IN [FOCUS] FEELING THE KOHLD Ohio State rallied to earn a split of the week- end series, but the men’s hockey team put on a show Saturday for a packed house of 15,021 fans at the Kohl Center on Saturday. That followed a 5-3 win over the Buckeyes on Friday. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

IN [FOCUS] DOG POUND Junior Blayre Turnbull was front and center as the Badgers celebrated one of their goals in a 3-1 win over Minnesota Duluth last Saturday at LaBahn Arena. No. 2 Wis- consin finished a sweep of the Bulldogs with a 2-0 triumph on Sunday to improve to 21-3-2 on the season. PHOTOS BY DAVID STLUKA IN [FOCUS] FLOCK TALKS LOCKS As starting quarterback of the AFC champion Seahawks, was one of the centers of attention at XLVIII Media Day on Tuesday in Newark, N.J. The event, known for off-the-wall questions, included plenty of dis- cussions of why Wilson has chosen to not cut his hair this season. PHOTO BY JEROME DAVIS / ICON SMI

IN [FOCUS] MAIZE AND BLEW BY Senior Taylor Wurtz split a pair of Michigan defenders on her way to the basket last Sunday in the Kohl Center. That’s where the 6-foot guard can usually be found, as she has amassed more than 1,200 points and 700 rebounds in her career ― becoming just the eighth UW player to surpass both career marks. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA

CONTENTS JANUARY 30, 2014 // VOLUME 4, ISSUE 25

HAWKING HIS WARES DEPARTMENTS 28 Chris Maragos has had to prove himself at every step along the 14 LUCAS AT LARGE way of a journey that has seen him go from afterthought recruit by Mike Lucas to Badgers walk-on to contributor to a Super Bowl contender. 16 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez 18 THE VOICE by Matt Lepay 14 DREAM SEASON 20 BY THE NUMBERS Being drafted by the team closest Facts and figures on UW to his heart was surreal enough for 22 5 THINGS TO WATCH Montee Ball. A chance to get the Catch the Badgers on Broncos another Super Bowl title? TV and the web Just another dream come true. 24 ASK THE BADGERS Super Bowl plans 26 BADGERING Nick Caldwell RING MASTERS 38 46 INSIDE SPORTS All-Americans at Wisconsin, Basketball, Hockey, Joe Pavelski and Brianna Decker now Wrestling, Tennis find themselves leading the way for 60 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY a host of former Badgers looking to Harris can hoop help the Americans win it all in .

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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 Ball living a dream with Manning, Broncos ontee Ball had scores do?” Gordon, a third-year sopho- the incident was behind him. of text messages to sift more out of Kenosha, Wis., serious- Ball would also like to believe Mthrough after the Denver ly considered declaring for the NFL that he has put his fumbling behind Broncos selected the Wisconsin draft before opting to return. him after losing the ball twice in his tailback with their second round “He kept asking me, ‘What are pick and the 58th overall selection your thoughts?” Ball recounted. “I matched the number that he lost in in the 2013 NFL Draft. just told him, ‘To be really honest, 924first rushes31 carries at Wisconsin. with the Broncos. It One caught his eye. “I went you should stay.’ You can ask him. “I was puzzled. I was asking through a bunch of texts,” Ball said, That’s what I told him.” myself, ‘What’s going on?’ because I Ball pointed out to Gordon that never did it in college,” he said Sun- I read the message, I looked at it in order to be viewed as the best day while riding the team bus to the again“and I when got to I a got final to onethe bottomand after be - running back in , cause it read, ‘P. Manning.’” you have to clearly establish your- “But I fought through it.” That’s when it hit Ball that he self as the best running back on airportBall credited for the flight his Denver to New team Jersey.- was about to step into another your own team. mates for “picking him up” whenev- league, and world. “It was crazy,” he Last season, he noted, Gordon er he was down, especially Moreno, said. “All I could think was, ‘Whoa, I was a complementary tailback to and he praised running backs coach just got a text from Peyton.’ It was a James White, but next year “you’re Eric Studesville, a Madison native, very special moment.”’ going to get the bulk of the carries for believing in him. Nine months later, Ball will get and you’ll get an opportunity to “You have to put the football to experience another very special showcase what you can do.” away faster in the NFL,” said Ball, moment by playing in the Super Along with setting an NCAA who had to learn to position the Bowl. He’s not just going along for record for career (83), ball “high and tight” as soon as he the ride with Denver quarterback Ball had 356 carries for 1,830 yards got the handoff “because of the , either. in 2012. He had 231 more rushes great athletes on .” Ball has become an integral com- than White and averaged 130.7 “As a rookie, when you’re making ponent of the Broncos’ rushing at- yards to White’s 57.6 per game. mistakes early in the season, it hits tack, along with Knowshon Moreno, The statistical disparity between you kind of hard because you want all of which has seemingly validated the two speaks to the message that to gain the respect from your team- his decision to return for his senior Ball delivered to Gordon on the mates in the locker room. year with the Badgers. value of playing another year as “You learn patience. It’s just a “It does validate it,” Ball said. “I the featured back in the Wisconsin matter of moving on to the next talked to my parents about that offense. play and forgetting about the last earlier this week. Say I had left after As a senior, Ball also overcame play. I feel very comfortable right my junior year, who knows where I some adversity when he was as- would have ended up? saulted in early August less than in the right direction.” “Everything happens for a reason a block from his apartment. “That nowOn and Dec. my 1, confidenceBall rushed is 13 heading times and I’m so glad that I stayed for my moment changed my life and per- for 117 yards in Denver’s 35-28 win spective,” he has said when asked. at Kansas City. “That was a major favorite team (Denver) growing up Of course, he was asked ― again asfinal a child year and,because now, I I’mended in the up onSuper my and again ― about the assault dur- “It was a big game for us and I did Bowl.” ing Media Day at the Super Bowl. someboost goodto my things.” confidence,” he said. It does beg the question, “What His response has remained consis- did Ball advise Melvin Gordon to tent ― stressing to everyone that game, which included 73 yards His first 100-yard-plusContinued rushing on Page 16

14 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 Ball living a dream with Manning, Broncos LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS // UWBADGERS.COM

