrows down to,’’ Ball said, “for conclusion that I can be the No. 1 ramifications, including the “risk of anyone making this decision.’’ tackle drafted and you can’t go any injury,’’ which he said would only Maybe that best explains why higher than that.’’ bring more urgency to “preparing Ball opted to return for his senior Former UW tailback Brian my body for a physical season.” year with the Badgers — quite sim- Calhoun was projected as a third- This is who he is. This is where ply because coming back just felt round pick by the NFL’s draft he wants to be. So why go any- like the right thing to do based on advisory board and that was good where else?

10 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 LUCAS AT LARGE BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Talking bowl, staff shuffle and scheduling

oing into the Rose Bowl, I There’s no way that we can’t get his senior year. anticipated that both teams the ball snapped and grounded in He kept his word. Gwould be able to move the two seconds. We were up over the He said that if he wasn’t pro- ball, so I wasn’t surprised by all of ball; it wasn’t like we were dilly- jected to be drafted in the first two the offense and scoring. It was a dallying around. rounds, he wasn’t leaving. A com- fun game to watch. The game should not have ended mitment like this is good for college I knew that Oregon was fast. But that way. Let the players end it. football. the speed of their running backs I know that Bret is now facing It’s much like Andrew Luck was really impressive. some decisions as far as filling the going back to Stanford or Matt That little freshman from Los coaching vacancies. Barkley going back to USC. Angeles, De’Anthony Thomas, was For some it’s not always about lightning. He might have been getting drafted and making money. faster than Michael Bennett, who I like the fact that we’re Getting their degree is impor- played for me here at Wisconsin. doing something in tant, and so is enjoying their col- Offensively, I thought our guys lege career. There’s plenty of time played well, although Oregon shut conjunction with anoth- for pro ball. down our run a little better than I er conference without It’s just huge for us to have thought they would, especially in going haywire and someone of the quality of Montee the second half. Ball, who’s legitimate. In a game like that it’s going to continuing to expand. We have a good nucleus return- come down to mistakes. It should be very ing. Now all we have to do is find a They gave us a touchdown positive for our fans. quarterback. when we knocked the ball free on One final thought on the Big a blitz and scored. But we gave up Ten/Pac-12 scheduling merger. a 91-yard touchdown to Thomas I tried to hold my staff together I like the fact that we’re doing because of a poor run fit. and I think that I did that to a fault. something in conjunction with Every possession was so impor- I’ve always tried to convey that another conference without going tant because you had to answer to Bret. haywire and continuing to expand. each of their scores. I saw Lou Holtz have success We’ll build value, TV value, by We gave up some big plays and and he’d always have a constant scheduling games with the Pac-12. turned it over twice. Those are the turnover of assistants. There’s There are some things to work types of things that you can’t afford nothing wrong with that, either. out but it should be very positive to do. You have to do a good job of for our fans. I thought our guys competed finding the right fits and make sure I believe the Big Ten will stick very well, though. they complement each other. with eight conference games, and Oregon is probably one of the You have a lot of different per- I’m fine with that as long as we top three teams in the country, and sonalities on a football team; a lot have a ninth with a Pac-12 team. I didn’t think that there was a lot of different kids. The merger makes us national. that separated us. So you want a different blend of We will now cover a majority of I did think the final play of the staff members. the country from the West Coast to game was poorly managed and Selfishly, I was pleased to hear Pennsylvania in the East. executed by the officials. that Montee Ball is coming back for It’s a win-win for both leagues.

12 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 BEHIND THE DESK BY THE NUMBERS

Russell Wilson finished a memorable season with an NCAA-record 191.8 pass efficiency rating

WOMEN’S HOCKEY FOOTBALL The weekend series between No. 1 After going 19-of- 6 Wisconsin and No. 2 Minnesota will 191.8 25 for 296 yards mark the sixth and seventh times in the Rose Bowl, the Badgers and Gophers have matched up senior quarterback Russell Wilson finished as the top two ranked teams in the country. the 2011 season with a pass efficiency rat- All five previous meetings occured during ing of 191.8 to break the single-season the 2008-09 season, including four clashes NCAA record of 186.0 set by Hawaii’s Colt with UW ranked No. 1 and Minnesota No. 2. Brennan in 2006.

MEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Senior Jordan Taylor took over The Badgers shot 9-of-10 from 21 down the stretch of Wiscon- 90 the free throw line on Mon- sin’s loss to Michigan State on day against Penn State. The 90 Tuesday, scoring 21 of the Badgers’ final 25 percent success rate was the highest free points. Taylor finished with a season-high throw shooting performance of the sea- 28 points in the overtime loss. son for the Badgers. Taylor Wurtz led the Badgers, shooting 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

14 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 Russell Wilson finished a memorable season with an NCAA-record 191.8 pass efficiency rating 5 THINGS TO WATCH

FRIDAY / SATURDAY • 7 PM • BTN / TVW Frozen Four rematch The last time Wisconsin faced RIT was in an 8-1 Badgers win in the 2010 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four semifinal in Detroit. The Badgers welcome the Tigers to the Kohl Center for a weekend series and just their second meeting in program history. Wisconsin is coming of a 4-3 exhibition win over the U.S. Under-18 Team last weekend.

SATURDAY • 4:30 PM • NBC Former Badgers tangle in playoffs The NFL playoffs begin Saturday with a matchup of five former Badgers as Cincinnati travels to Houston. The Bengals have FB Chris Pressley and DT Nick Hayden on their roster, while the Texans boast TE Owen Dan- iels, TE Garrett Graham and rookie DE J.J. Watt. Cincinnati returns to the playoffs, while the Texans will make the franchise’s postseason debut.

SUNDAY • 12:30 PM • CBS Top-25 bucket battle After back-to-back losses, men’s basketball strikes out on the road for a big matchup with No. 16 Michigan in Ann Arbor. Fans will remember last year’s matchup, which saw Josh Gasser hit a buzzer-beating 3-point- er for a dramatic win. The Badgers look to regain some magic Sunday against the Wolverines, who are a perfect 9-0 in Crisler Arena.

