IN [FOCUS] EVERYTHING’S BIGGER

From the crowd ― more than 79,000 fans, an all- time college at- tendance record ― to the video screens to the stakes, everything was bigger in Texas for the Badgers at the Final Four last Satur- day. In reality, though, Wis- consin’s national semifinal matchup with Kentucky was big everywhere ― some 16.3 million viewers tuned in to make Badgers- Wildcats the most-watched college hoops game in cable television history. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN [FOCUS] REACH FOR THE SKY Junior Courtney Thomas goes up for a kill against Minnesota during the Badgers’ spring exhibition match in the UW Field House on Sunday. Wisconsin, coming off a runner-up finish at the 2013 NCAA Championship, returns six starters and 10 let- terwinners for 2014. PHOTO BY JACK MCLAUGHLIN / ACTION POINT PHOTO

IN [FOCUS] LINE IN THE SAND Success usually starts at home and the Badgers made a priority of defend- ing their turf Wednesday. Pitcher Taylor-Paige Stew- art helped UW open a seven-game homestand with a doubleheader sweep of North Dakota at Goodman Diamond by taking the win in Game 2. The Badgers blasted UND by a combined score of 28-3 over the two games. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

CONTENTS APRIL 10, 2014 // VOLUME 4, ISSUE 35

AN END AND A BEGINNING 22 The Badgers suffered a difficult exit, but coming within inches DEPARTMENTS of a berth in the national title game already has them hungry to once again log the miles of the long road to the Final Four. 12 LUCAS AT LARGE by Mike Lucas 16 THE VOICE by Matt Lepay 32 SPRINGING FORWARD 18 BY THE NUMBERS New faces and new places are the Facts and figures on UW name of the game for the Badgers 20 5 THINGS TO WATCH as they prepare to put a cap on Catch the Badgers on spring practice and begin looking TV and the web ahead to fall. 42 INSIDE SPORTS Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Softball, Track, Rowing PLETHORA OF PROS 56 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY 44 Home of the Hobey Their final college seasons barely behind them, a large crop of Badgers have already begun professional careers and are looking to make an impact at the next level.

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© 2014 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS // UWBADGERS.COM Young and old, O-line focused on improvement

hroughout Wisconsin’s inspi- ball on campus. you tougher. It forces you to get a rational run to the Final Four, “I thought if Coach Bo (Ryan) little uncomfortable.” Tone of Frank Kaminsky’s needed me at all, I was going to step Uncomfortable is good, he said, biggest fans was literally one of his in,” Havenstein kidded. “Just kind because “football becomes real biggest fans in 6-foot-8, 327-pound of knowing the guys, Frank and uncomfortable sometimes.” Like the Rob Havenstein, a two-year starter everyone, it was cool seeing them at right tackle on the UW football playing at the caliber that they were freshman Michael Deiter, an team and a former high school playing (in the NCAA tournament) earlyfirst few enrollee spring from practices Genoa were (Ohio) for hoops player of some renown. and thinking, ‘I’ve hung out with High School, 10 minutes from his Actually, Havenstein’s twin that kid, Frank Kaminsky.”’ home in Curtice, which is 12 miles brother, Jeff, is more renowned for Frank the Tank might be able to outside of Toledo. his basketball. Jeff Havenstein, a say the same someday about Ha- “It’s been tough, but it’s what I 6-8, 230-pound senior, started 27 venstein if he has the type of senior expected. I expected it to be tough games for the Longwood University year that everyone expects and he and it’s been a really good oppor- (Farmville, Va.) Lancers of the Big tunity,” said the 6-5, 310-pound South Conference, whose NCAA the NFL draft. For now, Havenstein Deiter, who admitted to getting representative, No. 16 seed Coastal wasplays delighted his way into to revel the firstin the round suc- of rocked on some early snaps. “After Carolina, almost upset Virginia. cess of Kaminsky and his basketball No one would ever confuse the teammates. I need to change some things’ and I Havenstein twins with the Harri- “That’s what all of our players adjustedthe first few to it.” plays, it was like, ‘OK, son twins, Aaron and Andrew, who wanted to talk about; they were You can imagine the ongoing ad- helped lead Kentucky past Wiscon- justments for Deiter, who has taken sin in last Saturday’s national semi- said UW coach Gary Andersen, who over as the No. 1 center because - hadfired his up staff about over the to whole his house thing,” for of injuries to Dan Voltz and Dallas lington, Texas. But the Havensteins the Kentucky game. Had the Bad- Lewallen. That’s pretty heady stuff didfinal play game together at AT&T at StadiumLinganore in HighAr gers advanced, he was planning for someone who’s only 17 years School in Frederick, Md. on having the whole team watch old ― he won’t turn 18 until Sep- Rob Havenstein was more of Monday’s title game together. tember ― and is still going to his a screener, a -out-the-sun It’s that very togetherness ― high school prom in May. screener for Jeff Havenstein, who between various student-athletes in “It’s crazy,” said Havenstein. earned a Division I basketball different sports ― that has wowed “When he came in, he acted older scholarship coming out of Mount Andersen. “The University of Wis- than a lot of the guys on the O-line Airy, Md., thereby following in the consin,” he said, “is almost like an just because of the way he stepped sneakers of their 6-foot-3 older Olympic village. Do you know what in and picked up the offense. It’s un- sister, Holly Havenstein, who played I mean? The kids are so intertwined believable, really. It’s unheard of to collegiately at Colgate University. in life and within the general stu- me. It takes a certain type of player “I had more of a football body,” dent population.” to do it and I just think Mike is a conceded Rob Havenstein, who At that, he’s hoping to generate special player. was in the 380 area code during some campus support for Satur- “Center could be one of the his freshman redshirt season with day’s spring game. “We need to play hardest positions on the line just the Badgers before trimming down. some football,” he said. “It matters because you have to make the calls. Every now and then, during the to these kids to get out there (Camp Especially with the defenses we football offseason, he’ll still look to Randall Stadium) and have a little run, you always have a head-up get into a pick-up game of basket- pressure on them to play. It makes nose guard. You’re going to be hit Continued on page 14