Continued from Page 14 after contact and a 43-yard run, was “That was a moment that I will site). still overshadowed by Moreno’s never forget,” Ball said. “We talked “You have to enjoy the experi- tears during the playing of the na- mainly about pass protection ― ence but you can’t enjoy it too much tional anthem. pickup ― and ball security. because you’re there for a reason, Ball suggested that no one has I got pictures with him, which I’ll which is to win a Super Bowl.” more toughness or passion than always keep close to me.” Ball has not texted quar- Moreno and everybody feeds off his The Broncos have only four terback Russell Wilson since early energy. Moreno led the Broncos in players on their roster who have in the season, maybe week one or rushing but Ball had a better yards- ever competed in a Super Bowl: two. Ball and Wilson, of course, led per-carry average (4.7 to 4.3). Manning, Wes the Badgers to the 2012 Rose Bowl, “We have a good relationship Welker, Jacob Tamme and a loss to Oregon. ― it’s good, man, it’s really good,” Dominique Rodgers- “Right now, he’s the enemy, - Cromartie. even though we played together in son with 120 rushes for 559 yards Each has shared their remem- college,” Ball said. “But we’re still andenthused four touchdowns. Ball, who finished He also the had sea brances. So has John Elway, the pretty close and we still have some 20 catches. executive vice president of football “He has taught me a lot of things: operations and the winning quar- Ball remembered Wilson for his what to look for (out of defenses), terback in Super Bowl XXXII and “internalmemories drive” that we and can “determina reflect on.”- how the NFL works, how to react to XXXIII. (He went 2 out of 5.) Elway also had Brian Dawkins shared with his UW teammates was, He has been a leader for all of us address the team. Dawkins, an “I’mtion.” here One to of getthe you first guys things where he you andcertain we’re things very (on close.” and off the field). All-Pro defensive back, played 16 want to go,” Ball said. seasons in the NFL with the Phila- His fate is now in the hands of role as the change-of-pace back to delphia Eagles and Broncos. But he P. Manning. All in all, it hasn’t been Moreno.Ball has In startedthe playoffs, to flourish he had in 10 his made it to only one Super Bowl. a bad four-year run for Ball, what carries for 52 yards against San “He’s so intense,” Ball said. “He with three straight Rose Bowls and Diego and 12 for 43 in the AFC title had a great message about elimi- now a Super Bowl. game against New England. nating the distractions and staying “It’s great, but it’s surreal,” he He had a keepsake carry, too. on your routine (at the Super Bowl conceded. With 1:19 remaining, on fourth- and-2 from the Patriots 17, Ball

Manning took a knee on the follow- ingbolted play. five Game yards over. for the first down. “One of my teammates told me that run will forever be in the record books,” he said laughing. “People will remember that Montee

down. It was very special.” BallSo sealed was his the face-to-face game with meeta first- ing earlier in the season with his all-time NFL idol, Terrell Davis, the tailback that had so much to do with the Broncos winning back-to- back Super Bowls.

16 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY // VOICE OF THE BADGERS Anderson provides ‘big’ spark off bench n the Wisconsin men’s basket- some run late in the game against perhaps last Saturday’s effort at ball record book, the bio infor- Illinois and nailed a three- Mackey Arena can serve as a con- Imation on junior center Evan against the Illini, players Anderson begins with the following popped out of their chairs to cheer his fourth year in the program, and words: “Humble and hard-working him on. hefidence believes boost experience for Anderson. can help This him is Wisconsin product.” help the program. That is an excellent description guts of a game and does a lot of “Being here and doing every of the 6-10, 245-pounder from theWhen little thingshe gets well, on the it means floor in even the little thing that we do,” he said. Stanley. Perhaps it helps explain more. “We spend a lot of time behind the why Anderson’s teammates get so “I thought he did a great job of scenes that people don’t see. Lifting, excited when the big man checks staying within himself,” said Gard. running, all that in the summer. The into the lineup and makes a few “He just went in, set good screens, experience is just great … and we things happen. was physical. He did a great job of put in a lot of work.” The former standout from Eau blocking out and getting the over- And when that work is rewarded, Claire North has played in about the-back call on the third foul (on it tends to make a good competi- half of the Badgers’ games this sea- Hammons). tor want to keep grinding away. son, averaging a bit more than three “He has bought into the program. Nobody has questioned Anderson’s minutes per outing. Last Saturday He has never complained. He keeps competitive nature. Enough players at Purdue, Anderson logged seven working.” have run into one of his haymaker minutes. Seven very important While nobody wants to get too screens in practice to know he can minutes, in the Badgers’ 14-point carried away about one game, be a tough man to move. Rest as- victory. His teammates loved it. sured Anderson’s teammates were “He got mobbed more than any- more than happy to see an oppo- body after the game,” said Associ- nent get a taste of what the Badgers ate Head Coach Greg Gard. “They deal with every day in practice. understand not only that seven Like most teams in the coun- minutes he contributed, but how try, the Badgers would love to see he has had to work to get to that continued growth off the bench. point.” Freshmen Nigel Hayes and Bron- “It was great to be able to go out son Koenig are doing a very solid there and help my teammates,” job. Recently fellow freshman Vitto added Anderson. “It was really im- Brown started to get some work portant to me.” with the regular rotation. Duje “I was able to box out (A.J.) Ham- Dukan has shown he is capable of mons. I believe that was his third providing a boost as well. foul (it was). That was a key to have Yet there is always room for him on the bench the rest of the more competition. While nobody is making any bold predictions, it was I think the players and coaches fun to see Evan Anderson get in the appreciatefirst half.” Anderson so much because they know this game is season rolls on, there is no doubt anything but easy. At times, he can coachmix. As Bo the Ryan always will difficulthappily Bigaccept Ten be very tough on himself. So a few some more depth. You just never weeks ago, when Anderson got know when it will be needed.

18 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 Anderson provides ‘big’ spark off bench BY THE NUMBERS ››

FOOTBALL On Sunday, Russell Wilson will be the sixth quarterback 6 since 1984 to start a Super Bowl in his second NFL season, following Dan Marino, Kurt Warner, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and Colin Kaepernick. 26.4 MEN’S HOCKEY Before Wisconsin skates this Friday at Michigan, the Badgers last played a game away from the Kohl Center on Nov. 30, a span of 61 days between road contests. WOMEN’S HOCKEY 61 After six consecutive home series, UW has one of the best the Badgers will play four of their special teams units in the nation, final six regular-season series as its power play ranks second on the road. nationally with a 26.4 percent conversion rate, while the kill is also second with a 93.0 percent success rate. WRESTLING UW earned its fifth con- ference win of the season on Sunday, marking the first time since 2007-08 and the third time overall head coach Barry Davis has led the team to at least five 5›› league victories.

20 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

5 THINGS TO WATCH JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5

FRIDAY 1/31 • 5:30PM • BTN BADGERS ON ICE [MEN’S HOCKEY AT MICHIGAN] 1 Wisconsin’s season continues with a weekend trip to Michigan. Friday’s game is the front end of BTN’s Frozen Friday doubleheader, with Dave Strader, Rob Andringa and Fred Pletsch calling the game rink-side at 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 2/1 • 11AM • ESPN SATURDAY MORNING SHOWDOWN [MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. OHIO STATE] 2 Wake up with Wisconsin and Ohio State at the Kohl Center on Saturday. Tip-off between the Badgers and Buckeyes is at 11 a.m. live on ESPN.

SUNDAY 2/2 • 8:30AM • BTN REMEMBER WHEN [BIG TEN FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK: BIG TEN 3 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - WISCONSIN VS. MICHIGAN STATE] Get ready for the big game with the Badgers’ Big Ten Championship win over Michigan State. BTN is re-airing all of the action, including Russell Wilson’s MVP performance, at 8:30 a.m.