SUNDAY • 2 PM • BTN Field House hosts a showdown The wrestling team welcomes No. 15 Northwestern to the UW Field House for its first Big Ten home dual of the season. Ben Jordan enters the matchup ranked No. 8 at 165 lbs., while Cole Schmitt stands No. 13 at 149 lbs. Northwestern, meanwhile, brings five ranked wrestlers to Madi- son for its Big Ten opener.

SUNDAY • 2 PM • InsideBadgerSports.com Battling south of the border Women’s basketball hits the road for the first time in conference play when the Badgers travel to Purdue and Illinois. The Badgers lost their first two Big Ten games to a pair of top-25 opponents and continue a rough stretch of schedule that has UW playing four straight games against ranked foes before Sunday’s game in Champaign.

16 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012

KEEP ON ROLLING KEEP ON The opportunity to improve his NFL draft stock was only part of Montee Ball’s decision to return for his senior season, one he made out of love for the Badgers ROLLING BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM MONTEE BALL

wo days before playing in the Rose Bowl, Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball felt like he had collected enough information to make a “huge decision that would change the rest of my life.’’ Heeding the advice of his mom and dad to “take your time with every- thing’’ and following the lead of UW coaches who “told me to do what is best for you and your family,’’ Ball felt like he was ready. Ready, he said, to “look at myself in the mirror’’ and “answer the question’’ after much Tdeliberation on whether he should return for his senior year or enter the National Foot- ball League draft. “I believe that I am mentally ready (for the NFL),’’ Ball said, “but I think I need to be- come stronger and faster and I believe another year in the program will most definitely get me to that level. “I do believe that I need to come back for my degree because education is most impor- tant and that will give me another year to become a better football player. “I believe it’s a win-win situation.’’ After informing his parents and Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema of his decision last Saturday, Ball shared the news with his position coach Thomas Hammock and the other running backs. “We’re a family in the (locker) room,’’ Ball explained, “and I told them, ‘I feel like I should tell you guys before you see it in the media.’ They were all extremely supportive of my decision. “That’s why I really cherish our relationships and friendship.’’ Following UW’s heartbreaking 45-38 loss to Oregon on Mon- day, Ball observed that “there were a bunch of seniors with tears’’ while Bielema was addressing the team. “Coach B had some words and once he stepped back, he asked, ‘Does anyone have any questions or concerns?’’’ Ball recounted. “I really “I raised my hand and asked him if I could speak. cherish be- Bielema turned over the floor to Ball, who spoke from his heart. ing a Badger “This loss stings a lot and I’m sorry for the seniors who have and I choose to go out this way,’’ he said. “For the juniors, sophomores and to come back freshmen, I want them to know I really cherish playing for this university. and play my “I really cherish being a Badger and I choose to come back and senior year.’’ play my senior year.’’

20 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 KEEP ON ROLLING DAVID STLUKA DAVID

It was a ray of sunshine in a gloomy locker room. “Once I sat back and did my re- “It was something that I needed to search,’’ Ball said, “I realized say,’’ he confided. To his thinking, it was just some- that, with another year in this thing that he needed to do, too. great football program, I believe “I knew I needed to stay,’’ Ball said. Thus, the Badgers will retain the that I’ll become an even better services of their record-shattering, All-American tailback who had one running back.’’ of the most spectacular seasons in school history and ended up fourth in “That factored into my decision as well. Maybe the Heisman Trophy balloting. by adding some weight and getting stronger and “Once I sat back and did my research,’’ Ball faster, maybe I can jump into the second round said, “I realized that, with another year in this of maybe even the first round next year.’’ great football program, I believe that I’ll become Ball seriously considered both sides of the ar- an even better running back.’’ gument to go or stay. Two weeks ago, Ball received the results of his “For the longest time, I was leaning more to- evaluation by the NFL draft advisory board. wards leaving,’’ he said, “because growing up as “They projected me for the third round,’’ he a child it was my dream to play in the NFL. said. “Obviously, I wasn’t expecting third round. “I thought, ‘Man, it’s right here. I need to go But by testing well at the combine, I’d maybe be right now. I need to go when I’m on top, when able to get into the late second round. I’m hot and all of that stuff.’’’

21 MONTEE BALL NEIL AMENT

« “It will also better our program here,’’ said Ball of his decision to stay with the Badgers, who will lose QB Russell Wilson (right) but re- turn offensive weapons Jacob Pedersen at tight end and James White at tailback (left).

But the more he thought about it, the more he still be there after your senior season.’’’ thought about the plusses of coming back. There were a number of bullet points. “I believe choosing to stay for my senior year “Stay and get your degree’’ his parents recom- will better my stock for the NFL,’’ he said. “Once mended. the time comes, I’ll be able to go in fully pre- “Come back and help the program stay on its pared. feet’’ they encouraged him. “But it will also better our program here.’’ “Take your time with everything’’ they re- Melissa and Montee Ball Sr., took the “help minded him throughout the decision-making yourself and others’’ approach with their son. ordeal. “That’s why I love my parents to death; me Meanwhile, the UW coaches made sure that and my family are so close,’’ he said. “So I started Ball knew that “they had his back.’’ off by talking to them and asking them for their Citing the input of Bielema, Hammock and of- opinions and what they would do in my shoes. fensive coordinator Paul Chryst, Ball said, “They “They told me up front, ‘Obviously we’d love basically all told me the same thing, no matter for you to complete your dream but the NFL will what I choose, they’d be behind me.

The Badgers will retain the services of their record-shattering, All-American tailback, who had one of the most spectacular seasons in school history and ended up fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting.

22 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 DAVID STLUKA DAVID

23 MONTEE BALL

ONE-ON-ONE WITH MONTEE BALL Mike Lucas sits down with Montee Ball following Thursday’s public announcement of his return to the Badgers to disucss Ball’s decision, look back on the 2011 season and glance at what lies ahead.