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LUCAS AT LARGE

Continued from page 12 right away and you don’t have time mates who will join the program in already lost the season if I do that to get steps in the ground. He has the summer and fall. “In the sum- (gear down in the spring). I need handled himself damn well.” mer, you don’t play football, you just every single rep I can get whether Others are saying the same thing lift, you don’t actually hit,” he said. coach is going to give it to me or about Deiter. “I’ve already hit and seen the speed not.” “He’s handling the ball on every of the Big Ten.” During the last scrimmage, snap, directing protections, and Havenstein, who will turn 22 in Havenstein balked at offensive line making line calls,” marveled of- May, had different objectives for the coach T.J. Woods subbing for him. fensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. spring; understandably so given his He just felt that he needed more seniority. “I really wanted to clean reps to achieve his goal of “getting with the offense builds every day up my pass protection,” he said. better each day.” It certainly reso- and“His he’llconfidence come back and acomfort much better level “I’ve been saying that for a couple nated with Woods who sees Haven- player in the fall than he left us in of years now. I thought I got bet- stein as one of the team leaders. the spring.” ter last year, but it wasn’t there, it “He’s motivated, he’s driven,” Deiter, who had never played wasn’t good enough.” said Woods. “They’re competing center before, could wind up at of- For someone who had gone with themselves at a lot of spots fensive guard. through the monotony of spring and that takes a mature individual “Michael Deiter,” Andersen said, ball as many times as Havenstein that can handle that. Rob is one of “has been an unbelievably pleas- has, for someone who’s going to be those guys. So are Kyle and Ty- ant surprise from his competitive- ler. They come out and compete. ness to his toughness. Just getting there would be the temptation to Whether they’re trying to earn a knocked around a lot of the time puta fifth-year everything senior, into you cruise would control think spot or not, they’re here to get bet- early in the spring, he didn’t let that in March and April. Havenstein ter. get his dobber down and he just bristled at the thought. “It’s their group and we’re going kept battling through the practices. “That’s not how I’m built,” he to go where they take us.” I’m proud of him.” said. “The O-linemen at the Univer- Maybe not to a Final Four. But So are all of his mentors, all of sity of Wisconsin don’t have that Havenstein would settle for the the starters on the Wisconsin of- attitude or mentality. For me, I’ve football equivalent. fense line, from Havenstein to left tackle Tyler Marz, from right guard Kyle Costigan to left guard Ray Ball, from Voltz to Lewallen. “They’ve all helped me tremendously,” Deiter said. Being here for spring practice will obviously help accelerate his development. “I wanted to learn how it is here ― to kind of get a feel for everything and to know what to expect ― that’s what I wanted to get done,” he said. “I’ll also have credits under my belt and know how to handle studying.” It’s a win-win for everyone in- volved that Deiter has been able to get a “leg up” on his freshman team-

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THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY // VOICE OF THE BADGERS Badgers’ close call shows razor’s edge of tourney

will start with a confession. I felt passed off to Andrew Harrison, who seemingly was a season’s worth of sick after the Badgers’ 74-73 loss then gave it up to his brother Aaron, drama, with so much hanging on Ito Kentucky in what is sure to go who snapped off the now infamous every shot. down as one of the classic games in (for Badgers fans) 25-foot jumper Twice the ball bounced the right Final Four history. over Josh Gasser. A reasonably well way. One time it did not. We are My ensuing sleep deprivation contested 25-footer. reminded that the football term had nothing to do with being disap- After both teams took a timeout, “game of inches” can apply to bas- pointed as a fan. It had everything the Badgers went to their big shot ketball, as well. to do with how badly I felt for every artist, Trae Jackson. Why not? In the Looking ahead to next season, it player, coach, support staff member last two years, he has earned the is almost a given the Badgers will and the families of all of the above. reputation as one of the best clutch be very highly regarded. They could They are the only ones who truly shot makers around. He raced up be the preseason favorite to win the know the investment that goes into Big Ten. They will hear Final Four being such a good team. decent look from left of the lane. As talk in November. Veteran national observers, who analystthe floor Steve and managedKerr told toa national get a very To be sure, the future appears have witnessed their share of locker TV audience “That literally missed quite promising. Hopefully, they rooms after season ending losses, by about one inch. He’s banking his will have the chance to cut down commented on the scene in the shot all the way. And it’s just an inch multiple nets in March and April. Badgers’ room after the one-point long.” But as we have seen, the team that heartbreaker. That close. One inch. wins it all needs to have a ton of Bo Ryan is spot-on when he says But you know what? Arizona things go right. Catching a break or a game is never about one posses- players and coaches might be think- two along the way never hurts. sion. Still, it is impossible for most ing the same thing after Wisconsin’s For the returning players, per- 64-63 victory in Anaheim. The haps the bitter conclusion will seconds of Saturday’s game. After same for Oregon after the Badgers serve as motivation. It can help lastof us Saturday to not replay night, the if we final fail 16.4 to un - rallied to beat the Ducks in Milwau- them push through the off-season derstand the razor’s edge difference workouts and beyond. between euphoria and despair, we anyone who witnessed it knows For the rest of us, I hope we can probably never will. itkee. was The closer final than score an says eight-point 85-77, but appreciate the accomplishments of When Traevon Jackson hit 2 of game. this team and the memories it pro- 3 free throws, Wisconsin led 73- vided. It was one heck of a ride. 71. Kentucky’s Andrew Harrison NCAA tournament games, there brought the ball up court. From In three of the Badgers’ five right of the key, he started to drive the baseline. With Jackson defend- ing and Frank Kaminsky there for help, Harrison very nearly stepped on the baseline ― perhaps coming within an inch or two at most. He then left his feet to release a pass to , who bobbled

losing it. theHowever, ball. For Johnsona flash, he gathered was close and to

16 // VARSITY April 10, 2014 Badgers’ close call shows razor’s edge of tourney BY THE NUMBERS 79,444 3 34 226-8 MEN’S BASKETBALL SOFTBALL ACADEMICS MEN’S TRACK Wisconsin had a part in The Badgers picked up their A total of 34 Wisconsin Junior Michael Lihrman NCAA basketball history at third win of the year over student-athletes have crushed his school record the 2014 Final Four, as the a ranked team with a 2-1 earned the honor of being in the hammer throw at the AT&T Stadium attendance triumph over No. 14 Minne- named to the winter Aca- Florida Relays with a heave of 79,444 during Saturday sota on Sunday. demic All-Big Ten team. In of 226 feet, 8 inches. Li- night’s national semifinals set addition, swimmer Nick hrman was the top collegiate an NCAA hoops attendance Caldwell was one of nine finisher in the invitational record and also topped the Big Ten student-athletes section of the event, and his previous Final Four mark of to carry a cumulative 4.0 throw is the sixth-best in the 75,421 from 2011. grade-point average. The nation this year. Sarasota, Fla., native has an unblemished GPA while studying chemistry.

18 // VARSITY April 10, 2014 226-8 5 THINGS TO WATCH APRIL 10 - 16

THURSDAY 4/10 • 10PM • BTN WORTH ANOTHER LOOK [2011 BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME] 1 Looking for a way to get back into football mode before Saturday’s spring game? BTN will air a replay of the Bad- gers’ thrilling win over Michigan State in the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game from 2011.

FRIDAY 4/11 • 4PM • INSIDEBADGERSPORTS.COM BACK TO THE BIG TEN [SOFTBALL VS. ILLINOIS] After facing North Dakota in a Wednesday doubleheader, 2 the Badgers step back into Big Ten play and host Illinois on Friday in a 4 p.m. contest at Goodman Diamond. Watch the action live online at InsideBadgerSports.com.

FRIDAY 4/11 • 4PM • BTN WHERE IT ALL BEGAN [BIG TEN ELITE: 1993 WISCONSIN FOOTBALL] BTN takes a look back on the team that began a two- 3 decade run of success on the gridiron for the Badgers with a replay of Big Ten Elite: 1993 Wisconsin Football. A number of players that contributed to UW’s first-ever Rose Bowl win give their thoughts on a special season during the hour-long retrospective. SATURDAY 4/12 • 3PM • BTN SPRING SEND-OFF [2014 WISCONSIN FOOTBALL SPRING GAME] The Badgers put the finishing touches on their spring season by hosting the 2014 Wisconsin Football Spring 4 Game at Camp Randall Stadium. The Cardinal and White teams will go head to head in the team’s final drills before Fall Camp opens in August. Watch live on BTN and online or via your mobile device with BTN2Go.