SUNDAY 2/2 • 5:30PM • FOX SUPER SUNDAY [SUPER BOWL XLVIII] Make your Sunday super with Super Bowl XLVII. 4 For five former Badgers, it is the biggest game of their professional careers and you can catch all of the action on FOX at 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY 2/4 • 8PM • BTN TUESDAY TIPOFF 5 [MEN’S BASKETBALL AT ILLINOIS] Start the week off right with a trip to Champaign, Ill., with the Badgers. Tipoff against the Fighting Illini is at 8 p.m. and all of the action airs live on BTN.

22 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

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ASK THE BADGERS QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What are your plans for watching the Super Bowl?

EVAN BERNIER // ASST. SWIMMING COACH // DES MOINES, WASH. “I’ve been a Seahawks fans since I can remember, way back when they were in AFC West, where the rivalry between the Hawks and Broncos started. Being from Colorado, Whitney (Hite) is a huge Denver fan ― I just try and keep my mouth shut, style. Whitney invited me to his place for his annual Super Bowl party but I’ve respectfully declined.”

WHITNEY HITE // HEAD SWIMMING & DIVING COACH // DENVER, COLO. “Born and raised in Denver means you are born and raised a Broncos fan. I have hated the’ Seahawks’ as long as I can remember. They used to be in the AFC West with the Broncos so we would see them two times every season. As a Broncos fan I know heartache of losing the big one, so I don’t talk too much. Evan (Bernier) is smart enough to not say anything, either. It’s fun because we both are super passion- ate about it and respect each other. I was going to go to the Super Bowl and was offered tickets but we have a meet the day before so I will have a good party at my house instead.”

THOMAS HASLE // MEN’S ROWING // SEATTLE, WASH. “I am an avid Seahawks fan and have been one ever since I was five when I moved to America. My plans for watching the game are putting on my Russell Wilson jersey, going to my friend’s Super Bowl party and throwing Skittles at my friends every time Marshawn Lynch has a ‘Beast Mode’ run.”

JULIA GLUECK // WOMEN’S LT. ROWING // SEATTLE, WASH. I’ve been a Seahawks fan my whole life since they are my home team, though I’m not a huge follower of football. I’m excited because historically we haven’t had the best sports teams in Seattle. My friends and I plan to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. Most of us are Seahawks fans, but we’ll be watching with a Denver fan.”

KENZEL DOE // FOOTBALL // REIDSVILLE, N.C. “About 35 to 40 of us on the team are watching the game at Coach Andersen’s house. Having played with both Russell and Montee, I haven’t decided who I’m rooting for yet. It’s going to be exciting just watching those guys. That’s why it’s so hard to choose who I want to win. It’s going to be pretty fun to watch and know that I actually played with somebody who is in the Super Bowl.”

24 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 EVAN BERNIER // ASST. SWIMMING COACH // DES MOINES, WASH. BADGERING NICK CALDWELL A 2012 All-American and member of the U.S. National Swimming Team, Nick Caldwell is in his first season with the Badgers after transferring from the QUICK Q'S WITH NICK University of Florida. Caldwell owns the team’s top times in the 200 (1:35.20), Twitter or Instagram? 500 (4:18.10) and 1000-meter (9:15.90) freestyle events, while also earning an Twitter NCAA ‘B’ cut time in the 200 at the 2013 Texas Invitational. The Sarasota, Fla., native and 2012 SEC All-Freshman team honoree ranks in the top-40 nationally Favorite meal? in the 1000-meter freestyle. Spaghetti Favorite sport other than swimming? Coming from Florida, how much of an adjustment has Wisconsin Basketball been for you in terms of academics, athletics and climate? “Coming to Wisconsin has been a great experience so far. When looking for a school, I was looking for a team culture where engaging in the academic world was just as important as athletic success. The swim team here is focused and very welcoming. Like I expected, Madison’s academics have been challenging, and I’m really enjoying the atmosphere.” What has been the most fulfilling accomplishment of your career thus far? “Over this past summer, the team competed in Irvine, Calif., at the

National Team. I swam really well over that weekend and posted 2013a number U.S. Open.of best This times. was The the entire meet wheremeet stands I qualified out because for the U.S. it

happy that I was able to represent the team in a positive way.” was my first ‘big’ meet as a member of the Badgers and I’m After seeing a lot of success in the pool during your first two years, what has been your biggest focus now as an upperclassmen?

as I possibly can and help the team as much as possible. “MySince Whitney’s for these (Hite) final twotaken seasons over as is head to swim coach, as fastour swim program has been quickly getting better with each season. I want to leave this program with the knowledge that I’ve helped to establish a perennial top-10 program in the country.” What are you most looking forward to at this point in the season? “I’m really excited for the Big Ten championships coming up at the end of February. I believe we have the best swim team in Wisconsin history and we have the opportunity to accomplish some big team goals. The Big Ten meet also marks the beginning of

able to see the results of the work they’ve put in throughthe championship the season. season, It’s a very where exciting the team time is and finally I’m

work come to fruition.” definitely looking forward to seeing all of our hard

26 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

TAKING FLIGHT Chris Maragos hadhumbleexpectations whenwe walked on belief (andhardbelief work) have himsoaringinto Bowl theSuper at Wisconsin, buthealsohadbig-timeaspirations. Now, his TAKING BY FLIGHT MIKELUCAS

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UWBADGERS.COM

ICON SMI hris Maragos has already thought about Cwhat might be running through his mind. As thathe’s firstjumping kickoff around in Super just Bowlseconds XLVIII before and

Seattle Seahawks, he knows that he’ll be full of ner- voussprinting energy. down But thebeyond field that? to cover the kick for the “I’ll be thinking about all the things that it has taken to get to this point,’’ said Maragos, a fourth- year safety out of Wisconsin. “I’ll be thinking about how it all molded and shaped me. “I’ll be thinking about those times when I was in high school and I was doing hill charges by myself in the summer when all of my friends were out at the beach. “I’ll be thinking about those times when I had to transfer schools and I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen next or where I was going to go. “I’ll be thinking about those times after I was cut (in the NFL) and I was doing defensive back drills with my cleats on in the front yard of my in-law’s house ― staying ready for my next opportunity.’’ Maybe he’ll be thinking about those times when he relied on the guidance and support of his wife

while coveting and chasing respect. and“What family it all when boils he down was to struggling ― no matter to stay what afloat it is that we’re striving for ― is that we want respect,’’ Maragos said. “Why do I play the game so hard? I want respect. Ask any person, ‘Why is it that you do what you do?’ Everything really comes down to re- spect. That’s the biggest thing we search for.’’ Respect comes with a price in the National Foot- ball League; everything does. “First off, you understand how tough it is to make it in the NFL because of the limited rosters ― plus the level of athletes is unreal,’’ said Maragos. “It’s not like college where there are 120 guys and you’re

out what’s going on.’’ goingInstead to get when some you time arrive to get at acclimated a pro training and camp,figure especially if you’re an undrafted free agent ― like he was ― Maragos said, “You’ve got four months to

point, there are only 53 guys on the team. That’s it. Ifshow it doesn’t what youwork can out, do then before you’re the done.final cuts. At that “So you have to understand that. It’s a business and they’re going to do what is best for the team and the organization based on how they think guys JEFF MOFFETT SMI / ICON