“They each made sure to tell me, ‘You have to and we’ll be as good as we were.’’ do what is best for you and your family.’’’ Bielema played a critical role in helping man- Despite the fact that Chryst is leaving Wiscon- age the process for Ball. sin to run his own program at the University of “One of the reasons why I chose this football Pittsburgh, he still had a positive influence on program,’’ Ball said, “was because everyone was Ball’s thought-process and return to the Bad- so upfront and honest with me from the start. gers. “I don’t want to say Coach B is going through a Related Ball, “He said, ‘You are the only one tough time what with losing his offensive coordi- who knows if you’re ready for the NFL or not. nator and also his offensive line coach. So look at yourself in the mirror and answer that “But anybody else in his position I believe question on your own. Basically that’s what I would have come up to me and just told me that, did.’’’ ‘I need you stay in this program.’ But he didn’t Ball admitted that he was “caught off guard’’ handle it that way. when he learned that UW offensive line coach “Coach B kept telling me that whatever deci- Bob Bostad would also be joining Chryst’s staff sion that I made that he would be behind me 100 in Pittsburgh. percent. I really respected him for that. We have “Once I heard that,’’ Ball said, “I thought in the a great relationship with one another.’’ spur of the moment that ‘I have to leave now.’ Hammock’s impact on Ball’s development But once everything died down and the smoke was also a key piece to the puzzle. cleared, I sat back and trusted Coach B. Hammock just completed his first year on the “I trust that he will get just as good of coaches UW staff after replacing John Settle.

24 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 KEEP ON ROLLING

» A whole different Ball game To say Montee Ball’s performance this season set him apart from his peers would be an understatement:

» Ball’s 39 total touchdowns were more than 42 FBS schools scored, tied Barry Sanders’ 1988 NCAA record, broke the Big Ten record by 13, broke Brian Calhoun’s school record by 15 and were 12 more than Bernard Pierce of Temple, who ranked No. 2 in the country

» Ball’s 33 rushing touchdowns were more than 106 FBS schools scored this season, are second only to Sanders’ 37 in 1988 in NCAA history, broke the Big Ten record by seven and broke Brian Calhoun’s school record by 11.

» Ball’s 1,923 rushing yards in 2011 were more than 58 FBS schools ran for this season and led the NCAA.

» Ball scored a touchdown every 8.5 times he touched the ball in 2011 (39 TDs on 307 carries and 24 recep- tions).

» In five games against ranked teams this season, Ball ran for 723 yards (144.6 yards per game) and scored 15

DAVID STLUKA DAVID total touchdowns.

» Dating back to Nov. 6, 2010, Ball has run for at least » NCAA rankings review 100 yards in 15 of his last 19 games. In those 19 games A look at how Montee Ball stacked up against the he is averaging 142.1 yards per game on the ground. nation’s other top performers this season: Ball’s 10 100-yard rushing games this season tied a UW record. Total Touchdowns 1. Montee Ball, Wisconsin 39 » Ball has scored at least one TD in each of his last 20 2. Bernard Pierce, Temple 27 games. Over that span of 20 games, he has scored 54 3. Collin Klein, Kansas State 26 TDs. The next highest total in the FBS is LaMichael James of Oregon with 32. Rushing Yards 1. Montee Ball, Wisconsin 1,923 » Ball has not lost a fumble in his career, spanning 617 2. LaMichael James, Oregon 1,805 3. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State 1,711 touches (568 carries, 49 receptions).

Rushing Yards per Game » In his career, Ball is averaging 5.83 yards per carry, 1. LaMichael James, Oregon 150.4 second in school history, trailing only Ron Dayne’s aver- 2. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky 141.3 age of 5.84 yards per carry. 3. Montee Ball, Wisconsin 137.4 » Ball has 55 career rushing TDs (despite starting just 18 Rushing and Receiving Yards (RBs only) games in his career). That leads all active players in the 1. Montee Ball, Wisconsin 2,229 country and ranks second in UW history. Ball is averaging 2. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky 2,056 one TD for every 9.9 carries in his career. For comparison, 3. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State 1,981 Ron Dayne averaged a touchdown every 17.2 carries.

25 TITLEMONTEE BALL

“I knew that I was going to make the right decision. The bottom line is that I believe that I did. My heart still lies with the Badgers.’’

You have to be selfish when mak- ing this big of a decision.’’ While Ball is completing his de- gree, he will continue to reshape his body in the weight room. “Right now, I’m at 206 pounds,’’ he said. “I’d like to try and get up to 215 or 218 in the spring and get my body used to carrying that weight and try to carry it into the “Coach Settle helped get me into the universi- (2012) season. ty and helped me with the play book and helped “I’m going to focus on strengthening every me become a better football player from high part of my body.’’ school to college,’’ Ball said. Ball sounded relived that the process had fi- “Once coach Hammock came in, he brought nally come to an end. the aggressive side out of me and really devel- “It’s been very emotional, of course,’’ he said. oped me as an overall football player which is “I remember one day I looked at my dad and I something I really needed. told him, ‘This decision that I’m going to make “You can clearly tell (the difference) from my is going to change my life. sophomore year to my junior year tape.’’ “If I choose to leave, it’s going to change my Ball said that he did not talk to former UW life. tailback Ron Dayne, who elected to return for “And if I choose to stay, it will also change my his senior year in 1999 and wound up winning life; the rest of my life.’ the Heisman and setting the NCAA career rush- “It was a huge, huge decision. ing mark. “But like I said a few months ago, ‘I knew that “I know for a fact,’’ Ball noted, “he would have I was going to make the right decision.’ said the same things about taking your time and “The bottom line is that I believe that I did. making sure you do what is best for yourself. “My heart still lies with the Badgers.’’