WEDNESDAY 4/16 • 3PM • BTN HEY, NEIGHBOR [SOFTBALL VS. GREEN BAY] 5 Wisconsin faces in-state rival Green Bay in its final non- conference action of the year on Wednesday as the Badgers and Phoenix face off in a 3 p.m. doubleheader at Goodman Diamond. Both games air live on BTN and via BTN2Go.

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ONE ROAD ENDS, ANOTHER BEGINS ANOTHER BEGINS After coming within mere inches of a shot at the national cham- pionship, a Badgers team that will benefit from continuity within its cast of characters is already preparing to start logging the miles of the long road to the Final Four all over again

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA inutes after Wisconsin’s and Traevon Jackson nearly dropped to M their knees out of shock and disappoint- - tempt failed to drop against Kentucky ― “Some- timesment whenwe don’t Jackson’s know whygame-winning things happen,” field Jacksongoal at later said ― UW coach Bo Ryan was trying to lift

charged locker room. everybody“Obviously, back it upwas figuratively pretty tough in an onemotionally- everyone when you come so far and so close to playing for a national championship,” said junior forward Duje Dukan, who had helped put the Badgers in a posi- tion to advance. “But Coach Ryan recognized the run that we made and he told us to keep our heads up. “He thanked the three seniors for everything they did for this team and everything they gave us. And for the guys returning, he said, ‘Get ready to work because we now know what it takes to make it to this level and if we want to make it back (to a Final Four), we have a big off-season coming up.’” Wisconsin associate head coach Greg Gard has been around Ryan the longest ― their friendship dates back to their Division III championship days together at UW-Platteville ― so he kind of knew how Ryan would handle Saturday night’s gut- wrenching loss to Kentucky in the national semi-

“It was like he has handled every season-ending loss,”finals. Gard said. “He does a good job of putting it into perspective and relating it to life in terms of how you’re going to have some tough situations that you’re going to have to handle and how you need to be appreciative of the people that help you. “In the locker room, he thanked the people around him and he had a special tribute to the se- niors for all the time they’ve put in. Then to the guys who are coming back ― and obviously there’s a lot of them ― he said, ‘You’ve gotten a little taste, how hard do you want to work to get a little more?’” At his postgame news conference in front of the

Ryan’s opening statement included this admission, “Iassembled really love national coaching media this corps team. at I AT&Tknew theyStadium, had something in them ― it was just trying to get it out of them sometimes that was a little bit of a chal- lenge. But they answered it. They answered every- thing. And that’s how we got here.”

24 // VARSITY April 10, 2014 • • • • While conceding that Kentucky’s Aaron Harrison etting back to the Final Four was uppermost had made a clutch shot ― “And that’s why we’re in in Frank Kaminsky’s mind. As wave after here all sad and going home and that’s why they’re G wave of reporters and television camera going on to the championship game” ― Kaminsky crews surrounded his locker stall, not unlike all of those Kentucky defenders in the paint ― “We wanted Jackson was going to make his shot. to play all kinds of different also stressed that he had the“I alwaysutmost believeconfidence that that it’s people on him,” said coach “I REALLY LOVE COACHING THIS TEAM,” going to go in for Trae; he’s John Calipari ― Kaminsky hit that shot so many times offered some glimpses on RYAN SAID. “I KNEW THEY HAD SOME- in his career on big stages, what he was feeling, and THING IN THEM ― IT WAS JUST TRYING but it didn’t fall this time,” what was next. TO GET IT OUT OF THEM SOMETIMES ... Kaminsky said. “We all be- “There are a lot of things lieved that we were going that we can build off going THEY ANSWERED EVERYTHING. AND to win that game and that’s into next year,” he said before THAT’S HOW WE GOT HERE.” why it’s so tough to swallow. acknowledging the pain that It stings a lot and I’m sure everyone was feeling in the Wisconsin locker room. it will for a long time. But we had a great run. We “We wanted the seniors to go out with a win, not a proved we were a great team; we were one of the last loss. I know that I’m going to use this as motivation four standing.” to get better because we know how to get back here The sting was not isolated to the players. Everyone and we’re going to do whatever we can to get back.” was hurting. “This one is going to sting for awhile,”

25 “Looking back, it was a group of play- ers that matured over the course of this season,” Gard said, “I know this group isn’t satisfied at all, they wanted more ... But they have a taste and an understanding of what it takes and it will make us hungrier.”

Gard said, “just because of where you’re at in the sea- go and grab it ― it’s our turn to get it. I can’t wait for son, what’s at stake and the ending ― that put a little next season to start.” more burn in the sting. But it’s a heck of an accom- Neither can assistant coach Gary Close. plishment to win 30 games in this day and age with - the parity in and the schedule we season ranking, he said, “I don’t think much will played.” changeDespite (on high how expectations, everyone goes maybe about a top-five their busi pre- In winning 30 for the third time in school history ness). It will be a new season and it will start in a ― Ryan’s teams hold down the top 10 spots in the couple of weeks when we get going again with indi- UW record book for single-season wins ― the Bad- vidual workouts. The slate is kind of wiped clean and gers bolstered their strength of schedule by taking we have to rebuild and improve and, hopefully, come on all comers. Non-conference conquests included September, we’ll be an even better team.” Florida, Virginia and Saint Louis, among others. The players are already better off, he added, for “Looking back, it was a group of players that ma- having been part of a Final Four. tured over the course of this season,” Gard said, “I “What’s good about it is that they got a chance to experience what it’s like to play in this type of envi- more. And it might be a little longer offseason to start ronment and to be within a breath of competing for a with.know But this they group have isn’t a taste satisfied and an at understanding all, they wanted of national championship,” he said. “That was our goal what it takes and it will make us hungrier.” ― to win the whole thing. So they know what it’s like, they know what it takes.” much. “When you have something taken away from The magnitude of the event and venue ― a record you,”Sophomore he said of forwardthe Kentucky Sam loss Dekker which confirmed deprived the as crowd of 79,444 ― was not lost on Close. Badgers of playing for a national championship, “it “I felt honored and privileged,” he said, “to be in makes you hungrier and it makes you want it more. this type of environment with these kinds of guys. I As a team, we felt what it was like, now we’ve got to felt it was our time. I thought we would play well and

