IN FOCUS GETTING A STOP Hoops is his calling, but Minnesota native Mike Bruesewitz also grew up on the ice. He joined UW men’s hockey players Justin Schultz and Derek Lee this week for some pond hockey that will air as a segment on “The Journey” at 7 p.m. Sunday on BTN. PHOTO BY PATRICK HERB FULL HOUSE An NCAA record crowd of 10,668 packed the Kohl Center to watch the No. 1 Badgers take down rival Minnesota in last year’s “Fill the Bowl” game, a mark UW Athletics hopes to top Saturday. Admission is just $1 to watch the Badgers take on Bemidji State at 7 p.m. FILE PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS

JANUARY 26, 2012 CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 25 24 MAN IN THE MIDDLE Jared Berggren’s growth has helped spur the Badgers back into a wide-open Big Ten race

42 DEPARTMENTS » NEXT IN LINE 10 LUCAS AT LARGE Mike Markuson gets a strong by Mike Lucas recommendation from Barry Alvarez as he looks to carry 12 BEHIND THE DESK on Wisconsin’s strong tradi- by Barry Alvarez tion on the offensive line. 14 BADGER BRIEFING News and notes 18 BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW 20 5 THINGS TO WATCH 22 BADGERING... 34 Carolyne Prévost » SIZE MATTERS 56 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Brianna Decker’s big contri- It’s Tucker time butions have the Badgers on 58 THE VOICE the road to another NCAA by Matt Lepay championship.

EDITOR’S NOTE Go ahead, take us with you Varsity is published weekly by: Wisconsin Athletic Communications pple sold 37 million — yes, million — iPhones over Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., the final 14 weeks of last year. And, despite that mind- Madison, WI 53711 Ablowing number, the device lags behind the ever- growing number of Android-powered smartphones in terms of Subscribe to Varsity market share. The fact that the iPhone can sell at an average rate of nearly View All Issues 38,000 per day and still not rule the land speaks to just how mobile our society is becoming when it comes to accessing data on the go. Don’t forget the 15.4 million units of the iPad Brian Lucas that Apple moved over that same span, all on the way to post- Director of Athletic Communications ing a staggering quarterly profit of $13.1 billion — yes, billion. I understand that you’re here for a breakdown of the Bad- Brian Mason gers’ new coaching staff and not new quarterly earnings Editor reports from the Fortune 500, but there’s a point to all this.

Consuming information on a mobile Mike Lucas device is becoming less of a convenience Lead Writer and more of an expectation. Content pro- ducers who aren’t packaging their work Matt Lepay in a mobile-friendly manner are increas- Columnist ingly less likely to reach their audience. Drew Scharenbroch That certainly applies to Varsity, Video Production which was created in the first place to BRIAN provide a concise package for Badgers Drew Pittner-Smith MASON coverage that a website simply can’t. Advertising Mobile devices — especially the ever- growing lineup of tablets — offer a fantastic platform for mag- Contributors azines. There are even a number of news aggregator apps that Karl Anderson, Paul Capobianco, cull information you specify from the web and covert it into a Charlie Healy, Patrick Herb, custom, constantly-updating magazine layout (I can vouch for Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom, Flipboard as a must-have app if you own an iPad). Anna Poulter-Hendrickson One of the major leaps we made for Volume 2 of Varsity — besides implementing a new design and greatly expanding the Photography amount of content in each issue — was changing the page size David Stluka, Greg Anderson, to better fit mobile screens and moving to a new, more mobile- Neil Ament, Ross LaDue, friendly publication platform. Patrick Herb The faster-loading framework we use is much better suited Icon SMI, Associated Press for consumption on mobile devices, allowing readers to zoom, access a text-only reading mode and, perhaps most impor- Problems or Accessibility Issues? tantly, view the videos we embed in every issue. You can even [email protected] download a static version of the magazine for offline reading. If you haven’t taken advantage of this mobile capability, give it a try. Varsity travels well. © 2011 Board of Regents of the Speaking of mobile, we’re in the process of developing a University of Wisconsin System. mobile app for Varsity. What would you like to see included? All rights reserved worldwide. What would be useful to you? Send me your suggestions. LUCAS AT LARGE MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