26 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 TITLE

98TH ROSE BOWL GAME GAME OF THORNS BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM | PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA 98TH ROSE BOWL GAME

Badgers’ rally comes up short in record-setting ‘Granddaddy of GAME OF THORNS Them All’ that was anything but BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM | PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA your grandfather’s Rose Bowl ROSE BOWL

evin Zeitler wasn’t about to make to playing in the 2008 Champs Bowl where they a snap judgment, even though got crushed 42-13 by Florida State, he added, he felt like the UW offense had “Never stop fighting, never get satisfied.’’ one more coming; one last snap Zeitler’s reminder to the younger players on or play against Oregon; one last this team was timely on the heels of Wisconsin’s gasp or hurrah in Pasadena. back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances and the Some 30 minutes after yet another game had challenge of sustaining such a high level of play. Kended in the replay booth with yet another video “It’s a lot of hard work,’’ he said. review that had gone badly for the Badgers, he Over the last three seasons, the Badgers have said, “I’m still confused about that; I’m not go- won 32 games; only one fewer than LSU, the fa- ing to lie.’’ vorite to win its rematch against Alabama in the Truth is, Zeitler’s confusion wasn’t isolated. BCS championship game. Nor was he about to dwell on that, either. Fol- “You have to step up,’’ Zeitler said, “and live lowing a heart-stopping, heart-rending 45-38 up to expectations.’’ loss in the Rose Bowl, he emphasized, “We have More specifically, he stressed, “You have to to deal with it.’’ live up to every position’s expectations.’’ Standing amid his offensive linemates for a fi- In so many words, he was exhorting Ryan nal time, Zeitler provided clarity and resolution Groy and Rob Havenstein to fill the voids cre- in his message; so much so that it carried to all ated by the graduation losses on the offensive corners of the UW locker room. line. Zeitler and Josh Oglesby were the senior “A lot of people weren’t here for my freshman starters. year when we went 7-6,’’ he said. All-American offensive center Peter Konz Reflecting on how the Badgers were reduced could be joining Zeitler and Oglesby in the NFL

And, so, in defeat, on a day of great competition and entertainment, there“ was perspective and class,” Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Dwyre said of the Badgers’ locker room. “Maybe that’s how Wisconsin fans ought to remember this one.”

32 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012

ROSE BOWL

draft. Addressing whether he will return for his final year of eligibility, Konz said, “There are a lot of factors in my decision as far as my family and how much I need to keep developing as a player.’’ Posing his own question to the writers and sports- casters who had gathered around his locker stall Monday, he asked, “How many centers have gone in the last few drafts? There are a lot of factors.’’ With or without Konz, the Badgers will retool around returning starters Ricky Wagner and Travis Frederick in addition to Groy and Havenstein; “The one thing that I can take both of whom have gained valuable playing ex- from this group of seniors,’’ Tra- perience. vis Frederick said, “was their An X-factor could be freshman redshirt Tyler Marz, the Scout Team Player of the Year. perseverance and how you al- “The one thing that I can take from this group ways have to move forward no of seniors,’’ Frederick said, “was their persever- matter what happens.’’ ance and how you always have to move forward no matter what happens.’’ That was the case in each of Wisconsin’s two clock,’’ said quarterback Russell Wilson. “As previous losses at Michigan State and Ohio State. soon as the referee blew the whistle, I snapped it Obviously, too, video review was a common and spiked it. thread in all three setbacks, including the Rose “I didn’t think there was any way that two full Bowl. seconds ran off the clock there.’’ “That’s tough, I don’t ever want to get used to Konz was confident that the Badgers could it,’’ Frederick said. “But it happened before to us have pulled off the improbable. (against the Spartans and Buckeyes). It’s too bad “If only we had one more second,’’ he said that it came down to a clock review (against Or- wistfully. “I had all the confidence in my team- egon).’’ mates and there was no doubt in my mind that The Badgers felt like they had time for one we would have scored. more play from the Ducks 25. “That would have left us to decide whether we “I knew there were two seconds left on the kick the extra point or go for two.

34 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 GAME OF THORNS

“Obviously, you never want to turn the ball over, especially when you’re playing a team like Oregon that can score so quickly,” said Wilson, who threw for 296 yards and accounted for three touch- downs in his Badgers farewell.

“But that’s neither here nor there. What hap- pens is what happens. It’s just too bad that anoth- er game had to end on another last second drive.’’ And another video review, he suggested. But he also rationalized, “There were a lot of things that we could have cleaned up.’’ Wisconsin was tied nationally for fewest fum- bles lost (4) with LSU, Alabama and Wake Forest. The Badgers lost a fumble in the Rose Bowl on the Oregon 27 in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin was tied nationally for fewest inter- ceptions thrown (4) with Army, LSU and Temple. Wilson threw a third quarter pick that was con- verted into a touchdown by the Ducks. Wisconsin was tied nationally for fewest give- aways (8) with LSU. The Badgers couldn’t overcome their two turn- overs against Oregon. “Obviously, you never want to turn the ball over,’’ said Wilson, who was last intercepted on Oct. 22 at Michigan State, “especially when you’re playing a team like Oregon that can score so quickly.’’ Quick, nor quack, was the operative word for the Ducks, who featured blazing speed. De’Anthony Thomas, for one, had Michael Ben- nett speed. Bennett, the former UW tailback, was clocked in 20.66 seconds over 200 meters. As a high school senior, Thomas ran 20.61 over the same distance. “We that found out the hard way,’’ said UW linebacker Chris Borland.