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I felt for the most part that we did. It just wasn’t good • • • • enough in a big-time game… when you get so close he Badgers were in a position to pull out the it’s going to hurt for a while.” victory in the closing seconds because of the T offensive production that they got off the bench from Bronson Koenig, who scored 11 in the 3-pointThe Badgers scorer willin school have ahistory. big hole But to fillthey with return the - sevengraduation of their loss top of eight Ben in Brust, the rotation, the most along prolific with kan, who scored all eight of his points in the second freshmen and Jordan Hill, both of whom half.first half after Jackson got into foul trouble, and Du played limited minutes. Also in the mix will be four “That’s kind of been the story this whole season; players who took redshirts this season: Zak Showal- you never know who’s going to step up,” said Dukan. ter, Jordan Smith, Riley Dearring and Aaron Moesch. “We kind of take pride in contributing in any way , a two-time all-state selection from possible, whether it’s scoring, whether it’s defense, Taylor Ridge, Ill., will be the only tendered incoming whether it’s rebounding. We just want to help in any freshman for the Badgers next season. The 6-foot- - 8, 200-pound Happ averaged a double-double (33 dence booster for us showing that we can help out points and 15 rebounds) for a Rockridge High School way possible. In moving forward, it’s a big confi program that went 28-1. Koenig and Dukan were not likely highlighted in “We’ve got a lot of guys coming back,” said Dekker, Kentucky’sin more significant scouting ways.” report of Wisconsin. who had 15 points (8-of-8 from the line) “If you would have told someone in October,” said against Kentucky. “We’ve got a good group with a Gard, “that we’d be in a Final Four and counting on a lot of heart. I don’t really know what words I can use to describe it. But it’s a special bond we have and it’s some- thing I’ve never felt before. “I fully presume that we’ll all be in the gym together (this week). We nev- er like being apart. It’s going to hurt not having those three guys coming back (Brust, Evan Anderson and Zach Bohannon). It’s a void that we have to

even stronger and be a better team.” fill.One But ofI think the mostwe can emotional come together post- game exchanges in the UW locker room was between trainer Henry Per- ez-Guerra and Josh Gasser. Since Gas- ser blew out his ACL prior to the start of last season, they’ve been almost in- separable. On Saturday night, Gasser played a game-high 40 minutes. “Coming back from the injury,” Gas- ser said, “I’m proud I was able to just play and help my team. But I feel for these seniors. In a few weeks, I’ll be able to look back and be proud that we made it this far. I’d love to have another opportunity at this (a Final Four), but it doesn’t come around The Badgers will have a big hole to fill with the graduation loss of very often.” Ben Brust, the most prolific 3-point scorer in school history.

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be the fatal one for the Badgers. Harrison has now “IT’S BITTERSWEET RIGHT NOW,” GARD accounted for three game-winners in the tourna- SAID. “IT WAS A HECKUVA RIDE; WE JUST ment. He had not even attempted a 3-pointer prior GOT THROWN OFF THE RIDE A LITTLE TOO to his dagger with 5.6 seconds left Saturday. “I felt he was going to try and make a play, that’s SOON. IT TAKES A LOT TO GET TO THIS for sure,” Gasser said. “Obviously, I didn’t know what POINT. IT’S A LONG, LONG JOURNEY.” he was going to do. He hadn’t looked to pull (shoot a 3) all game. I was kind of more concerned with the drive. I still thought I contested it decently. He just made a better play.” redshirt junior (Dukan) ― a guy who hasn’t played a In UW’s win over Michigan State in February, Jack- whole lot in his career ― and a true freshman (Koe- son made the play by hitting a game-winning step- nig), I don’t think many people would have believed back jumper on the left wing over the Spartans’ best you.” defender, Gary Harris, with 2.8 seconds left. He con- Not many would have believed that Kentucky verted on three game-winning or game-tying shots could hold Kaminsky to eight points, either; not af- ter Kaminsky had 28 against Arizona; not after he At the end of regulation against Arizona, Jackson was averaging 18.5 in four NCAA tournament games hadin the almost final minute the identical last season. shot that he had against overall. Kaminsky took just seven shots Saturday Michigan State ― a step-back jumper from the left versus the 20 that he attempted in the Elite Eight. wing. But he came up short over the outstretched Kentucky’s precocious freshman Aaron Harrison hand of . His last-second shot against took one more shot than Kaminsky and it turned out Kentucky’s Aaron Harrison was long.

“I still thought I contested it decently,” Gasser said of Aaron Harrison’s game-winning shot. “He just made a better play.”

30 // VARSITY April 10, 2014 Was it a good shot? Check out the still photos: Aaron Harrison’s game- winner on Gasser vs. Jackson’s po- tential game-winner on Aaron Har- rison. There’s very little separation between Harrison and Gasser, while there’s unbelievable separation be- tween Jackson and Harrison who’s backing off. Jackson was in Arlington, Harri- son was in Fort Worth. There was no way Aaron Harrison was going to contest Jackson after watching his brother, Andrew Harri- son, foul him on the previous UW of- fensive possession resulting in three and made the next two. The Badgers setfree a throws. Final Four Jackson record missed by making the first 19 of 20 (95 percent). “Trae has hit that shot how many “It was still a heck of an accomplish- times in his career?’’ Gard posed rhe- ment to make it to a Final Four – to torically. “But that one doesn’t go in. take Coach (Ryan) there for the first I thought he did a good job of getting time,” Dukan said. “Moving forward, separation with his little step-back we’re excited for what’s to come.” ― the defender went one way and he had a wide-open look at the rim. It’s a credit to him; he has worked so hard to develop that kind of shot. Obviously if that journey, not that you weren’t before. But it’s a long goes down, it’s a different story in this locker room. road and it’s not easy to get here.” “There were so many other possessions before On the 45-minute bus ride from the team hotel for them and one for us. This is how it is at this time things were racing through my mind. I was thinking ofthat the but year. those There are were the onesjust so that many get thingsmagnified; we could one aboutin Dallas all tothe AT&T people Stadium, that have Gard helped confided, me along “A lot the of have done better that wouldn’t have put us in that way in my career to get to this pinnacle…” position to need a last-second shot to win.” His voice began to crack. To end a season in the Final Four is sweet. In another corner of the locker room, Dukan sized up the cluster of writers and broadcasters scurrying is bitter. from one of his teammates to the next to get their “It’sTo end bittersweet a national right semifinal now,” Gard game agreed. in that “It fashion was a raw emotion and reaction to the road to the Final heckuva ride; we just got thrown off the ride a little Four stopping here for Wisconsin; one step away too soon. It takes a lot to get to this point. It’s a long, from playing for a national championship. long journey. That has always been our goal ― to win “As tough as it is to swallow that we’re not going a national championship. But there are steps and a to be playing Monday night, I’m going to remember process that you have to go through. this day forever,” Dukan said, “It was still a heck of an accomplishment to make it to a Final Four – to week (Arizona) missed a shot at the buzzer and this week“It’s the such team a fine that line. we’re The playing team that makes we beatone andlast forward, we’re excited for what’s to come.” we miss one. It makes you more appreciative of the takeThe Coach work (Ryan)begins anew. there for the first time. Moving

31 CHANGE IN THE AIR The names may be new to some fans and the positions may be new to some players. It’s all part of the Badgers’ shuffling of the deck this spring as they attempt to make up for the loss of more than 20 players to graduation

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

nowing that it can be a “hot topic” among take great pride in being a developmental program. people obsessing over every position switch, That’s never going to change. K Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen still didn’t “And, in turn, that’s always going to put us in a po- blink at moving an outside linebacker to inside line- sition to experiment with the kids from the stand- backer and then back again to outside linebacker. Or point of position. Maybe it’s from one side of the ball a safety to linebacker. Or a linebacker to safety. to the other; maybe it’s from a tight end to a wide File it away as the rites of spring, spring football receiver or a wide receiver to a tight end. I can go on practice. and on. But you have to be smart. “I have always been that way ― that has always “You look at the quarterback position. I know Tan- been my mindset,” he said. “It’s an educated experi- ner (McEvoy) can go back there and play safety but ment, if you will, that we sit back and we say, ‘This the fact of the matter is, Joel (Stave) was hurt for the kid has the potential opportunity to be able to help us there’ and there’s no better time to do that (than spot, and we’ve got competition at that spot. the spring). first“And six nowpractices for the and last we few needed practices, competition Joel is not at that go- “You can talk about it in the offseason and you can ing to go ― his shoulder is not better yet. We need train them (for a different role) but they’ve got to to back off on him and get him right for the fall. If you just go off the spring, it has been back and forth do that. We are a developmental program and we between both guys (Stave and McEvoy).” get out on the football field and truly see if they can