30 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 “WHY DO I PLAY THE GAME SO HARD?” MARAGOS ASKED. “I WANT RESPECT. ASK ANY PERSON, ‘WHY IS IT THAT YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?’ EVERYTHING REALLY COMES DOWN TO RESPECT. THAT’S THE BIGGEST THING WE SEARCH FOR.’’ JEFF LEWIS / ICON SMI JEFF LEWIS / ICON

anything at all because she knows there’s nothing service you can to show them that you can help the that she can say.’’ teamfit. You win.’’ just have to go out there and provide the best In his heart, Maragos knew what he needed to do Last April, the Seahawks signed Maragos to a re- stricted free agent tender. But prior to the start of that he could stay in Seattle. “It was a decision based the 2013 season, they had something else in mind. onand the he kind agreed of team to take that significantly we had,’’ he said. less money“I wanted so “I was approached to help the team out,’’ Maragos to stay with this group of guys ― knowing what we said. “They were cap-strapped after acquiring Percy could accomplish.’’ Harvin, and Michael Bennett.’’ There was a debt of gratitude in that the Se- Maragos was asked to restructure his contract ahawks had taken a chance on him after he had and take a pay cut. “Obviously, there was the op- been released by the following portunity to possibly make a little more someplace his rookie season in the league. Three years later, he else,’’ said Maragos, who would have been a free felt good about what was happening in Seattle and agent if released by the Seahawks. “I understand my what he was doing as a contributor. value and what I provide the team with what I do.’’ Not that he knew the Seahawks were a sure bet Before making a decision, he considered all of his options with his wife, Serah. February ― when they approached him about tak- “She has been with me through the highs and the ingto wind less moneyup in MetLife ― not evenStadium the mostthe first optimistic weekend soul of lows. She’s had the tough conversations with me,’’ could have banked on it with so many variables fac- he said. “She always has the right words to say when toring into a Super Bowl run. you need to hear them. A lot of times she doesn’t say Then, again, maybe he had an inkling.

31 started experimenting using drugs (marijua- we were playing on a Sunday against the Bengals “ na) my freshman year going into my sopho- in “I2011,’’ missed Maragos our first said. child’s “It was birth really (Micah) tough because on my I more year of high school (Racine Park) and wife and I promised her that I would never again that really started a downward spiral,’’ he said. “I miss another birth of our children again … unless I’m playing in the Super Bowl.’’ me and I was just doing stupid things. What are the odds? Serah Maragos is due with was“My trying sophomore to find things year Ithat got were suspended going to for satisfy dis- the couple’s second child on Feb. 19. It’s a boy and charging pepper spray in the hallway. They had to they will name him Mason. “I suppose there’s a pos- evacuate a whole wing. I also got caught vandalizing sibility I might miss this one,’’ said Maragos, hoping people’s houses and Christmas decorations. That’s that Serah stays on schedule. “Nothing really goes when I had to make a decision. What is it that I re- smooth in my career. I’m used to it by now.’’ How have those around him reacted to Maragos Finally recognizing that he was hanging around withally want? the wrong In a sense, people, I waved and making the white poor flag.’’ individu- is really excited and kind of shocked, too,’’ he said. al decisions that were hurting himself and others, “Here’staking the this field kid on from a Super Racine, Bowl Wisconsin Sunday? “Everyoneplaying in Maragos got involved with some men’s groups for the biggest game that there is. For me, it’s an honor mentoring and looked to the church for assistance to represent so many people.’’ Admittedly, he said, “The rewarding factor to be- “That’s when my faith came about and the Lord ing in this position right now is seeing everything reallyin filling got the a hold void of in my his life,’’life. he said. “I started read- coming to fruition through the hard times’’ and ris- ing the Bible, which I had never done. And for the ing to the top, rising to the occasion. Maragos quoted a Bible verse, James 1:2-4: “Con- bunch of riddles. I didn’t think it pertained to my life sider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds first time it started to make sense, it wasn’t just a because you know that the testing of your faith de- velops (produces) perseverance and let persever- “Everyone is really excited and kind of shocked, too,’’ Maragos said. “Here’s this complete, not lacking anything.’’ anceHe finishdidn’t its always work have so that his youfaith may to fall be back mature on. and kid from Racine, Wisconsin playing in the biggest game that there is. For me, it’s an • • • • honor to represent so many people.’’ DAVID STLUKA DAVID

WATCH: MARAGOS REFLECTS ON HIS JOURNEY

until then and it was like, ‘Wow, this stuff is truth.’’’ Maragos transferred to Racine Horlick for his se- nior year but he was unable to attract much recruit- came in and I was 13 out of 13 on the depth chart,’’ he said, “but I was starting every game that next Western Michigan offered him a chance to walk-on year and they were still signing receivers.’’ ing traffic from college programs as a wide receiver.- After talking over his situation with his family,― Maragos came to the conclusion,― “Ifand they they’re haven’t not withWhile the hepromise was redshirting he could earnas a freshman, a tender ifGreg he perJen- seen what they wanted to see up to this point ningsformed walked well. He into accepted his life. the offer. whatAfter I’ve deciding been able to transfer, to provide he also knew, “I had about to honor their commitment, I can’t play here.’’ than he knows, just because of the man he was,’’ are going to listen to my story and say, ‘Oh, yeah, Maragos“Greg hadsaid a ofhuge Jennings, impact on me, probably more limited film, I was a walk-on,this guy so howis a goodmany football people “I HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A SCHOLAR- of the Grand Valley State, a Di- a second-round draft pick SHIP AT GRAND VALLEY,’’ MARAGOS SAID, player?’’’ at the dorms and he’d take “OR CHASING MY DREAM AT WISCONSIN. mein 2006. to his “He’d dad’s pick church me (inup rightvision away. II program, was one Kalamazoo, Mich.). I KNEW MY ABILITIES AND I KNEW I’D option and he could play- “At the time, we were LOVE TO PLAY FOR THE BADGERS.’’ consin,’’ he said, “I abso- “But growing up in Wis but he was an All-American. I remember that he my whole life.’’ playing the same position, ― Not only had his momlutely and dad, loved Cindy the and Badgers Nick, been season ticket holders since the 1993 Rose was the first one in the meeting room pen and Bowl season, but his older brother, Troy, was a se- Ipaper should out start ready learning to take from notes, him.’’’ ready to get better. HereWhat I am, Maragos no pen orlearned paper, duringand I’m his thinking, short ‘Maybestay at - Western Michigan was that he couldn’t trust what tantly,nior at he the was UW. friends He had with even Luke served Swan. as the Bucky Badger“My brother,’’mascot for Chris a couple Maragos of years. recalled, More “was impor in

the coaches were telling him about a scholarship. “I 34 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

Campus Crusade for Christ (with Swan) and he said they all said that they would love for me to walk-on,’’ to me, ‘I know this former walk-on, he’s a captain of Maragos remembered. the Badgers and one of their best players and he also Even if it might have sounded like a no-brainer for happens to be a short, white guy who plays receiver, a Cheesehead by birth, it still came down to a choice. I’ll try to put you in touch.’’’ “I had to choose between a scholarship at Grand Val- Maragos decided to send out this Facebook mes- ley,’’ he said, “or chasing my dream at Wisconsin. I sage to Swan: “You don’t know who I am, but you knew my abilities and I knew I’d love to play for the kind of know my brother a little bit. I know your sto- Badgers.’’ ry and just because of your background, I wanted to His original expectations were fairly modest. “My thought was,’’ Maragos said, “that if I could run down it to coach (Bret) Bielema.’’’ on a kickoff maybe one time ― kind of like a Rudy- see if you could check out my film. If you like it, take type deal ― or just run out of the tunnel and be a quarterback Tyler Donovan, who also liked it. In part of the team. That was going to be satisfaction Swan liked what he saw on film and shared it with- enough for me.’’ It wasn’t until Maragos moved from wide receiver turn, they took the film to former UW wide receiv ers coach Henry Mason and finally to Bielema. “And 36 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 “It’s been so surreal,’’ said Maragos. “This is some- thing you dream about. This is the pinnacle of your profession. To have an opportunity to play in this game is truly amazing. At the same time, we don’t want to get caught in the moment. We want to make sure we handle our business and execute.’’

doing a workout or doing anything, just shoot me a text and let me know what time. “I promise you that I won’t bug you, but I’ll just watch, I’ll be like a shadow.’’’ Because he’s such a good guy, so unassuming, Le-

“Afteronhard awhile, went along he started with it. explaining “The first acouple little bitof times, more I was just watching him watch film,’’ Maragos said. he’d show me certain techniques.’’ what was going on and we’d go out on the field and- hard back then, Maragos couldn’t help but laugh aboutReflecting it today. on “It how went he from forced him himself being aupon teacher Leon to an athlete type of relationship,’’ Maragos said, “to now where we’re really great buds and our families are close. It’s really cool the way it all played out.’’ Maragos developed into a very solid player, a two- year starter for the Badgers. He was most proud of being named a team captain during his senior year, particularly since he had been a walk-on, a transfer,

DAVID STLUKA DAVID no less, and because “you really had to earn the re- spect of your teammates,’’ he said. to defensive back that he found his niche and an- The players voted on captains, making it all the other mentor ― along the lines of Jennings at West- more special. “The fact that they would say, ‘We want ern Michigan ― in former UW safety Jim Leonhard, you to lead us, we want to follow your lead, we think highly of you and we respect you,’’’ he said, savoring NFL for a handful of teams. the sound of the word, “that to me was probably my a first-team“He (Leonhard) All-American has a whoplace went in Madison on to play and in thehe great accomplishment up to this point.’’ would come around and use the facilities to work Up to this point ― Super Bowl XLVIII. “It’s been so surreal,’’ said Maragos, 27. “This is when I saw him, I was kind of star-struck. I was like, something you dream about. This is the pinnacle ‘Dude,out during that’s the Jim off-season,’’ Leonhard. That’s Maragos every said. Wisconsin “At first, of your profession. To have an opportunity to play kid’s dream, to be Jim Leonhard, right?’ in this game is truly amazing. At the same time, we “I mustered up enough strength to go and talk to don’t want to get caught in the moment. We want to him. I said, ‘Hey, listen, you don’t know who I am, but make sure we handle our business and execute.’’ I just switched to defense and I loved your career -

It will be the final thing that crosses his mind be and the way you play. If you’re ever watching film or fore covering that first kickoff against Denver. 37 GOLDEN GOALS GOLDEN GOALS Former Badgers Brianna Decker and Joe Pavelski skate into Sochi looking to take the U.S. to the top step of the medal stand at the Winter Games

BY MIKE LUCAS UWBADGERS.COM

• PASI MENNANDER PASI n Monday night, Los Angeles Kings goal- Niemi, will skate for Team Finland. tender Jonathan Quick made a key third “When the puck drops, you want to compete,” said O period stop on Joe Pavelski, one of the hot- Pavelski, a member of the 2010 Olympic team that test scorers in the . Quick’s won a silver medal in . “Your competitive save helped preserve a 1-0 victory over the San Jose juices just take over.” Sharks. In a couple of weeks, Quick and Pavelski will In December, the and Canadian be teammates. women’s national teams brawled during an exhibi- Such is the melting pot that is Olympic hockey. tion game in Grand Forks, N.D. Hilary Knight was Whereas the 29-year-old Pavelski will be joining - Team USA for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Rus- sia, two of his San Jose teammates, playersone of five who USA were players likewise who penalized. received fighting ma and Marc-Edouard Vlasic will be playing for Team jors.Knight Meaghan and MikkelsonMikkelson waseach one won of fivetwo Canadiannational Canada while a fourth Sharks representative, Antti championships at Wisconsin. “There’s a lot at stake,” said 22-year- old Team USA forward Briana Deck- er, who was raised in Dousman and played on the 2011 UW team that won the NCAA title. “It gets physical out there. The players don’t want to lose. That’s the main thing, that’s why it gets a little .” A little rowdy? The women brawled not once, but twice during their exhi- bition tour. They also brawled in 2010. “They’ve won the gold medal for the last how many Olympics (three)? And we haven’t won since ’98,” said Decker, who’s a rookie to the Winter Games. “It’s everyone’s goal to win the gold.”

you’re representing your country. “That’sSuch is what the competitivethe Olympics fire bring. when It was cool being a part of Team USA (in Vancouver),” said Pavelski, who had three assists in six games. “You work hard to hopefully get recognized over your career and to play and perform for your country on a stage like that, it’s pretty special.” Wisconsin will be well-represented on the Olympic hockey rosters in Sochi. Joining Pavelski will be defenseman Ryan Suter of the and forward Derek Stepan and defenseman Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rang- One of the hottest players in ers. Another former Badger forward, the NHL, Pavelski has scored 28 Tony Granato, currently an assistant goals in San Jose’s first 53 games. with the Pittsburgh Penguins, will be an assistant coach with the Americans.