35 ROSE BOWL

» Aaron Henry’s third- quarter interception swung momentum in the Badgers’ favor, albeit temporarily. ICON SMI

That speed coupled with their cutting ability points eight times in 14 games. erased tackling angles. That included 53 against Stanford, a team that “The biggest challenge was facing their ability mirrored Wisconsin. to hit every hole on the line of scrimmage,’’ Bor- Also consider that the much maligned UW de- land said. “They’d hand off the ball on the zone fense manufactured a score. read and they could hit holes A through D.’’ Linebacker Mike Taylor was unblocked on Defensively, the Badgers tried to counter Or- a blitz and knocked the ball free from Oregon egon’s athleticism by removing a linebacker quarterback Darron Thomas affording Louis (Kevin Claxton) and going with an extra defen- Nzegwu a flashback to his prep days when he sive back (safety Dez Southward). was tailback. “We felt it gave us a better chance to win,’’ Nzegwu nimbly executed a scoop and score on said Shelton Johnson, who was the equivalent the turnover. of a linebacker or rover in the scheme. “We ex- Still, it didn’t make UW cornerback Antonio pected a lot of bubbles and quick screens to the Fenelus feel any better about the outcome. boundary.’’ “We felt like we should have had more stops as Despite giving up four plays of 40 or more a defense,’’ said Fenelus. “We should have been yards (three of which went for scores), the Bad- more sound in not letting them get those deep gers still “held’’ Oregon to 45 points which was throws. That’s on us. We should have played under the Ducks’ season average (46.15). better.’’ Consider that Oregon scored 45 or more That was echoed by Johnson.

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ROSE BOWL

ROSE BOWL HIGHLIGHTS A look back at a Rose Bowl for the ages that saw the Badgers and Oregon flex their offensive mus- cles to the tune of a collective 83 points — a Rose Bowl record — in the Ducks’ 45-38 win Monday.

“With their talent, you have to be sound on than last year.’’ defense,’’ he said. “You can have 10 people doing What’s the best advice that he could pass the right thing but if you have one person out of along to the returning players? position or out of their gap, it can be a home run. “Come to work every day,’’ he said. “Focus “We gave up too many home runs.’’ on the little things and try to elevate your game The night before the game, UW coach Bret from this year to next year. Be responsible and Bielema talked to his players about paying atten- everything else will take care of itself.’’ tion to all the details, no matter how small. He The return of defensive end David Gilbert and talked about how it can be a game of “inches,’’ cornerback Devin Smith will bolster a Wiscon- Johnson said. “That was exemplified (against sin defense that will once again revolve around Oregon),’’ he reiterated. its marquee linebackers: Borland and Taylor. A disconsolate Aaron Henry was slumped on “We didn’t get the win here but we learned his stool in a corner of the room. that you have to fight to the end, and we did Decompressing? that,’’ Borland said. “Despite the loss, you’ve got “Yes sir, that’s what I’m trying to do,’’ he said. to respect how hard our guys played. Looking up with sad eyes, he said, “We let one “There were a lot of little things that could get away. I didn’t see this one coming at all.’’ have changed the outcome against Oregon. But Without being prodded to answer another that’s always going to be the story. You have to question, Henry volunteered, “This hurts, it’s live with no regrets. very painful. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a “We gave up a lot of points, but we fought senior or not. But it hurts a lot more this year hard.’’

38 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 » In a game that very well could have come down to which offense blinked first, Louis Nzegwu made the Ducks flinch with his scoop-and-score on a fum- ble forced by Mike Taylor. ROSE BOWL

“If only we had one more second,’’ Konz said wistfully. “I had all the confidence in my teammates and there was no doubt in my mind that we would have scored. It’s just too bad that another game had to end on another last-second drive.’’

“Badger fans may be an- gry for a few days,’’ Dwyre opined. “Things such as Rose Bowls tend to be a lot more than just another game despite what coaches preach … “Angry Badger fans would have been best served by witnessing the scene in Wisconsin’s locker room immediately after- ward. “Each position coach had about a dozen players gath- ered around him. Hands were clasped. Arms were around shoulders. “The message was the same in each scrum. ‘Be proud. You fought to the Rarely has a more imperfect football team – end. You played a great with the flaws existing largely on defense and team. You played hard and you played for each special teams – been closer to perfection and a other.’’’ 14-0 record. Witness all three losses. Concluded Dwyre, the former sports editor of “I was proud of the way we kept going,’’ Konz the Milwaukee Journal, “And, so, in defeat, on said. “I was proud of the way there was no stop- a day of great competition and entertainment, ping, no quitting out of anybody. There wasn’t a there was perspective and class. moment when we wavered as a team. “Maybe that’s how Wisconsin fans ought to re- “Just like today’s game (against Oregon) we member this one.’’ left it all on the field. As the room began to empty, Borland was “When you do that (Konz gritted his teeth), asked the inevitable follow-up question. there’s very little to be sad about.’’ Can the Badgers get back to the Rose Bowl next Such has been the depth of character and re- season and finish unfinished business? siliency. “You know that’s a long ways away,’’ he said For context, consider what columnist Bill with a faint smile. “But with our work ethic and Dwyre wrote in the Los Angeles Times. with our leadership, that’s always a possibility.’’

40 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012

DAVID STLUKA MEN’S BASKETBALL BACK FOR MORE Walk-on juniors Dan Fahey and J.D. Wise have both overcome a series of injuries for little more than the chance to be part of something bigger than basketball

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

.D. Wise is a walk-on who had trouble walking — after fracturing his foot — and walking away. “Whether you’re recruited or not, you can’t give up on a dream,” Wise said. Dan Fahey is a walk-on who had trouble walking — after sprain- Jing his ankle. He also has broken his hand and dislocated both shoulders. “It’s a challenge each and every day, but it’s worth it,” Fahey said. Wise and Fahey are walk-ons with the Wisconsin men’s basketball pro- gram. Both are juniors. Both are political science majors. Both are thinking about law school. Both have been paying a price, whether physically or mon- etarily for their education. Fahey dislocated his shoulder again during practice last month. Which one? Doesn’t matter. Neither would trade places with someone who hasn’t made the commit- ment or sacrifice.