34 // VARSITY April 10, 2014 - sen insisted, dismissing any notion that he might beMcEvoy merely an is “experiment” a quarterback-first on offense. guy, Although too, Ander he was recruited out of junior college as a quarterback,

he injured his wrist last fall. To get on the field, he theswitched spring to there defense and and he’s filled going a void to atgo safety. through the summer“Tanner there,” is a quarterback,Andersen reiterated. he’s going “Tanner to finish brings up so much to the table from an athleticism standpoint. And he’s throwing the ball relatively well again under hard conditions.” The hard conditions have names: Sojourn Shelton and Darius Hilary. “With two very good corners sit- ting out there,” Andersen said of his starting corner- back tandem, “we’ve had a hard time getting open. All of the quarterbacks have struggled to throw the ball consistently.” That has included Houston, a redshirt freshman from California, and Gillins, who graduated from Rib- ault High School in Jacksonville, Fla., at mid-term and enrolled for the second semester at Wisconsin. “If you go off the spring, Gillins has gotten better,” An- dersen said, “and it’s not just one scrimmage.” It’s not only his body of work, it’s his lithe body: Gillins is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound dual-threat quarter- back. It’s no secret that Andersen is a strong believer in the merits of a mobile quarterback. “He’s got to be able to do some things to create a little bit with his Assistant coach Dave Aranda speaks to his players. feet in certain situations,” he said. Like when the pocket breaks down or nobody can Stave, a two-year starter, has been on the mend get open. since injuring his shoulder against South Carolina in “The questions that have been answered with the Capital One Bowl. Last season, he took a majority him (Gillins) are, ‘Yes, he’s very athletic, we knew of the snaps and completed 62 percent of his passes that coming in; he throws the ball accurately and he for 2,494 yards. Shutting him down now seemed the can absorb the offense,”’ Andersen said. “He’s a very prudent thing to do for Andersen. smart kid. He has not been exposed to all of the of- “He’s a tough kid, we all know that,” he said. “We’ve fense, which is by plan. seen the shots he has taken in games and he gets “But what he has been exposed to, he has handled. up and keeps on ticking. His toughness has shined He has consistently made plays when he’s had the through to the point where I was the one who was opportunity and hasn’t made a lot of mistakes, which proactive (Saturday) and basically went into the is huge for a young kid.” training room and said, ‘I don’t think Joel is right.”’ Complicating the quarterback evaluation has been The Badgers have made the spring as competitive a depleted receiving corps. Exacerbating the gradu- as possible for the quarterbacks ― Stave (when avail- ation losses of Jared Abbrederis and Jacob Pedersen able); McEvoy, freshman D.J. Gillins and Bart Houston have been injuries to some of the returning members ― and Andersen has been pleased with the way Stave of the rotation: Jordan Fredrick, Alex Erickson and has handled things, especially in the locker room. Rob Wheelwright. “We have a long ways to go,” Andersen said of the

“He’s a team-first guy,” he said. 35 “Sam has done a tremendous job under- standing his role,” Andersen said of Arneson, “The direction that he’s headed, I expect him to be one of the best in the conference and one of the best you’ll see play week- in and week-out in the country.”

inexperienced position group which has also con- Doe. “He has battled like crazy with the number of tributed to the aforementioned hard conditions for reps he has had, and made himself a better player. the quarterbacks. “It’s a high-alert situation for us to He’s done it with a tremendous attitude.” have some guys (true freshmen) come in (and com- pete). among the receivers “is not because the kids aren’t “Right now, we’re nowhere close to where we were tryingAndersen because emphasized they’re battling that the their lack tail of off.” efficiency But it with the wide receiver position a year ago, not even goes beyond effort. “We’ve got to have some people close. Obviously, we lost a great one (Abbrederis, rise to the top to be able to make plays for us,” he who led the Badgers with 78 catches for 1,081 yards said. and seven touchdowns). But I haven’t seen any of the The urgency is real, not merely manufactured. If other kids step up and catch the ball. “Jordan Fredrick had a chance to get on the stage ― when the freshman class arrives ― Andersen said, a little bit and, boom, he gets hurt and he’s out the “Thenthe Badgers we’re don’tgoing find to besome ganged answers up onsooner even or worse later whole time. We knew going in that we weren’t go- than we were a year ago because there won’t be a ing to have Alex Erickson. I still think Alex is going to true threat out there.” be a good solid football player for us and I’m excited The play of the tight ends has been far more en- about him. couraging, starting with Sam Arneson. “You look at Rob Wheelwright,” Andersen went on, “Sam has done a tremendous job understand- “and we were hoping that he would have a breakout ing his role,” Andersen said. “The direction that he’s spring and be the guy where we could say, ‘OK, he’s headed, I expect him to be one of the best in the con- someone we can rely on to throw the ball to.’ But it ference and one of the best you’ll see play week-in doesn’t happen. He has been out the whole time.” and week-out in the country. He’s reliable, consis- Fredrick is the leading returning receiver with 10 tent, competitive and he’s got good hands.” catches. Erickson had nine; Kenzel Doe had seven. It doesn’t stop with Arneson. Andersen also sin- “My hat is off to that young man,” Andersen said of gled out Troy Fumagalli (“A young man that you’re

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going to see a lot of”), Austin Traylor (“He’s doing a 2014 WISCONSIN FOOTBALL lot of things from a physicality standpoint”), and Eric Steffes (“He has become a role player; he could be a moving tight end or anchor tight end”). SPRING GAME Fullback Derek Watt, a redshirt sophomore, has an expanding role in this position group, too. “Derek has 3 p.m. • Saturday, April 12 learned the tight end position,” Andersen said. “You’ll Camp Randall Stadium see him playing there early in fall camp and he will play there legitimately in games (next season).” With Watt involved so much at tight end this spring, it has opened the door for more repetitions at tailback and fullback for freshman Austin Ramesh. You will see a lot of Ramesh during Saturday’s intra- squad game at Camp Randall Stadium. You will see less of Melvin Gordon and Corey Clement. But, then, you already know what they can do. An- dersen does. “We’re going to bang Melvin around in the spring game a little bit, but we’re not going to tackle him, we’re going to heavy thud him because he needs the • Format: The Badgers will drill in an contact,” Andersen said. “We tackled Corey maybe offense vs. defense setting for ap- 20 live reps throughout the spring and he handled it very well. proximately 30 minutes, which will be “Those two kids have gotten better at pass protec- followed by a 15-minute halftime. The tion, they’ve gotten better at the screen game, they’ve players will then break into Cardinal gotten better with their knowledge of the offense, which was the goal this spring, along with keeping and White teams and face off for two them healthy. So far, so good in that area.” standard 15-minute quarters. Regular The same could be said of the defense, which has clock and scoring rules will apply. undergone a personnel makeover. Asked if he had a Big Ten defense, Andersen said, “I’ll say yes, but I’m slightly guarded right now. I’ll be • Tickets: $5, with proceeds benefitting able to answer that much better once we get to the the UW School of Education’s efforts to LSU game. LSU says, ‘Set, hut, sic ’em’ and they’re go- ing to go get you. We’re going to have a real good idea improve student literacy. Purchase at then.” the Wisconsin Athletic Ticket Office or The big question, he conceded, was the safety po- in advance at UWBadgers.com. sition. “That’s something that we have to address as quickly as we can,” Andersen said. “But we’re also not panicked by it, if you will.” • Badger Sports Kids Fair: The free After last Saturday’s scrimmage, dominated by the annual event runs from 1-3 p.m. inside defense, he observed, “Defensively, I felt we’re mak- ing strides with the front seven, which in turn was the McClain Center and features in- helping the linebackers, which in turn was helping teractive games and opportunities to meet current Badgers from a variety of we’ll continue down those lines.” theOne safeties of UW’s understand most valuable where pieces they on fit. defense Hopefully is sports, get autographs and snap pho- safety-slash-linebacker Michael Caputo. “He’s such a tos with Bucky wild card for us,” said Andersen. “He can be the ‘F’