Tough to find the bottom in deep Big Ten question about Murray Ryan. “The Big Ten Network gets Despite two conference losses, State and where a poten- into so many homes nationally that the Buckeyes continue to loom Atially undefeated Ohio the people out there know how as the favorite to win the Big Ten Valley team might be seeded in the tough it is, 1 through 12.’’ championship, though they still NCAA men’s basketball tourna- Michigan State (4), Ohio State must go on the road to Wisconsin, ment led to a testimonial on an- (9), Indiana (20), Illinois (28), Michigan and Michigan State. other league’s depth and strength. Michigan (29), Wisconsin (33), It’s going to be challenging to Michigan State’s Tom Izzo quali- Northwestern (38), Minnesota (47) get any separation from the pack, if fied his remarks on Monday’s Big and Purdue (50) were all ranked they do. Ten teleconference by professing Addressing the mid-to-late “incredible respect’’ for successful January gridlock, Izzo said, “When programs that carry the “mid-ma- Nebraska beat Indiana you still have eight or nine teams jor’’ label (and/or burden). but still opened the that are legitimately playing for But he also questioned what NCAA spots and a couple of others kind of records — and ultimately week tied for 11th. that can beat those teams … what kind of seeding — some of “I don’t think there’s a “And maybe are playing for these teams might have “if they bottom of the Big Ten NCAA spots but definitely play- had a steady diet of 18 games in an ing for a postseason tournament, ACC or Big Ten schedule.’’ this year,’’ countered I think you’re stating why the Big Izzo cited a football example — Ohio State’s Thad Matta. Ten is the best conference in the Boise State — to support his con- “It’s quite amazing.’’ country from top to bottom.’’ tention. It would be understandable if “I love them and they were a Ryan had a flashback to the 1978- great story,’’ he said. “But you can among the top 50 in RPI. 79 Big Ten season, when he was win (to the degree Boise State has “When you have Carolina and a UW assistant coach and three during the regular season) when Duke, the ACC looks phenomenal teams tied for the league title: you’ve got to plan for only a couple because of those two teams,’’ Izzo Michigan State, Purdue and Iowa. of games a year. But that steady said. “Right now, the Big 12 has Each had 13-5 conference re- diet normally affects you. three teams ranked in the Top 10 cords. Ohio State (12-6) was one “I’m a big fan of Murray State,’’ (Missouri, Kansas and Baylor).’’ game back of the leaders, while he continued. “Could that team Izzo was not diminishing the Indiana (10-8) was fifth. survive in any league? Yes. Would quality of any of those programs. The Magic Johnson-led Spartans it mean they’d win the ACC, Big On the contrary, he stressed, “Con- went on to win the national cham- Ten or Big East? No. ference strength should be ranked pionship, with their last defeat “Just the record alone is not the by the bottom of the conference coming at the hands of 6-12 Wis- criteria that should determine that more than the top.’’ consin in the regular-season finale (seeding).’’ Nebraska beat a ranked Indiana at the UW Field House. Coming into this week, the Big team, but they still they opened the The Badgers were near the bot- Ten had the No. 1 RPI ranking in week tied for 11th. “I don’t think tom of the Big Ten. college basketball. there’s a bottom of the Big Ten this Such was the depth of the con- “Our league has proven that we year,’’ countered Ohio State’s Thad ference then, and now, 33 years can compete,’’ said UW coach Bo Matta. “It’s quite amazing.’’ later.