43 DAN FAHEY & J.D. WISE

“They’re both kind of like a Timex watch,” said That is one of the UW associated head coach Greg Gard. “They driving forces for take a licking and keep on ticking; they just keep Wise and Fahey; coming back for more.” the feeling they Wise was born in Milwaukee. Fahey was born each have about in Chicago. their role. When it comes to the demands on a walk-on, “My greatest sat- neither was born yesterday. isfaction?” Fahey “Nothing is given to you,” Fahey said. “You pondered. “Know- have to be ready to endure four tough years.” ing that I helped “It’s going to make us stronger,” Wise said, prepare these guys “and productive citizens in society later in life.” for a game and I Wise is a 6-foot guard from Whitefish Bay Do- helped boost the minican. He was All-Conference as a senior. morale by getting Fahey is a 6-3 guard from St. Ignatius College the guys on the Prep. He was All-Chicago Catholic League. bench into it. I do “When you’re a walk-on, you have to have what I can.” an understanding of what you’re getting into,” Neither got off Gard said. “You do the same amount of work as the bench against everybody else while getting little or no credit. “The fact is,” UNLV. Both felt like “Walk-ons pay their own way, but they don’t Wise said, “we they were part of the get a discount on the number of hills they run. It get to come to win, though. takes a very unique and special person to handle the gym and “Absolutely,” that and keep everything in the proper context.” Wise said. “We’re Gard stressed that the Badgers are “looking play the game out there every day for good locker room guys” to be walk-ons. “We that we love in practice running probably do as many or more background checks every single the scout team and on them as we do other guys,” he admitted. day with guys giving them (start- That’s because nothing is left to chance when ers and top reserves) it comes to cultivating team chemistry. that we’re close good looks on what “Let’s say a guy is selfish,” Gard said. “He with. That moti- the other team is go- might be thinking, ‘I’m putting in all this work vates me — and ing to be doing. as a walk-on and I’m not even getting into the it’s hard not to “We always feel game when we’re up by 30 with a minute to play.’ like everyone is an “That can turn sour in a hurry. Over the course have a smile on equal part of the win of the last 10 years, our walk-ons have handled it your face.” — one through 17 very well. They’re a big part of our program, too. (on the roster) — re- You have to have those behind-the-scenes guys. gardless of how much time you played.” “All of our players have a lot of respect for Wise earned his spot on the team through an each other. Coach (Bo) Ryan does a tremendous open tryout on campus. Former UW walk-on job — whether you’re Jordan Taylor or a new guard Wquinton Smith also traveled this route freshman manager — making sure everyone and played in 26 games last season. feels important.” “Wquinton tipped me off a week before the

44 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 BACK FOR MORE DAVID STLUKA

tryouts,” Wise said. “He told me to get in the gym “My greatest satisfaction?” and that’s what I did — I was in the SERF every Fahey asked. “Knowing that I night until it closed; running drills. “When the time finally came (to prove him- helped prepare these guys for a self), I wasn’t going to let it pass.” game and helped boost the mo- Fahey has not only been inspired by Smith rale by getting the guys on the but by Brett Valentyn, another walk-on. Valen- bench into it. I do what I can.” tyn did everything that was asked of him on the scout team and ended up being a contributor as a senior. Our trainer, Henry Perez-Guerra, assured me I “Seeing the minutes that they got,” Fahey said, was going to be fine and I believed him every step “drives me knowing their hard work paid off.” of the way. The irony for Wise is that he got hurt on a rare “Our strength coach, Scotty Hettenbach, stuck “day off.” He was playing in a pick-up basketball with me every day — motivating me to get bigger game back home when his ankle gave out and he up-top so I’d have something to fall back on once felt his foot snap. It was a freak accident. I actually got back. The injury would wipe out most of his 2010-11 “With guys like Henry and Scotty (in your cor- season as he appeared in just one game. ner), it’s hard to quit.” Why come back? Fahey was healthy his freshman year and that “Because you never quit,” Wise said. “Espe- was about it. In addition to a severe ankle sprain cially since we have such a great medical staff. and his dislocated shoulders, he also had to deal

45 DAN FAHEY & J.D. WISE

“After my freshman year, a with a skull fracture, the result of a baseball ac- lot of my friends back home cident. “A kid swung a bat and let it go down the first asked me, ‘Are you going to do base line,” recalled Fahey, who still sports a it again?’” recounted Fahey. “I small scar on his forehead just below his hair- said, ‘Yeah, because these team- line. mates are like my best friends.’” Considering all the physical setbacks, why does he keep coming back? “After my freshman year, a lot of my friends back home asked me, ‘Are you going to do it again?”’ recounted Fahey. “I said, ‘Yeah, be- cause these teammates are like my best friends.’ “They’re great guys and I wouldn’t have been able to do this (survive as a walk-on) without them. If it looked like I wasn’t having fun my parents might have asked that question. “But they’ve been supportive of me all the way. They know I love this.” Don’t discount the draw of not only being a part of a team but being a part of a family. “The fact is,” Wise said, “we get to come to the gym and play the game that we love every single day with guys that we’re close with. That motivates me — and it’s hard not to have a smile on your face.” Fahey and Wise tend to motivate each other, too. “Our freshman year we really made a good connection,” Fahey said. “When we’re sitting on the sidelines, we talk a lot and it really helps.” Both agreed that there’s no underestimating the challenge that every walk-on confronts. “In high school, you’re used to being the ‘guy’ on the team,” Fahey said. “Then you come here and you’re not that guy anymore. It’s hard but you definitely get mentally stronger because of it.” In the end, there’s no overstating the re- DAVID STLUKA DAVID wards, either. “If you have a dream to play basketball,” Wise said, “great things can happen if you work at it, get your academics straight and stay in the gym. I’m living proof that you can be in a great situation.”