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Andersen on Jacobs: On Caputo: “As a whole, the linebacking corps “He’s such a wild card for needs to replace 44 (Chris Borland). us. He needs to stay on He’ll be a guy involved in pass rush.” the field all the time.”

linebacker and, in some packages, you’re going to see replace 44 (Chris Borland). A single person? Not so him move back and be a safety. He needs to stay on fast. We know that’s not going to happen.”

Another early enrollee, Austin Hudson, a freshman sub-packages. “He’ll be a guy involved in pass rush,” the field all the time.” - saidJacobs Andersen. will definitely “You’re begoing used to inget some Vince defensive Biegel, pression. “Austin has surprised me by the way he has you’re going to get Jesse Hayes and you’re going to handledsafety from it mentally,” Tampa, Fla.,Andersen has made said. “He a good got 60 first of imthe get Leon and Joe Schobert. That’s some nice speed 73 reps in the last scrimmage. There’s nothing better rushing the passer.” than playing football to learn.” On the Biegel and Hayes tag team, Andersen said, The re-emergence of Devin Gaulden, who has bat- “Athletically, they have it all. There’s still a learning tled injuries throughout his UW career, has helped curve but those two kids are talented and they care. solidify the secondary at cornerback in combination They’re going to be a big part of how good we are with Shelton and Hilary. Shelton won a starting as- next year at the B position (Boundary linebacker).” signment as a true freshman and didn’t disappoint Schobert is holding down the other outside line- with a team-high four interceptions. backer spot, the F or Field, after getting some early At inside linebacker, Derek Landisch has devel- reps inside during spring ball. “Joe is so vital right oped into one of the team leaders while the Brothers now,” Andersen said. “In a heartbeat, he could go in Trotter ― Marcus and Michael ― are making prog- and, in one week, he could play Mac ‘backer or Rover ress at the Mac and Rover positions, respectively. “We ‘backer. He’s a good leader.” need those three kids to grow and blossom,” Ander- On the line of scrimmage, Chikwe Obasih, a fresh- sen said. man redshirt, has caught Andersen’s eye. “His abil- Make that four kids. Freshman Leon Jacobs has ity to make plays has really blossomed, I love where moved inside from outside linebacker. “Is it Leon Chikwe is,” he said, adding that he’s also anxious to who comes in and is the fourth linebacker?” Ander- see what incoming freshman Jeremy Patterson will sen said. “As a whole, the linebacking corps needs to bring to the D-line in the fall.

40 // VARSITY April 10, 2014 On Obasih: On Herring: “His ability to make plays “My expectation of Warren is has really blossomed, I that he’s one of the best defen- love where Chikwe is.” sive linemen in the Big Ten.”

“He’s 310 pounds; he’s strong and physical,” An- tremendous challenge for both teams. dersen said of Patterson, who hails from Screven, Ga. “And I think it gives you an edge during the off- “Can he walk in here and handle Big Ten football? I season. It gives you an edge today as we get ready don’t know that. But if he can, physically, that would for the spring game. It gives you an edge to know allow us to be a little more creative on the defensive you’re going to walk into that stadium (NRG Stadium front.” in Houston) and you’re going to be playing against Andersen has no ques- tremendous athletes in that tions about what Warren setting. Herring can handle. “LET’S GIVE OUR HIGHLIGHT PLAYERS “It will be a true test of “My expectation of War- A CHANCE TO BE A SPECIAL TEAM AND where we’re going,” Ander- ren is that he’s one of the NOT COP OUT BY SAYING, ‘TWO YEARS sen suggested. “I keep get- best defensive linemen in ting asked the question, ‘Is the Big Ten,” he said. “I know FROM NOW, WE’LL BE RIGHT BACK this the year you wanted it Coach Chad (Kauha’aha’a) WHERE WE NEED TO BE,’” ANDERSEN (this LSU game)? Isn’t this a wants him to be great. War- rebuilding year?’ ren wants to be great. And I SAID. “I’M NOT BUYING THAT. I EXPECT “I don’t believe in that the- want him to be great. So he TO BE GOOD THIS YEAR.” ory. We’re not in a rebuild- needs to be that player.” ing year. It’s not fair to Rob Wouldn’t it be great if the (Havenstein) or any of our Badgers didn’t have to open up with a heavyweight seniors. It’s not fair to Melvin (Gordon), if he decides like LSU? not to stay for another year. “I hear so many of my counterparts in coaching “Let’s give our highlight players a chance to be a say, ‘You guys are crazy? What are you doing playing special team and not cop out by saying, ‘Two years them?”’ Andersen said. “That’s a side you can take. from now, we’ll be right back where we need to be.’ But I don’t really take that. I look at this game as a “I’m not buying that. I expect to be good this year.”

41 INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BADGERMBB

UW projected to duplicate “ridiculously early” top 25 rankings for successful year in 2014-15 next season, with the Badgers falling in Badgers return core from 2014 Final Four team Bleacher Report (No. 1), CBSSports.com (No.nearly 3), everyone’s ESPN.com top-five. (No. 4) and Sporting News (No. 4) have all heralded UW as a s heartbreaking as Wis- gel Hayes. national title contender next season due consin’s Final Four loss “(Wisconsin) is a team that to the amount of scoring, experience and Awas, that one game will basically has everyone com- depth it brings back in 2014, a combina- not trump the excitement and ing back,” Eammon Brennan tion that will hopefully help the Badgers success that the entire 2013- of ESPN.com said. “Frank Ka- duplicate another magical run in the Big 14 season provided. minsky and Sam Dekker could Dance beginning next March. - both be player of the year can- “Wisconsin is going to be back next nal game may become a faint didates. I think Dekker is on year ― and the team will be good enough memoryIn fact, once that nationalOctober hits,semifi as the verge of a breakout cam- to be a national title threat once again,” national pundits are already paign and they also bring back CBSSports.com’s Jeff Borzello said. “Wis- projecting a big season from two key pieces in the back consin might not get over (the Final the Badgers in 2014-15. court with (Josh) Gasser and Four) loss in a day, a week, or even ever. Despite the loss of do-it-all (Traevon) Jackson and also It was an awful way to lose, and the Bad- sharpshooter Ben Brust, UW freshman Nigel Hayes in the gers won’t forget it. But it will be motiva- returns four starters and one front court.” tion for next season, and the Badgers will of the most talented and pro- build off of it. ductive benches in the country sounded on the national title “The pieces are there for another deep next year, which includes Big game,Hours numerous after the publications final horn run in next year’s NCAA Tournament. Ten Sixth Man of the Year Ni- were already releasing their And Wisconsin knows it.”