40 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 ANDRE RINGUETTE

“I REMEMBER WATCHING THE OLYMPICS ver-medal winning team that lost in the Vancouver IN VANCOUVER AND SEEING A LOT OF MY an Olympic icon from 1980. FRIENDS COME UP SHORT OF THEIR GOAL,” finals“It’s to awesome Canada and to have was coachedfour of us by on Mark the Johnson, team. It shows the depth of our program,” said Decker. “I re- DECKER SAID. “I’VE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT member watching the Olympics in Vancouver and IT SINCE I WAS A KID AND I ALWAYS WANT- seeing a lot of my friends come up short of their ED TO SOMEHOW HELP WIN THE GOLD.” goal. I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid and I always wanted to somehow help win the gold.” Asked to describe her emotions when she has “For anyone who was at the UW, you felt like it donned the USA sweater for exhibitions or inter- was a pretty special place,” said Pavelski, a second- national competition, Decker said, “When you step team All-American in 2006 when he helped lead the on the ice wearing that sweater, you get a little ner- Badgers to the NCAA title, “and when you see all these guys come out of there and playing in the NHL that you can’t compare with anything else.” vous. But they’re good butterflies. It’s a great feeling ― along with some of them now being on the Olym- Since early September, Decker has been living and pic team ― it’s a nice feeling that we have together.” training with the national team in Bedford, Mass., a Joining Decker and Knight on the women’s roster 30-minute drive from Boston. Katey Stone has tak- will be Meghan Duggan and goaltender Jessie Vetter. en a year’s leave of absence from her head coaching In 2010, Knight, Duggan and Vetter were on the sil- position at Harvard University to coach the Olympi-

41 “YOU JUST HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE AND “Our team chemistry is awesome right now,” Deckerans, the said.first female“We have to do all so. gravitated around the WHEN GAME TIME COMES YOU HAVE ― putting others before your- TO BE READY.” PAVELSKI SAID OF OLYMPIC self. It’s a little different without Mark (Johnson). Butteam-first a lot of mentalitythe things that he has taught me I’ve kept HOCKEY. “YOU HAVE TO TAKE AS MUCH with me.” AS YOU CAN FROM YOUR NORMAL ROU- Knight and Duggan have been playing with the TINE AND FIND A WAY TO GET IT DONE.” Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. “Hilary has always been an enforcer and she’s a lot stronger than she was in college, which is hard to believe because she was such a beast,” said Championships. But she’s anxiously looking for- Decker. “She’s playing the best I’ve seen actually. ward to the Olympic arena and Team USA’s opening “Meghan is a captain and it’s well-deserved. She’s matchup against Finland on Feb. 8 in Sochi. Decker’s very humble and very positive. She’s one of the most mom and dad and three brothers are planning on consistent players on the team. You can always rely making the trip to Russia. on her work ethic.” Decker said that her family didn’t have reserva- Decker saved some of her highest praise for Vet- tions about traveling there despite some concerns ter, the Cottage Grove native. “She’s unbelievable,” that have been expressed about security. “I know a she said. “She makes things really easy in the D- couple of girls who are playing in Russia,” she said, zone. She can stop the puck like no one else I know. “and they say it’s a great experience. Our team really It’s awesome that we have her back there and our hasn’t talked about that (security). “We’re just focused on getting over there and Decker has considerable experience in World competing for the gold medal.” team has so much confidence in her.”

As Badgers, both Decker and Pavelski helped lead UW to

national championships. DANNY MARCHEWKA DANNY

42 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

AP PHOTO / HANS DERYK AP PHOTO

Pavelski’s wife will be going, but not his parents. “They will be home cheering,” he said. “I know some Pavelski, who had 28 goals through 53 games people are staying back because of it (potential se- withyour normalthe Sharks routine (his andcareer find high a way is 31),to get is it focused, done.” curity issues). But it’s really out of our control. We’re for now, on playing out the rest of the schedule be- expecting the Russians to put on a great Olympics.” fore the NHL breaks for the Olympics. The league What can Pavelski take will not stage any games be- from Vancouver that might tween Feb. 8 and Feb. 24. have application in Sochi? “That’s what the Olympics bring. It San Jose will play Colum- “Obviously just the whole was cool being a part of Team USA (in bus on Feb. 7 and Pavelski experience of being in the Vancouver),” said Pavelski. “You work Olympics ― just going Team USA will open play through it (once),” he said. hard to hopefully get recognized over againstwill fly Slovakia to Sochi on on Feb. Feb. 13. 9. “The locker room (setup) your career and to play and perform It’s going to be a whirlwind. might not be ideal, your “Having already played on stretch area might not be for your country on a stage like that, the same team (in Vancou- ideal. it’s pretty special.” ver) with a lot of these guys,” “There are different he said, “you’ve gotten to things where you’re not going to have what you’re know them a little better.” kind of used to (in the NHL), so you just have to be Pavelski can speak for Decker when he says “we want to do better than a silver medal.” ready. You have to take as much as you can from That’s the gold, or rather the goal. flexible and when game time comes you have to be

44 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BADGERMBB SCHEDULE (17-4, 4-4) LAST TIME OUT Jan. 25 at Purdue W, 72-58 Wed. Northwestern L, 56-65 COMING UP Saturday Ohio State 11 a.m. Feb. 4 at Illinois 8 p.m.

Bo Ryan and Thad Matta are currently ranked second and third, respectively, in career winning percentage, trailing only

legendaryWinningest Indiana Big coach Ten Head Bob Knight:Coaches

1. Bob Knight (IND) 353-151 .700 2. Bo Ryan (WIS) 148-64 .698 3.The Thad two Mattateams (OSU) have also 114-50 played some.695

has only added fuel to rivalry. Here are a memorable games in recent years that

Badgers and Buckeyes few that you’ll likely remember: the Big Ten tournament championship rivalry still burns hot • 2013: Buckeyes stymie UW, 50-43 in UW, OSU meet just once in 2014 — on Saturday • 2013: Badgers routBuckeyes OSU, 71-49 senior at daythe Kohl Center hree weeks ago, Sat- • 2012: UW ruins urday’s Wisconsin vs. the Wisconsin-Ohio State se- with 63-60 win at eighth-ranked OSU T Ohio State game was One of the biggest reasons • 2011: Jordan Taylor scores 27 points on a crash-course for a top- nearly every matchup is im- to rally UW from a 15-point deficit to - portant.ries has beenSaturday’s so good meeting is that beat No. 1 Ohio State, 71-67 moth conference and national 2011: OSU gets revenge by setting an five showdown with mam NCAA record with 14 straight 3-pointers teams entering the weekend teamswill be enter the eighth the game time ranked in the in 93-65 win comingramifications. off a loss Now and with sitting both inlast the nine AP Top meetings 25 that both • 2009: ESPN College GameDay makes in the middle of the Big Ten, Another reason is that this its first appearance at the Kohl Center game features two of the most before UW knocks off OSU, 55-50 successful coaches in Big Ten • 2007: No. 3 Wisconsin takes down thisthe spotlightrivalry is mayrarely not lacking. burn as history. No. 5 OSU at the Kohl Center, 72-69 brightly, but the intensity in • 2007: OSU wins epic No. 1 vs. No. 1 showdown, 49-48, in Columbus 46 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BADGERWBB SCHEDULE (9-10, 2-5) LAST FOUR Jan. 15 Indiana W, 65-60 Jan. 18 at Northwestern L, 58-74 Jan. 23 at Minnesota L, 53-64 Jan. 26 Michigan L, 44-60 COMING UP Thursday at Michigan State 6 p.m. Sunday Ohio State 2 p.m. Feb. 5 Nebraska 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Indiana 12. p.m.