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INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB

SCHEDULE (12-4, 1-2) Last Five Dec. 13 at Milwaukee W, 60-54 Dec. 15 Savannah State W, 66-33 Dec. 23 Miss. Valley St. W, 79-45 Dec. 27 at Nebraska W, 64-40 Dec. 31 Iowa L, 65-72

This Week Tues. #11 Mich. St. L, 60-63 (ot) Sun. at #16 Michigan 12:30 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 12 at Purdue 6 p.m. Jan. 15 Nebraska 5 p.m. Jan. 18 Northwestern 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Illinois 1 p.m. Jan. 26 #12 Indiana 8 p.m.

Up next: Michigan Wolverines » The Badgers look to snap a two- game losing streak with a visit to Michigan on Sunday. The game airs live on CBS at 12:30 p.m. with Verne Lundquist and Clark Kel- logg calling the action. Taylor named finalist » The Wolverines own the all-time series against the Badgers, 86-67, for 2012 Cousy Award including a 53-20 edge in Ann Ar- Preseason All-American one of 20 selected bor. » However, Wisconsin is 15-4 in the series under Bo Ryan, and Ryan fter being one of five heels of Taylor’s season-best sports a perfect 9-0 record against finalists for the Bob 28-point performance in A current Michigan head coach John Cousy Award in 2011, senior the Badgers’ overtime loss Beilein. guard Jordan Taylor has against Michigan State on once again set his sights on Tuesday night. » UW has won the previous 10 the honor in 2012. Taylor The preseason All-Amer- matchups between the two was chosen as one of 20 fi- ican scored 21 of UW’s final schools, including last season’s nalists for the award, which 25 points in a 63-60 defeat, 53-52 thriller at the Crisler Center, is given to the nation’s top and he is now tied for the which was highlighted by then- point guard. Big Ten lead at 20 points per freshman Josh Gasser banking in The honor comes on the contest in conference games. the game-winner at the buzzer.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE (4-10, 0-2) Last Five Dec. 8 at Kansas L, 44-73 Dec. 11 Drake L, 54-65 Dec. 23 #18 Green Bay L, , 49-65 Dec. 30 #9 Ohio State L, 61-77 Jan. 2 #16 Penn State L, 49-82

This Week Thursday at #18 Purdue 5 p.m. Sunday at Illinois 2 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 12 #23 Nebraska 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Iowa 7 p.m. Jan. 22 Northwestern 2 p.m. Jan . 26 at Minnesota 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Michigan 6:30 p.m.

Moving onto career lists » Junior Taylor Wurtz moved into 10th on the UW career list for 3-pointers made and attempted. The 6-foot guard is 120-of-329 from 3-point range, which ties her for third in career 3-point percent- age at .365. Senior Anya Covington ranks Putting two great halves 10th in consecutive games played with 100 straight appearances on together is UW’s goal the court after the 6-foot-2 post Badgers look to carry success past halftime took the floor on Thursday at Pur- due.

he Badgers are close to est-scoring first half for UW Making the freebies Ttheir goal of playing a this season. » Wisconsin shot a season-high 90 great game this season. Wis- But the Badgers weren’t percent (9-of-10) from the free consin has played two great able to maintain their play throw line against No. 16 Penn first halves but have struggled in the second half of both State on Jan. 2. Wurtz was a perfect in the second half of play. games. UW scored a season- 6-for-6 in the game to lead the Bad- The Badgers led No. 18 low 15 points against the gers. Green Bay 34-28 at the half Phoenix and 24 in the second Wurtz isn’t the only UW player on Dec. 23 and trailed No. 9 half against the Buckeyes. who is perfection from the char- Ohio State by just one point, Signs are looking up for a ity stripe, as freshman AnnMarie 38-37, on Dec. 30 — the high- complete game, though. Brown is 7-of-7 this season.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE (7-9-2, 4-8-2) A Frozen Four rematch Last Five Nov. 25 Mercyhurst W, 7-2 at the Kohl Center Nov. 26 Mercyhurst W, 5-2 RIT visits UW for second all-time meeting Dec. 9 Minnesota Duluth T, 3-3 Dec. 10 Minnesota Duluth L, 4-2 Dec. 31 U.S. Under-18 Team W, 4-3

n 2010, an upstart pro- teams meet again in similar, This Week Igram from Atlantic Hock- yet different, circumstances. Jan. 6 RIT 7 p.m. ey upset traditional powers RIT again enters the match- Jan. 7 RIT 7 p.m. Denver and New Hampshire up after defeating ranked Next Five to reach the NCAA Frozen teams on back-to-back Jan. 13 at Minnesota State 7:30 p.m. Four for the first time in nights. The Tigers won the Jan. 14 at Minnesota State 7 p.m. school history. Their vic- Catamount Cup over then- Jan. 20 Alaska Anchorage 7 p.m. tories got them a date with No. 11 Ferris State and then- Jan. 21 Alaska Anchorage 7 p.m. Wisconsin at Ford Field in No. 16 Lake Superior State Jan. 27 at North Dakota 7:30 p.m. Detroit in the first Frozen last week. The feat matched Four played at a football sta- RIT’s 2010 NCAA regional Derek Lee returns dium. weekend performance as In addition to the nearly one month Fortunately for Badger the second time in school between UW’s last regular-season fans, that is where the clock history the Tigers defeated action that allowed the first-half ex- struck midnight for Cinder- ranked teams on back-to- periences of the youthful Badgers ella as Wisconsin claimed back nights. simmer, the return of junior forward an 8-1 victory over RIT and Now Wisconsin awaits, Derek Lee from an upper body injury advanced to the 2010 NCAA again looking to cool off RIT, will add some much needed experi- title game. which owns five victories in ence to the lineup. Lee has been out Two seasons later, the its last six games. of action since Oct. 28.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LADUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (19-1-0, 13-1-0) Last Five Nov. 27 St. Cloud State W, 6-1 Dec. 2 at Minnesota State W, 4-0 Dec. 3 at Minnesota State W, 5-1 Dec. 9 at #7 Bemidji State W, 3-1 Dec. 10 at #7 Bemidji State W, 6-1

This Week Jan. 6 at #2 Minnesota 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at #2 Minnesota 4 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 14 at #5 North Dakota 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at #5 North Daktoa 2 p.m. Jan. 20 #9 Minn. Duluth 2 p.m. Jan. 21 #9 Minn. Duluth 2 p.m. Jan. 27 #10 Bemidji State 7 p.m.