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BADGERMHOCKEY SCHEDULE COMING UP Oct. 10-11 Kendall Hockey Classic Anchorage, Alaska (Alaska, Alaska Anchorage, Maine)

Mersch signed with the Los Angeles Kings, but has since played a pair of

Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, post- inggames one with . the As Los of Angeles-affiliatedApril 9, Albany (AHL) signee and senior defenseman Joe Faust, Providence (AHL) signee and se- nior defenseman Frankie Simonelli and Anaheim (NHL) signee and sophomore forward Nic Kerdiles had yet to make their professional debuts, but each have signed contracts.

THE TWO JAKES Ranks of Badgers in the ● On the same day last week, Thursday, April 3, a pair of Eau Claire, Wis., na- tives and former Wisconsin hockey pros continue to grow players named Jake skated in their Wave of signings, call-ups for former Badgers Jake Dowell made his season debut withfirst NHLthe gamesMinnesota of the Wild, season. skating in t ended suddenly for the Senior forward Tyler Barnes just over seven minutes of action and Badgers at the NCAA tour- had a spectacular profes- nament in 2013-14, but for sional debut, scoring a pair of a shootout to the Chicago Blackhawks I firing one shot on goal. The Wild fell in the four seniors and a couple in the game. of underclassmen, playing Jake McCabe made his NHL debut hockey in the 2013-14 season Rampagegoals and of firing the AHL a game-high to help for the Buffalo Sabres in a 2-1 loss might not quite be over. thefive teamshots to for a the5-2 Sanvictory Antonio over at St. Louis. As of April 9, McCabe has Since the UW season end- former Badger Sean Dolan and now skated in four NHL games. ed on March 28, four seniors the Charlotte Checkers. The Also, with McCabe’s debut and Dow- and two underclassmen have game took place on Friday, ell’s action, UW has seen 21 alumni in signed to play professional April 4. the NHL this season and now boasts hockey. Senior forward Michael 77 NHLers all-time.

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INSIDE VOLLEYBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BADGERVBALL SCHEDULE LAST WEEK Wednesday at Marquette NS Sunday Minnesota W, 2-1 OTHER EVENTS April 16 Marquette 6:30 p.m. April 26 at Minnesota Spring Invitational, Minneapolis, Minn.

2014 HOME OPPONENTS ANNOUNCED ● The Badgers will open the 2014 season with a home contest against reigning NCAA cham- pion Penn State in a rematch of the 2013 NCAA Championship. In addition to No. 1 Penn State, Wis- consin fans will also get to see No. 7 Nebraska, No. 8 Purdue, No. 10 Min- Freshmen Taylor Fricano and nesota, and No. 16 Illinois in the UW Tori Blake are both seeing Field House. Other Big Ten foes com- more playing time this spring. ing to town are Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa, while conference newcom- ers Rutgers and Maryland make their New faces finding places first trips to Madison. The Badgers also host a home tour- nament in September, bringing in Ball in Badger lineup State, Miami (Fla.) and Missouri State. Spring allows team to try new rotations The complete 2014 schedule will be released in late April.

fter opening its spring The match featured a mix of USA BOUND season with drills at old and new, as redshirt fresh- ● Three Badgers earned spots on USA AMarquette, the Badgers man Taylor Fricano and fresh- Volleyball teams this summer. Fresh- continued competition Sunday man Tori Blake both saw am- man Lauren Carlini was selected to afternoon, hosting Minnesota. ple playing time. Sophomore train with the National Team in May Despite the two teams play- Taylor Morey looked a natu- and June in Anaheim, Calif., while Tay- ing only three sets due Gopher ral in her role as libero, tak- lor Morey was named to a Collegiate injuries, a crowd of more than ing over for senior Annemarie National Team that will compete in 500 people was given a good Hickey. a tour of eastern Europe July 8-19. taste of what to expect from UW will compete two more Dominique Thompson will train and the NCAA runner-up Badgers times this spring, including compete from June 22-July 1 at the in the 2014-15 season. hosting Marquette on April 16. Girls’ Junior National Championships.

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INSIDE SOFTBALL BY CHRISTIAN BLATNER @BADGERSOFTBALL SCHEDULE (19-15, 3-5) THIS WEEK Wed. North Dakota W, 11-2 Wed. North Dakota W, 17-1 Friday Illinois 4 p.m. Saturday Illinois Noon Sunday Illinois Noon

“For that group to all put balls over the fence, I think that shows a lot about the senior class.” Topping off the impressive perfor- mance by seniors was pitcher Cassandra Darrah, who picked up her 11th win by giving up just two runs, one earned, and

the Badgers’ 11-2 Game 1 win. strikingThe second out two game in five proved innings to of be work a re in-

runscord-setting (eight) and five tied innings for the for second-most Wisconsin, second-inningas it scored the runs third-most (seven) first-inningin school history on the way to putting 17 on the board to match the Badgers’ single-game scoring record. - Badgers’ bats come alive ing the second-most the Badgers have recordedUW also in blasted a single five homegame. runs,The markthree in sweep of North Dakota longballs hit in the second frame also tied for the most ever in an inning. UW shows off its offensive skills against UND Sophomore Taylor-Paige Stewart was lights-out in the pitcher’s circle, fanning f there were any concerns Peace stole the show, gather- 11 batters while allowing just one run regarding Wisconsin’s of- ing 10 hits, seven extra-base on three hits. Stewart carried a perfect I fensive prowess so far this game into the fourth inning. season, the Badgers put a runs — and 16 RBI to help “It was really important to get these quick end to that notion by sparkhits — the including Badgers fiveoffense home to wins against North Dakota,” Massei sweeping a doubleheader with its best showing of the season. said. “We haven’t had much of a winning North Dakota on Wednesday “We met with the seniors streak going this year and we’re just go- at Goodman Diamond, out- after last weekend and talked ing to roll with it coming into Illinois this scoring their opponent 28-3 in about what they can do to set weekend.” the two games. the tone and really lead and Wisconsin welcomes Illinois to Madi- Seniors Mary Massei, Mi- play hard,” Wisconsin head son for a three-game weekend series, be- chelle Mueller and Stephanie coach Yvette Healy said. ginning at 4 p.m. on Friday.