10 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 LUCAS AT LARGE BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Getting to know Paterno was a pleasure fter I retired from coaching, know how to win — and apply it to fat (bleep) and he was too slow.’’ Joe Paterno wanted to sit what you’re doing at Wisconsin.’’ Any time we beat Penn State, it Adown and talk. He thought I asked him, too, how he had was very gratifying for me because maybe we could get together for survived as a head coach for all of my roots in Pennsylvania and my dinner at his house when our bas- those years in Pennsylvania. Foot- family and friends in Burgettstown ketball teams played at Penn State. ball is so important for the people and Langeloth. It meant bragging We never did get that chance to in the state that they take it to a rights for a year. sit down because of our schedules. different level. I respected the type of football But I remember him telling me, Everybody thinks they know ev- that Penn State played. Joe recruit- “Barry, I’m afraid to retire. All I erything there is to know about the ed tough kids. think about is Bear Bryant when I always felt like he did it the he retired. That’s all I think about.’’ right way. Academics were not A month after retiring, Bryant I always respected Joe’s compromised for athletics. When died from a heart attack. Someone openness, his candor. you meet Penn State guys, they are texted me Sunday — after Pater- legitimate. There’s no question he no’s passing — and reminded me, He was a very intelli- left his mark on them. “Joe said this was going to hap- gent man who always They had to go to school and he pen.’’ had an opinion. There was going to stay on top of them It has been well-documented about being a gentleman and car- how he didn’t have any hobbies. was some pretty good rying themselves the right way. He He told me, “I’ve got all these banter in those Big Ten made them do things right. grandkids and I can go watch them meetings. Joe took pride in not being play Little League.’’ flashy; especially wearing those And then he laughed and said, black shoes because he felt wearing “But I can’t handle 14 walks in an game. Everyone has an opinion on white shoes made you look faster. inning.’’ how the game should be played. So I did just the opposite. I wanted I had a nice relationship with how had he survived so long? to look faster because we were Joe Paterno. He always had time He said that he’d tell his good slow. for me. supporters, “You’ve entrusted me I always respected Joe’s open- During my first year as a Big Ten with this job. Now you have to trust ness, his candor. He was a very coach, I had an opportunity to visit me. I need your support, particu- intelligent man who always had an with him. Growing up in western larly your financial support. I don’t opinion about something. There Pennsylvania, I always respected need your advice. was some pretty good banter in what he meant to the game. “Don’t tell me what plays to call those Big Ten meetings. So I asked him if he had any sug- and who to play. You didn’t always agree with gestions for a new head coach. “Support me … and I do need him, but you respected that he had “You’ve played for one of the your money.’’ an opinion. best, Bob Devaney,’’ he said. I always remembered that. I’ve always likened what he did “You’ve worked for two of the best, We always had fun with each to what Knute Rockne did at Notre Hayden Fry and Lou Holtz. other. People would ask Paterno Dame. “Take the lessons you’ve learned why he didn’t recruit me, and he Joe Paterno put Penn State on from them — because those guys would say, “Because Alvarez was a the map.

12 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 BEHIND THE DESK BADGER BRIEFING

15. In the last three seasons, four Badgers (Jamie McBain, Brendan Smith, Blake Geoffri- on, Justin Schultz) have been among the top-10 finalists, with Blake Geoffrion becoming UW’s first winner in 2010.

TAYLOR EARNS BIG TEN HONOR After averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in a pair of Badgers victories last week, Jordan Taylor was named the Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time in his career on Monday. Taylor was the catalyst Schultz, Zengerle vie as the Bad- gers topped for Hobey fan votes Northwest- ern, 77-57, Fans can cast ballots for Badgers’ top scorers as on Wednesday, and won at No. push begins for Hobey Baker Award 22 Illinois, 67-63, on Sunday. The wins moved the squad to within a half game of first place Wisconsin junior defense- Fans can vote daily. in the Big Ten. man Justin Schultz and sopho- Schultz, one of two 2011 In the win over Northwest- more forward Mark Zengerle Hobey Baker Award top-10 ern, Taylor scored 9 of his are among the 77 listed nomi- finalists playing this season, 15 points during a momen- nees for the 2012 Hobey Baker leads the nation’s defensemen tum-turning 17-2 run early in Memorial Award fan vote. with 12 goals and 37 points, the second half. He hit three Awarded annually to col- while Zengerle leads the coun- 3-pointers in a 1:38 span and lege hockey’s top player, the try with 28 assists and ranks the Badgers turned a tight 38- Hobey Baker’s highly-popular second in the nation with 38 36 contest into a 55-38 cushion fan voting phase runs until points. in a spurt that lasted 4:35. March 1. To cast your vote, visit The top 10 finalists for the Taylor also added six assists www.hobeybakeraward.com. award are announced March and three rebounds in the win

14 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012

BADGER BRIEFING

NOTABLE | In men’s basketball, Wisconsin has won 8 straight games over Indiana, the longest winning streak by any team against the Hoosiers since 1935.

over the Wildcats. Sunday, Taylor had a game- high 19 points and a season- high nine rebounds at Illinois. He also dished out five assists without a turnover and added one steal. Taylor scored seven points (5-for-6 at the free throw line) in the final 32 seconds to help put the game away. He has now scored in double figures in 11 straight games and 17 of the Badgers’ last 18.

HATZ RUNS NATION’S NO.2 TIME IN MILE » Sophomore Alex Hatz ranks No. Alex Hatz laid down the Big sin men’s track and field team 2 nationally in the mile after his Ten’s best mark in the mile this to a win on its home track Sat- run of 4:01.78 on Saturday. season, an effort that helped urday at The Shell. spur his No. 13-ranked Wiscon- The sophomore’s win was to a mark of 4:01.78 for NCAA one of seven events claimed by championships consideration, the Badgers, who scored 150 placing him atop the Big Ten WORDS OF THE WEEK points to hold off Illinois State and second nationally. (128 points) and claim the team “It was a good way to start,” “I always say it’s like title in their own Wisconsin In- Hatz said. “I knew we were somebody coming into vitational. chasing four minutes, so there’s your house and they sit After a long off-season due a little disappointment there, on your couch and they to a nagging injury that forced but it’s a good way to start.” get your remote, and go him to redshirt the 2011 out- Hatz was looking forward to into your refrigerator door season, Hatz got off on the a race to begin getting back in and don’t ask you, and right foot in his return to the form on the track. eat your things. Are you track. “It’s been a long time and going to let them do Teaming up with junior Zach we’ve been ready to race for a that?” Mellon, Hatz cruised to an easy while,” Hatz said. “It’s nice to win in a time of 4 minutes, 3.58 get out here and shake the rust » UW women’s basketball coach seconds. Mellon finished right off. It’s tough, it never feels Bobbie Kelsey after her team behind in second, clocking in at treated Northwestern like quite like we’d like it to, but it’s “univited guests” in a 75-55 win 4:05.18. a good thing to get going, espe- at the Kohl Center on Sunday. Hatz’s performance converts cially at home.”

16 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 TWEETED | Badger Nation: Kohl Center, Saturday night, 7pm, Women’s Hockey, Fill The Bowl. 4 National Championships in the last 6 years. #Dominant « @JJWatt

OLYMPIC HOPEFUL HOWE CLAIMS GOLD Olympic redshirt Andrew Howe was named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Jan. 17-23 after winning a gold med- al in freestyle wrestling at the Guelph Open on Saturday, Jan. « Senior 21, in Guelph, Ontario. Howe QB Russell Wilson is went 4-0 in the tournament, among five notching wins over Canada’s Badgers Cleo Ncube and Chris Prickett taking part in the Senior in his final Bowl this two bouts at week. 74 kg/163 lbs. FIVE BADGERS TAKE game and Antonio Fenelus in Howe, a PART IN SENIOR BOWL the Battle of Florida last week- three-time Five Badgers are participat- end. All-Ameri- ing in this week’s Senior Bowl, The Senior Bowl, essentially can and 2010 including QB Russell Wilson, a week-long tryout for NFL NCAA cham- FB Bradie Ewing, OL Kevin scouts and executives kicked off pion, is tak- Zeitler, P Brad Nortman and LS with practice on Monday and ing an Olympic redshirt this Kyle Wojta. continues through the game on season. The Cedar Lake, Ind., WR Nick Toon was invited Saturday. native placed second at the U.S. to the Senior Bowl but is sitting For coverage of everything World Team Trials in 2010 and out due to a foot injury. going on as the Badgers prep 2011 and won the Hargobind They’re not the only Bad- for the 2012 NFL Draft, be International earlier this sea- gers to be selected for a senior sure to check out the Path to son in Canada. showcase, however, as Aaron the Draft blog on UWBadgers. The USA Olympic Trials are Henry played in the East-West com, which is updated daily set for April 21-22 in Iowa City, Shrine game, Patrick Butrym in with news and links to coverage Iowa. the NFLPA Collegiate All-Star from around the web. Coverage of the Senior Bowl continues throughout the week YOUR TAKE » FACEBOOK.COM/WISCONSINBADGERS on NFL Network with live prac- “I have seen a few comments that say ‘if they make the tourna- tice coverage on Thursday at 10 ment.’ There is no if about it, big ten gets at least 7 teams in and a.m. (CT), a daily recap show at even with a couple more losses the badgers are still in.” 9:30 p.m. Thursday and the Se- » Comment from Dan Calhoun following the UW men’s basketball nior Bowl game at 3 p.m. Sat- team’s 67-63 win at Illinois on Sunday urday.

17 BY THE NUMBERS

The Badgers have won at Illinois and Purdue in the same season for the first time since 1918

WOMEN’S HOCKEY MEN’S BASKETBALL After going to overtime tied After its win at No. 22 Illinois :44 3-3 with No. 8 Minnesota ’18 Sunday, Wisconsin has won Duluth on Saturday, Brooke at Purdue and Illinois in the Ammerman scored the game-winning goal same season for the first time since 1918. for the Badgers just 44 seconds into OT. The That year, the Badgers finished 5-2 on the win marked the first time in program his- road and were crowned champions of the tory the Badgers have won four games in a Big Ten. UW is 6-2 away from home this season against the Bulldogs. season.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL In its win over Northwestern 11 on Sunday, Wisconsin tied a 4:01.78 school record by making 11 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD 3-pointers, going 11-of-27 from beyond the Sophomore Alex Hatz ran the nation’s arc. Leading the way was Morgan Paige, second-fastest time in the mile at 4:01.78 to who set a Kohl Center record with six treys take the event Saturday at the Wisconsin in the 75-55 victory. The Badgers also made Invitational. The win helped the Badgers 11 3-pointers on Nov. 13 against Oral Rob- secure a sweep of the meet’s team titles, as erts. both the men and women scored wins over runner-up Illinois State.

18 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 The Badgers have won at Illinois and Purdue in the same season for the first time since 1918 5 THINGS TO WATCH

FRIDAY / SATURDAY • 7 / 7:30 PM • Fox College Sports / FSN+ Grand matchup in Grand Forks After sweeping Alaska Anchorage last weekend, the men’s hockey team hits the road for a big series with North Dakota. Just two points sepa- rate the two teams in the conference standings and the Badgers look to make a push for home ice in the WCHA playoffs in the latest renewal of a rivalry that is never short on drama.

SATURDAY • 3 PM • NFL Network Seniors take the next step They won back-to-back Big Ten titles, went to two Rose Bowls and won 39 games wearing the Cardinal and White. Now seniors Russell Wilson, Bradie Ewing, Kevin Zeitler, Brad Nortman and Kyle Woijta have the opportunity to play with the “W” on their helmet one last time as they audition for NFL scouts and executives in the Senior Bowl.

SUNDAY • 3 PM • NBC Sports Network Badgers’ stars now all-stars Former UW standouts Brian Elliott, Ryan Suter and Craig Smith have each been named to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, and the former Bad- gers will compete with the game’s best in Ottawa this weekend. The NHL All-Star Draft is Thursday at 7 p.m., while the Skills Competition is Satur- day at 6 p.m. All three events can be seen on NBC Sports Network.

MONDAY • 6:30 PM • BTN Monday night hoops After a Border Battle matchup at Minnesota on Thursday, the women’s basketball team returns home for a contest with Michigan at the Kohl Center. The Wolverines are tied for third in the Big Ten, but the Badgers are coming off their most dominant performance of the season in a 75-55 win over Northwestern last Sunday.

WEDNESDAY • 10 AM • InsideBadgerSports.com Be the first to know The future of Wisconsin football will be revealed Wednesday on Nation- al Signing Day. Join Mike Lucas and guests as they discuss the Badgers’ 2012 class on ‘Signing Day Live,’ a 90-minute show that can be seen on InsideBadgerSports.com. Bret Bielema and his new assistant coaches are scheduled to appear and give their thoughts on the newest Badgers.

20 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012

Badgering...

CAROLYNE PRÉVOST »» WOMEN’S HOCKEY Hailing from Sarnia, Ontario, Carolyne Prévost is an assistant captain competing in her final season with the women’s hockey team. After missing a string of games due to national team duties with Team Canada and an injury in December, Prévost is currently fourth on the team in scoring with 19 goals and 17 assists.

You and Stefanie McKeough are fluent in French, do you ever speak it around you teammates? “Absolutely. We never talk about other people; we just like to practice our French with each other. We’ll usually joke around with different stuff. I think that’s just part of our friendship, to speak French to each other.”

You know Taekwondo and have coached it, what are some of your experiences with that sport? “When I was 9 years old I was doing gymnastics, and that was 25 hours of training each week. That became too much with hockey, so I switched to Taekwondo. During the summers when I’m back home I’ll keep up with that and train. I gave private lessons growing up. I’d teach students about their pattern and their requirements to get their next belt. I’d also coach the fighting portion of the sport. The age groups that I would coach would range from kids to adults.”

What are you looking forward to in this year’s Fill the Bowl game against Bemidji State? “The student section was really exciting last year, seeing the dances that our school always has. Obviously the atmosphere was great and how loud it gets. It’s exciting when it’s in your own building and it’s definitely an advantage when it’s your own crowd cheering you on and giving you that extra energy. I think it’s going to be a great experience for Bemidji to be a part of.”

You scored a hat trick against Bemidji State two years ago in the Camp Randall Hockey Classic. Are you expecting anything special this weekend? “They have a really good goalie so I usually don’t expect a hat trick, but we’re hoping for two wins. I think that’s all we need to look forward to and just have two good games.”

22 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012

THE BIG PICTURE As he continues to grow into the big shoes Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil left behind, Jared Berggren’s improved play has helped spark a turnaround that has Wisconsin near the top of a turbulent Big Ten

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA DAVID THE BIG PICTURE As he continues to grow into the big shoes Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil left behind, Jared Berggren’s improved play has helped spark a turnaround that has Wisconsin near the top of a turbulent Big Ten

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM JARED BERGGREN

isconsin associate head coach Greg Gard had a picture in mind while evaluating Jared Berggren at the high school level. Like all good recruiters, he pictured Berggren’s game as a college player. Four years into his Badger career, Berggren has begun to blos- som. W“Jared Berggren is playing at a high level right now,’’ said Indiana’s Tom Crean. “He’s a big key to what we’re going to do this year,’’ said Wisconsin’s Bo Ryan. Given this backdrop, is this the Berggren that Gard envisioned years ago? “He’s starting to get there,’’ Gard said. “I think he’ll start becoming even more effective on the block (low post) because he has some real potential to do a lot of good things there.’’ Berggren has exceeded Gard’s expectations in one notable area. “Perimeter shooting is something that he didn’t do a lot of in high school; he didn’t come in here as a 3-point shooter,’’ Gard said. “Even in AAU ball, he was down in the lane most of the time. “That perimeter shot is something that he has worked on and developed.’’ DAVID STLUKA DAVID

Going into the Badgers’ game at Illinois last The irony is that Berggren has shot a higher Sunday, Berggren had made only six of 22 at- percentage outside of the Kohl Center. In six tempts (.273) from beyond the 3-point arc true road games, he’s now 11-of-22 (.500) from against Big Ten opponents. That included a beyond the arc. That includes going 3-of-6 at Il- 1-for-11 stretch against Iowa and Michigan State. linois. “Jared can pick-and-pop a little, he can shoot “I had a few open looks,’’ Berggren said, “and the 3, he shoots the heck out of it in practice,’’ they happened to go down and sometimes that Ryan said. “In certain games he has shown that can help a guy get going a little bit — it helped ability. He’s just trying to get a little more con- my confidence — and I got rolling from there.’’ sistency.’’ Berggren finished with 18 points against the Il-