Ten train with Team USA » Over winter break, 10 players with UW ties were invited to participate in the U.S. women’s national team’s winter training camp in Blaine, Minn. Current Badgers Hilary Knight, Brooke Ammerman, Britta- ny Ammerman, Brianna Decker and Alex Rigsby were joined by former New year begins with Badgers Meghan Duggan, Jessie Vet- ter, Erika Lawler, Geena Prough and an old rival in Gophers Molly Engstrom. The camp hosted Nation’s top two teams face off in Minnesota 41 of the U.S.’s top women’s hockey players for a week of intense training on and off the ice. fter a nearly month-long The matchup will be the Ahiatus, the Badgers re- sixth and seventh meetings Heavyweight bout turn to the ice with a trip to between the WCHA rivals » This weekend’s games will be the Ridder Arena in Minneapolis with the teams ranked 1-2 sixth and seventh time in the se- to take on Border Battle rival nationally. ries history between Wisconsin and Minnesota this weekend. With three more ranked Minnesota in which both teams are The two teams split an ear- opponents on the schedule ranked as the top two squads in the lier series in Madison, but the this month, it will be impor- nation. The last time the teams faced Badgers have gone undefeat- tant for UW to pick up where each other as No. 1 and No. 2 was the ed since, while the Gophers it left off and start the new 2009 WCHA Final Face Off, with the have fallen twice. year with two wins. No. 2 Badgers winning, 5-3.

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

The U.S. team played 61 exhibition games in preperation for the 1984 Olympics.

January 7, 1984 Country vs. State Wisconsin became the only American college team to defeat the 1984 U.S. Olympic team (4- 2) on its preparation tour in advance of competition in Sarajevo. UW’s win avenged a 4-1 loss to the U.S. team a day earlier.

January 3, 1953 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS: Paul Morrow of the men’s basketball team grabbed 30 rebounds against Purdue to set the school’s single-game record for rebounds. ALSO January 5, 1976 DOWN, NOT OUT: The men’s basketball team registered the largest known come- THIS back in school history, erasing a 22-point deficit in an 82-81 overtime victory over Ohio WEEK State at the Field House. January 6, 1995 CAREER MARK: Men’s hockey defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 3-1, as head coach Jeff Sauer recorded his 500th career victory.

56 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 The U.S. team played 61 exhibition games in preperation for the 1984 Olympics. THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS

Ending just one chapter of a special story hen our red-eye flight State. Those were pretty big games. programs that generally ruled the from Los Angeles to Following a legend is never easy, day in the Big Ten. WMadison landed at about and fans, as well as some in the me- In more current events, Virginia 5 a.m. Tuesday, Mike Lucas sug- dia, are wondering why Bielema’s Tech’s Frank Beamer now has a 1-5 gested that, with the way things Badgers are 0-2 in Rose Bowls, record in the big boy bowl games of are going in the Badgers’ world, while Barry Alvarez and the boys the BCS era. Michigan State will win that night’s went 3-0 in the 1990s. My point is not to sound like a basketball game on a buzzer-beater. I suppose it is a natural question, Badgers apologist, but rather to It was worse. It went to a re- but at the same time, perhaps it suggest that the final step to be- play review. Are you kidding me? just points out how hard it is to win coming an elite team is extraordi- Another (expletive deleted) replay these BCS games, and it serves as a narily difficult. review? reminder of how special those 1993, Wisconsin has turned in some And yes, the officials got it right. tremendous work to reach its cur- Ryan Evans’ desperation 3-point rent level, which is that of a nation- attempt — a Hail Mary if you will The 2011 Wisconsin ally-respected program. In the BCS — was just a tad too late, leaving Badgers embraced era, only USC has made more Rose Badger Nation with yet another the lofty expectations. Bowl appearances. shot to the solar plexus. The 2011 Wisconsin Badgers em- This follows Monday’s gut- They fell a little short braced the lofty expectations. They wrenching setback in Pasadena, of meeting all of them, fell a little short of meeting all of where the Badgers went toe-to-toe them, and that will hurt for awhile. with lightning-fast Oregon only to and that will hurt for But, man, what a ride it was. fall one play short of at least having awhile. But, man, what Monday concluded my 24th year a chance to force overtime. a ride it was. of covering Badger football. This In yet another sign of how things offense was the most exciting I have have changed in these parts, a sto- seen, led by a quarterback who al- ryline coming out of the Rose Bowl 1998 and ‘99 teams were to have so ways gave his team a chance, right is how Badgers coach Bret Bielema much success at the Rose Bowl. up to the final second. is in search of winning the big one. One could argue that the two I have been around this program Or is it The Big One? most famous coaches in Big Ten long enough to remember when It is the same question Chip history are Woody Hayes and Bo big stage games were few and far Kelly had to hear after his group Schembechler. between. lost back-to-back BCS games. Schembechler’s Rose Bowl re- I also understand the disappoint- I understand how it works, cord was 2-8. In his book, written ment of losing a second straight but let’s be honest — you have to with Mitch Albom in the late 1980s, Rose Bowl, but I hope most fans win some big games to get to The there is a chapter called “Why My will look back and recall how much Big One, don’t you? The Badgers Bowl Record Stinks, and Other fun it was to watch this team. turned in a dominating perfor- Thoughts.” The last chapter might have had mance against Penn State to win Hayes’ OSU teams dropped four the wrong ending, but in my book, the Leaders Division. They followed of its last five Rose Bowls, and went this team will forever be special. that effort with the Big Ten champi- 4-4 overall. It certainly gave fans plenty to onship game thriller with Michigan I am talking about two dominant shout about.

58 » VARSITY JANUARY 5, 2012 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS