CONTENTS APRIL 16, 2015 ■ VOLUME 5, ISSUE 34 BRIAN MASON COVER STORY TWO IS ONE He’s already been named the Badgers’ No. 1 quarterback, but Joel Stave is no stranger to competition and knows he isn’t the only one the QB room with eyes on the starting job. FEATURES WIDE RECEIVERS IN [FOCUS] CATCHING UP The week's best photos LUCAS AT LARGE BRIAN MASON Ted Gilmore likes the potential of Chryst’s crew catches on his wide receivers group, but the Badgers’ first-year coach is ready for BY THE NUMBERS some playmakers to step forward. Facts and figures on UW WHAT TO WATCH Quest for the Cup begins LUCAS AT LARGE ASK THE BADGERS Favorite gulity pleasure TV? CHRYST’S CREW BADGERING Steve Berg (Men’s Rowing) New head coach Paul Chryst looks BRIAN MASON INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY at spring practice as an opportuni­ Ammerman justly honored ty to set the stage for his first sea­ INSIDE TRACK & FIELD son at the helm of his alma mater. UW alums star on big stages -SCROLL FOR MORE­ INSIDE SOFTBALL Stewart doing it all for UW Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711 VIEW ALL ISSUES Brian Lucas Director of Athletic Communications Julia Hujet Editor/Designer Brian Mason Managing Editor Mike Lucas Senior Writer Matt Lepay Columnist Drew Scharenbroch Video Production Amy Eager Advertising Drew Pittner-Smith Distribution Contributors Paul Capobianco, Tam Flarup, Kelli Grashel, A.J. Harrison, Brandon Harrison, Patrick Herb, Diane Nordstrom Photography David Stluka, Neil Ament, Greg Anderson, Bob Campbell, Pam Ruschell, Cal Sport Media, Icon Sportswire Cover Photo: David Stluka Problems or Accessibility Issues? [email protected] © 2015 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS » UWBADGERS.COM Chryst’s crew finding its way in spring im Leonhard popped into Chryst’s office, Melvin Gordon It’s a time-honored process. Paul Chryst’s office to say burst into the room with his “To do it right, it takes time,” J hello. Some 30 minutes ever-present smile and chided Chryst asserted. “Relationships later, they were still catching up Chryst for not yet putting any­ aren’t just something you an­ and chatting; Leonhard, 32, the thing on the walls and for still nounce by saying, ‘I trust you former All-America safety now having empty bookshelves. and you trust me.’ You can retired from the NFL after 10 Even though he was hired nearly watch all the film you want. But seasons of proving everybody four months ago, there are few getting a chance to work with wrong for not drafting him, and personal belongings beyond a them on the field and under­ Chryst, 49, the Wisconsin coach small framed picture of his late standing how they learn ― and whose door is always open ― father, George, behind his desk what’s the best way to teach especially to anyone that has and a grouping of family photos. them ― is the biggest chal­ ever worn a “W” on the side of lenge.” his helmet. Without bringing up the word “That’s one of the things that “I WANT OUR PLAYERS TO ― transition ― he addressed his really makes this place special KNOW ABOUT THOSE WHO sensitivity to it. “I would never ― I love it ― and I’m happy that CAME BEFORE THEM AND want to script it this way but I they want to be back,” he said MADE THIS PLACE SPECIAL lived that as a player; I had three of returning alums. “I want our AND I WANT THE FORMER head coaches,” said Chryst, who players to know about those PLAYERS TO KNOW THAT played for the late Dave Mc­ who came before them and Clain, Jim Hilles and Don Mor­ THIS IS STILL THEIR PLACE.” made this place special and I ton. “Just a couple of years ago, want the former players to know I went through it and I’m sur­ that this is still their place. I “Got my dad,” he said, looking prised by how many things we would love to try and get more around. “Got my family shots. went through at Pitt are helping players back ― to be around as That’s about it.” me transition back to Wiscon­ much as they want to get in­ Fixing his eyes on a flat screen, sin.” volved.” he said, “Got my film. It’s proba­ At this point in the transition It’s not like Chryst is drawn to bly all I need.” and/or spring it would appear time machines or living in the He wasn’t stretching the that the defense is ahead of the past. It’s quite the contrary ac­ truth. But there is one thing that offense, which really shouldn’t tually. Reconstructing the Leon­ Chryst needs before he can as­ be surprising, and hasn’t been hard conversation and most sess the immediate future. He from Chryst’s point of view. “It’s others, he said, “We didn’t once needs time to figure out what ahead because of personnel,” talk about something that hap­ kind of team this is going to be. he said, “and it’s ahead with pened before. It’s not about the It’s his greatest challenge. “And some of the schematic continu­ old days, it’s not about reminisc­ it’s what you knew it would be,” ity. If you were to ask me, ‘Who ing. Football is the vehicle that he said. “That’s truly getting to are some of your leaders on the brought us together. What main­ know the players, not just the team?’ I would say, ‘They’re on tains relationships is everything names, but getting to know that side of the ball.’” but football.” them as people. You’re always a That continuity is due to Shortly after Leonhard left better coach when you do.” Chryst retaining Dave Aranda as -PAGE 1 OF 3­ LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS » UWBADGERS.COM Wisconsin’s defensive coordi­ the overall defense. “Now we Texas) and Bradrick Shaw (Bir­ nator. When Aranda took over have to fill in some blanks and mingham, Alabama) have out­ the defense two years ago, he there are some opportunities. I standing high school resumes made the conversion from the couldn’t tell you right now who and it will be interesting to see 4-3 to 3-4. “And there’s that nat­ all 11 starters will be. But it’s like how long it takes them to get ural continuity as far as coach­ that most springs. That’s what into the mix. Meanwhile, the ing and players,” Chryst said. kind of makes it exciting.” Badgers are well-stocked at “We’ve got some guys at differ­ On offense, Chryst knows fullback with fifth-year senior ent spots that have been good the running attack will revolve Derek Watt, Austin Ramesh and players on good defenses and around tailback Corey Clement, Derek Straus. Considering the teams that have won.” who nearly rushed for 1,000 lack of depth at tight end, Watt Chryst singled out Vince Bie­ yards (949) last season while looms as a valuable wild card gel and Joe Schobert at outside getting 196 fewer carries than for Chryst. linebacker, Darius Hillary at Gordon. Beyond Clement? “I’ve “Derek is smart and you can cornerback and Michael Capu­ been impressed with Taiwan’s use that word again ― maturity. to at safety. They bring a little (Deal) progress,” said Chryst. “I You can tell he’s got an idea of maturity to the defense. All but think Dare (Ogunbowale) has what to expect and how to ap­ Biegel are seniors. He volun­ chance to have significant role proach it,” he said. “We’ve got to teered a few other names. “So­ on this team and we’ve got two keep pushing his envelop to see journ (Shelton) has had a good young ones coming in.” what he can do, what’s in his spring, he needs to finish it out,” Jordan Stevenson (Dallas, wheelhouse. Austin (Traylor) is he said. “And Tanner (McEvoy) is learning how to become more of a complete safety.” Wisconsin will line up with Shelton, a junior, and Hillary at the corners; and McEvoy, a se­ nior, and Caputo at the safeties. The secondary will be the most experienced and battle-tested position group, particularly if some backups develop. “Up front,” Chryst said of the D-line, “we’ve gotten better and we have guys who have played sig­ nificant snaps. We hope to have strength in numbers.” Conversely, the Badgers are extremely green and thin at inside linebacker. “We’re talking about having enough guys who are older and who have been BRIAN MASON in the system,” Chryst said of Corey Clement -PAGE 2 OF 3­ approaching the spring like a se­ man. Jon Dietzen, a freshman More often than not, though, if nior who wants to maximize his guard, is going through his asked for a timetable on their final year and I remember Fume orientation this spring. “We’re growth, he will say, “We will (Troy Fumagalli) jumping out at very inexperienced (on the right continue to find out more about me watching bowl prep.” side),” Chryst said. “But I love them.” In sum, he conceded, “I Rest assured the Badgers will their approach.” don’t know if we can write the get the most out of their tight As far as the passing game, story right now.” ends; they always have when Chryst knows what quarterback He was specifically referenc­ Chryst has had something to say Joel Stave can do.