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INSIDE MEN’S TRACK & FIELD BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK SCHEDULE LAST TIME OUT April 4-5 Florida Relays April 6 Rex Foster Invitational THIS WEEK April 10-12 Spec Town Invitational April 12 UW-Platteville Invitational

But with temperatures in the 60s this week, the Badgers are training outside at the McClimon Complex. “It’s awesome to come back to nicer weather,” Byrne said. “Now that we can get outdoors, we can start doing the work that we need to do to get better.” The Badgers have another opportu- nity to improve this weekend, as a group of throwers and decathletes will head to Georgia, while a Wisconsin contingent will also compete at the UW-Platteville Invitational on Saturday. “We’re excited to see what some of these young guys can do in the decath- lon,” Byrne said. “We know what to ex- pect out of Zach Ziemek but we also have Charlie Foss and Ben Schreib opening up Heating up: Badgers look in the decathlon.” Throwers Danny Block, Andrew forward to warm weather Brekke, Scott Erickson, Michael Lihrman and Alex Thompson will also compete After months indoors, UW is back outside for Wisconsin at the Spec Town Invita- tional. Lihrman set the school record last he No. 6 Wisconsin to compete in warm weather weekend in the hammer throw, while instead of indoors. - team turned in solid per- “When you’re inside for tional sections of the shot put and discus. T Block earned top-10 finishes in invita formancesmen’s at trackthe prestigious and field three months like we’ve been, After this weekend, the Badgers will Florida Relays last weekend, you are excited to head outside head west for the Mt. SAC Relays. winning the distance medley and compete in warm weath- “This weekend is an easier weekend relay and earning nine top-10 er,” Byrne said. “You could see for us,” Byrne said. “But next weekend, some of our athletes were at Mt. SAC, is a huge weekend. Our goal But UW Director of Cross struggling with hitting that for some of our distance guys out there is finishes. extra gear due to the fact that Mick Byrne might have been we’ve been either running on meter guys, we’re going out to California moreCountry excited and that Track his team & Field got turf inside or an indoor track.” to doget that.” a regional qualifier. Our 800, 1500

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INSIDE WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK SCHEDULE LAST TIME OUT April 4-5 Florida Relays April 6 Rex Foster Invitational THIS WEEK April 10-12 Spec Town Invitational April 12 UW-Platteville Invitational

A lot of eyes will be watching Ellen- wood, who won the bronze medal in the heptathlon at the 2013 Pan-American Ju- nior Championships. She made her Wis- consin debut at the Walt Disney Open back in March, and she opened her ca- reer with wins in the 200 meters and the

javelin. 100“We’re hurdles excited and toa top-fivesee Georgia finish compete in the

level,” Byrne said. “We should see a great performancein her first heptathlon from her.” at the collegiate In addition to the quartet of athletes going to Georgia, the Badgers will also send athletes to the UW-Platteville Invi- tational on Saturday. DISTANCE RUNNERS IMPRESS Badgers set to divide and ● Last weekend at the Florida Relays, the distance crew for UW shined as conquer this weekend the Badgers placed third in the dis- UW to send athletes to Platteville and Georgia tance medley relay. In addition, Erin Cawley and Collete

he outdoor season is in “It’s a big weekend on the the 3000 steeplechase and the 5000 full swing for the Wis- multi side and for our throw- meters,Richter respectively. delivered top-five finishes in Tconsin women’s track ers that are going to Georgia,” Emma-Lisa Murphy and Sarah Dis- Wisconsin Director of Cross anza posted top-10 finishes in the busy weekend awaits the Bad- 1500 meters. gers.and field squad, and another Mick Byrne said. “Angela will “They all looked fantastic,” Byrne Angela Boushea, Brianna competeCountry in and the Track shot, &Brianna Field said. “I think these kids are going to Bower, Georgia Ellenwood, An- and Andrea will throw the jav- get better as we go outdoors and as drea Savitch and Taylor Twedt elin, and we will have Georgia we get on our own outdoor track and will travel to Athens, Ga., to and Taylor open up in the hep- get some work in. take part in the Spec Towns tathlon. We are looking for- “We’re excited to see what they do National Team Invitational. ward to see what they can do.” in the upcoming weeks.”

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INSIDE WOMEN’S ROWING BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BADGERROWING

SCHEDULE A season on the fly COMING UP: OPENWEIGHT Big Ten Double Dual moved to Ann Arbor Saturday Big Ten Double Dual April 19 Clemson Invite f this season for the Wis- 25 times over the years. UW’s COMING UP: LIGHTWEIGHT consin rowing team’s seems varsity eight and second varsi- Sat.-Sun. Knecht Cup Ilike one big obstacle, it April 19 Boston Round Robin hasn’t been, but it can certain- ty eight made the grand finals, ly feel that way. respectively. ment. then finished fifth and sixth, The Badger women’s teams “I think both boats learned All this while the team longingly looks began spring break on March a lot,” head coach Bebe Bryans out the windows of Porter Boathouse 15 with the promise of a week said. “Neither boat was really waiting for Lake Mendota to shed its icy of great on-water training and skin. This week, with highs in the 60s, racing in Tennessee, but an there were some improve- has the teams hoping for ice out by the satisfied with their racing, but illness that hit the team put a ments made, and that bodes end of the week, something that appears dent into those plans a bit. well for the future.” likely, given they strip of water just off When the women’s open- This week, the Badgers were the south shore of Lake Mendota in front weight and lightweight teams set to row in the Big Ten Dou- of the boathouse. returned to Madison with a ble Dual in East Lansing, Mich., week until the Pac-12 Chal- against Michigan and Michi- KNECHT CUP lenge and some stiff competi- gan State, but the race has now ● The Badger lightweights will get on tion in California, the illness been moved, because the wa- resurfaced, so the team can- ter in East Lansing isn’t quite in nearly a month with this weekend’s celled its trip west. in the liquid form it needs to Knechtthe water Cup. for Raced a race on for the the Cooper first time Riv- The openweights adjusted be in order to row. er in Camden, N.J., in past seasons, this and quickly scheduled a trip to Intead, the racing will take year’s event will run in West Windsor, the San Diego Crew Classic for place on Belleville Lake in N.J., site of this year’s 2014 Intercol- this past weekend, an event Ann Arbor, Mich. Not a huge legiate Rowing Association National the program has now been to change, but still a quick adjust- Championships.

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

HOME OF THE HOBEY APRIL 9, 2010: One day after the Badgers’ 8-1 win over RIT in their national semifinal game at the 2010 Frozen Four, center Blake Geoffrion heard his named called on the Ford Field ice rink and became Wisconsin’s first winner of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, presented to college hockey’s most outstanding player. HERE COMES THE SUN APRIL 8, 2008: Jolene Anderson became the third player in UW women’s basketball history to be selected in the WNBA draft. The Badgers’ all-time leading scorer, Ander- son was selected No. 23 overall by the Connecticut Sun. LOSS OF A LEGEND ALSO APRIL 14, 1983: Just months after guiding the Badgers to their first cross country national title and being named national coach of the year at the 1982 NCAA Cham- THIS pionship, UW men’s track and cross country head coach Dan McClimon died of WEEK injuries sustained in a plane crash in Middleton, Wis. PACKING THE PARK APRIL 15, 2007: A crowd of 1,097 fans packed Goodman Diamond to see the Bad- gers’ game against Purdue, setting a school record for attendance that was eventu- ally broken when 25th-ranked UW drew 2,007 for its regular-season finale against { Michigan State on May 5, 2013.

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