WURTZ ONE OF THE BADGERS’ BEST ● Senior Taylor Wurtz went over 700 career rebounds at Minnesota on Jan. 23, becoming just the eighth UW play- er to record 1,200 points and 700 re- bounds in a career. The 6-foot guard has 1,229 points in her career, which ranks 17th on Senior Taylor Wurtz has recorded more than the UW career list, and 707 rebounds, 1,200 points and 700 which ranks ninth. She is only the rebounds in her career third guard on the top-10 list for re- bounds and averages 6.1 boards per game for her career. To turn it around, Badgers Wurtz also ties for third on the UW career list with 191 3-pointers made. She also ranks fourth on the 3-point need shots to fall attempt list with 550 and 10th in Wisconsin struggles with shooting in 1-3 stretch 3-point field goal percentage at .347. PAIGE HITS FROM THE LINE n their last four games, the Kelsey said. “I keep telling ● Senior Morgan Paige is shooting a sea- Badgers are struggling with them you’re taking good shots. son-best 87.3 percent from the free Itheir shooting, hitting less You can’t get discouraged if throw line this season, which would you’re a good shooter. You just rank second on the UW season record UW is shooting just 36.9 have to keep shooting them.” list. She is shooting 95.2 percent (20- than 40 percent from the field. The Badgers have been of-21) from the line in Big Ten games, averaging just 55 points per spending extra time in the which leads all conference players. gamepercent over from the stretch the floor in which and gym, working on their shots. Paige ranks third in career free it has gone 1-3. - throw percentage at .817 (290-355), “We’re getting our chances, ing and try to get some games ninth in free throws made at 290 and we’ve just got to knock them here“We’re to go going our toway,” keep added fight 10th in free throws attempted with down,” head coach Bobbie Kelsey. 355.

48 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BADGERMHOCKEY

SCHEDULE (14-7-1, 5-3-0-0) Zengerle is Mr. Consistency LAST TIME OUT Jan. 24 Ohio State W, 5-3 Senior forward putting up points, just like he’s Jan. 25 Ohio State L, 3-1 done his whole career with the Badgers COMING UP Friday at Michigan 5:30 p.m. among Badgers set-up men. Saturday at Michigan 5:30 p.m. the radar and rank among When all is said and done, he Feb. 6 Minnesota 7:30 p.m. Ithef it ishighest-scoring possible to fly players under Feb. 7 Minnesota 8 p.m. at a hockey-storied school like tying for the team lead with 24 points. He Wisconsin, then senior for- all-time.could find Zengerle’s himself current ranking as- has points in nine of the past 10 games, ward Mark Zengerle is doing sistamong total the is top-five15 more Badgers than any of 13 of the past 15 contests, 14 of the last that. other current collegiate skater. 18 tilts and in 17 of 22 games this sea- After setting up two goals He is known for his assists, son. If he ends up leading the team, that last Friday against Ohio State, but Zengerle boasts some re- would mark his second time doing so af- and scoring a goal on Saturday, markable individual accom- ter leading the squad with 50 points as a Zengerle recorded his 142nd plishments during his UW sophomore. career point and his 112th time. One of four skaters in career assist. Those numbers school history to post at least MINNESOTA SERIES THURSDAY-FRIDAY rank him 28th all-time at UW ● After a weekend at Michigan, the Bad- in scoring and push him into seasons, Zengerle came within gers return to the Kohl Center for a a tie for 11th in career assists one30 assistsgame of in tying their Mike first Eaves two Thursday-Friday series against Min- for the Badgers. for the longest point-scoring nesota. Make special note of the days Setting up goals is what streak in school annals. This of the week as tickets and parking Zengerle does best, and he is season, Zengerle has risen to were produced before the dates of the set to cruise into the top-seven the top of UW’s scoring chart, games were determined.

50 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY AJ HARRISON @BADGERWHOCKEY SCHEDULE (21-3-2, 17-3-2-1) LAST WEEK Jan. 25 Minnesota Duluth W, 3-1 Jan. 26 Minnesota Duluth W, 2-0 COMING UP Feb. 7 at Ohio State 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at Ohio State 3 p.m.

Kohl Center in front of thousands of fans. “Hopefully we break the attendance re- cord, which would feel incredible!” Wisconsin had an NCAA-record 12,402 fans attend the last Fill the Bowl game, which was a 1-0 win over Bemidji State in 2012. Tickets for this year’s game are only $1, and UW students will receive free admission with a student ID. Junior Brittany Ammerman has ap- peared in two Fill the Bowl games, in- cluding the 2011 game which saw UW defeat Minnesota, 3-1. “I think it will be great experience playing the Gophers in the Fill the Bowl game,” Ammerman said. “The games will be high-tempo and will most likely be UW ready to Fill the Bowl the most meaningful games we’ll have played this year. It will be exciting and it is always a healthy and fun rivalry with on Feb. 15 vs Minnesota the Gophers.” Badgers look to break their NCAA attendance record BADGERS CLINCH HOME ICE ● After sweeping Minnesota Duluth last ith February right NCAA single-game attendance weekend, Wisconsin clinched home around the corner, record against not only one of ice for the first round of the WCHA Wthere’s less than the top teams in the nation, playoffs. The best-of-three series will three weeks until the fourth but one of Wisconsin’s biggest take place Feb. 28-March 2 at LaBahn Fill the Bowl game on Feb. 15, rivals. Arena. Game times for Feb. 28 and which pits the No. 2 Badgers March 1 are set for 7 p.m. while the against No. 1 Minnesota in a 7 between us and Minnesota, March 2 game, if necessary, is set for p.m. clash at the Kohl Center. so “There’sits easy definitelyto get pumped a rivalry up a 4 p.m. start. Ticket information for Many players are looking and excited to play each other,” the series will be available on UWBad- forward to the team’s lone freshman Sarah Nurse said. gers.com in the upcoming weeks. game in the Kohl Center as “We love playing at home and The WCHA Final Face-Off will take Wisconsin looks to set the look forward playing in the place March 8-9 in Bemidji, Minn.

52 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 SCHEDULE (21-3-2, 17-3-2-1) INSIDE WRESTLING BY ANNA POULTER-HENDRICKSON @BADGERWRESTLING SCHEDULE (11-4, 5-1) COMING UP Feb. 2 #21 North Dakota 1 p.m. Feb. 21 #8 Nebraska 7 p.m. Feb. 23 #3 Iowa 1 p.m. March 8-9 Big Ten Championships Kohl Center All-Day

is no down time that way, you have to step on the mat and be ready each and every weekend. It prepares you for the national championship coming up in March.” For the Badgers, the strength of the league has resulted in home bouts that feature marque opponents. UW hosted Illinois on Dec. 6 and handed the No. 6-ranked Illini a 19-18 loss. The Badgers’ home dominance continued on Jan. 10 with a 22-15 win over No. 9 Ohio State. This Sunday, Wisconsin will turn its attention away from the Big Ten oppo- nent and host non-conference foe North Dakota State. It’s a scheduling decision that continues the trend of tough oppo- Strength of schedule nents, as the Bison just earned a No. 21 ranking, the highest Division I ranking in school history. makes every bout matter “It doesn’t get any easier,” said Davis. All five home bouts feature ranked opponent “We’ve got to do a good job as a staff at preparing our athletes. Anytime you wrestle somebody at the college level, he Big Ten Conference coach Barry Davis. “You’ve got they are good. Ranked or not ranked, you is tough. It doesn’t take multiple ranked guys at each have to go out prepared, use good skills much to come to that school you are wrestling. Like T and be aggressive.” conclusion. With the top three at heavyweight, you look at Wisconsin concludes its home stand teams in the nation all hailing that, I think they have eight with a pair of league bouts, hosting No. from the league and 10 of 12 guys in the top 10. So, every appearing in the Top 25, every weekend you are wrestling the season with No. 3 Iowa on Feb. 23. Big league matchup is big. best guys in the country. Week Ten8 Nebraska wrestling on at Feb. its best.21 and finishing the “When you look at the Big in and week out. Ten Conference as a whole, it is “As a staff, you have to make BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS MARCH 8-9 by far the toughest conference sure your guys are ready for ● Tickets for the two-day event are in the country,” said UW head that,” continued Davis. “There available here.

54 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

INSIDE MEN’S TENNIS BY PATRICK HERB @BADGERMTENNIS SCHEDULE (0-2) LAST TIME OUT Jan. 22 at #2 UCLA L, 0-5 Jan. 23 vs. #60 Nebraska L, 1-4 COMING UP Saturday S. Dakota State 11 a.m. Bradley 4 p.m. Sunday Tulane Noon

the matches scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (CT), respectively. Sunday’s match against Tulane is set to begin at noon. All Wisconsin home matches are free of charge to the public. “I think we had a pretty good fall sea- son,” Van Emburgh said. “I feel like we got a lot done in the fall. We have a young team and the guys are eager to work hard and eager to develop and continue the improvement process.”

CLASS OF 2014 ● UW will welcome a pair of highly-tout- ed freshmen to its roster in the fall of 2014 after Lamar Remy (Roslyn, N.Y.) Home is where the start is and Josef Dodridge (Bournemouth, UW men’s tennis team hosts three matches England) signed National Letters of this weekend at Nielsen Tennis Stadium Intent to join the Badgers. Remy has already made a name for

hen the men’s ten- 2013. That was followed by a national rankings in the 14-and-un- nis schedule was set match vs. No. 60 Nebraska. derhimself, bracket finishing and advancing in the top to 10 the in ITFthe W earlier this season, Coming home with a pair of bracket. He also was a doubles cham- Wisconsin head coach Greg losses may have been some- pion in the World Junior Orange Bowl Van Emburgh and his young what predictable, but it wasn’t tournament. roster knew they’d be jumping discouraging. Dodridge brings international tour- into the deep end of the pool Wisconsin now enters the ing experience to the Badgers. He has right from the start. home portion of its spring played several European tournaments The 66th-ranked Badgers schedule hosting three match- and ITF junior tournaments. He was a opened the season last week- es in two days this weekend at silver medalist in the Australia World end with the unenviable task of the Nielsen Tennis Stadium. Schools Championships, where he playing on No. 2 UCLA’s home The Badgers will take on represented Reed’s School. He placed court — the same UCLA that South Dakota State and Brad- was the national runner-up in ley on Saturday, Feb. 1, with tournament. first in the Oman Grade 5 ITF singles 56 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

INSIDE WOMEN’S TENNIS BY PATRICK HERB @BADGERWTENNIS SCHEDULE (0-0) COMING UP Saturday at Marquette Noon Sunday Tulane 3 p.m. Feb. 9 Milwaukee Noon

es with some freak injuries that have oc- curred. The good news is that both Syd- ney Rider and Chypyha have recovered from their injuries faster than what was anticipated. Chypyha enters the 2014 season as the 19th-ranked player in the preseason ITA Midwest Regional rankings. Even though Wisconsin has many challenges that lie ahead this season, the team has never been better. “This is the best I have seen the team, chemis- try-wise,” said Samara. “We don’t have drama on the team like what you would normally expect.” 2014 SEASON PREVIEW ● Wisconsin’s eight-match non-confer- ence schedule begins Saturday when New regime: Wisconsin the team travels to Milwaukee to take on Marquette. ready for spring opener The Badgers open their spring sea- son against the Golden Eagles at noon. First-year coach Tina Samara debuts Saturday UW’s all-time record against Mar- quette is 23-3. oming back from win- have a great group of girls who Last year, the Badgers dropped a ter break, team spirit is I know are willing to put in the 4-3 decision to the Golden Eagles, end- C high for the Wisconsin work and stay positive,” said ing a 12-match winning streak against women’s tennis team. With sophomore Lauren Chypyha. their in-state rivales. the addition of Becca Bailey to “We also have an addition to The Badgers continue their opening the roster, the team of seven the team for the semester. We weekend by hosting Northern Illinois is ready to compete in their are all very happy to have Bec- on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Nielsen Tennis opening weekend of the spring ca Bailey this season.” Stadium. Wisconsin’s overall record season. First-year head coach Tina against Northern Illinois is 11-0. The “The team knows we have Samara and assistant coach last time the Badgers faced the Hus- some challenges to overcome Matt Manasse have already kies was 2011, with UW scoring a 7-0 this season, but I think we had to face plenty of challeng- shutout win.

58 // VARSITY January 30, 2014

THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

HARRIS CAN HOOP FEBRUARY 4, 2004: Junior Devin Harris scored 97 points over a three-game span, setting a UW record. Harris just missed becoming the first UW player in history to record three straight 30-point games, scoring 30 vs. Illinois (Jan. 24), 29 at Ohio State (Jan. 28) and a career-high 38 vs. Minnesota (Feb. 4). The 38-point effort was tied for the fourth-most by a Badger.

HOT PUCK FEBRUARY 3, 1996: Max Williams, Troy Howard and Rick Enrico broke a 14-year-old record for the three fastest goals in UW men’s hockey history when they scored three goals within 27 seconds in the third period against Minnesota-Duluth. The Badgers ALSO won the game, 5-3. CAREER MARK THIS FEBRUARY 1, 2009: Women’s hockey coach Mark Johnson earned his 200th career WEEK win as the Badgers defeated Ohio State, 7-0. NOT IN OUR HOUSE JANUARY 31, 2012: The women’s basketball team defeated No. 7 Penn State, 63-61, at the Kohl Center. It was the first victory over a ranked opponent since the 2009-10 sea- { son, and the first win against a top-10 team since the Badgers defeated Baylor in 2008.

60 // VARSITY January 30, 2014