26 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 THE BIG PICTURE

“I was not always be- ing aggressive,’’ said Berggren.“You have to look to be aggressive with- in the offense and continue to play hard. I knew things would start to come around eventually.’’ lini – only the second time in eight Big Ten games that he has scored in double-figures. He had 12 points against Iowa and nine twice since then. Did the drop-off in production from the non- conference games disappoint Berggren? “Yeah, a little bit,’’ he admitted. “Since we started Big Ten play, my numbers and my perfor- mance have dropped down a little bit. I thought I had a little more to show.’’ That factored into his mindset preparing for the Illini and 7-1 center Meyers Leonard, who’s already being projected as a potential lottery pick in the NBA once he declares for the draft. “I was a little more psyched,’’ Berggren said. “You know that you’ve got to be sharp on every- thing, especially defensively. He was the empha- sis of our scouting report. “You don’t want to give him any easy touches. You have to be physical with him. If he’s going to catch it, make sure it’s off the block where he has

to make a great move to score. STLUKA DAVID “If you let him catch it down low, he’s so long and skilled, he’s going to finish 90 percent of the time or more. So you have to front him and keep the ball out of his hands as much as possible. “In preparing for him the last few days we knew that he was a very talented player and it did give me a little extra motivation knowing I’ve got a big matchup and I’ve got to perform for my team.’’ Berggren’s ability to stretch the Illinois defense with his 3-point range definitely took Leonard out

27 JARED BERGGREN

of his comfort zone defensively — which is hang- western. “I was not posting hard or I was passing ing around the rim and blocking shots. up some shots and taking questionable shots. “That’s a big part of our offense, you have to “You have to look to be aggressive within the defend us outside as well as inside,’’ Berggren offense and continue to play hard. I knew things said, “and when 3-point shots go down like that would start to come around eventually.’’ (9-of-22 as a team), our offense looks pretty So did Gard, especially from beyond the good. 3-point arc. “I tried to keep an aggressive mindset (on of- “We were trying to emphasize more touches fense) and keep attacking.’’ on the block and getting better inside looks than In addition to his 3-point hits, Berggren also we were anything from the perimeter,’’ Gard scored on a nicely executed screen-and-roll said. “There were some (3’s) that he rushed or flushing with authority. “That’s what big guys al- hurried. ways look for, so it definitely felt good,’’ he said, “When his feet were set and he was open and grinning. his shoulders were square, he could jump into

“He has been a little up-and-down,’’ head coach Bo Ryan said of Berggren this sea- son. “When he’s up, he can make all the difference in the world in our team.’’ DAVID STLUKA DAVID

Gard pointed out that Berggren’s perimeter it — or have momentum going into it — those shooting is a product of the system. And when rhythm shots are always the higher percentage he wasn’t making his shot, Gard said, “We didn’t shots. talk to him about it — that was the biggest thing.’’ “When we’ve been at our best as an offense, Instead, they reinforced fundamentals and en- we’ve always had 4’s (power forward) or 5’s couraged him to “keep doing what you do well.’’ (centers), or at least one combination on the The fact is Berggren knew what he wasn’t do- floor that could stretch defenses. ing well when he was struggling on offense. “It puts a lot of pressure (on the opponent) be- “I was not always being aggressive,’’ said Berg- cause you can’t leave your big at the rim, then it gren who played only 18 minutes against North- starts opening up lanes, whether it’s for Jordan

28 » VARSITY JANUARY 19, 2012 ASSOCIATED PRESS JARED BERGGREN

(Taylor) or Josh (Gasser) or Ben (Brust).’’ of Minneapolis — he saw the big picture. Ryan is Berggren played 33 minutes against Illinois. seeing those same things today. He had been averaging 26 in his 20 previous “He has been a little up-and-down,’’ said starts. By comparison, he played in 29 games Ryan, leaving little doubt on the upside for the last season with one start. He averaged 6.9 min- Badgers. utes. “When he’s up, he can make all the difference “He got a little bit of experience last year but he in the world in our team.’’ wasn’t in the heat of the fire,’’ Gard said. “When it came to crunch time, Jon (Leuer) or Keaton (Nankivil) were going to be in there.’’ Is Berggren’s confidence level where it needs to be? You could probably ask that of any of Wisconsin’s first- year starters. That’s why Gard said, “For Jared to be in these types of scenarios is great in terms of his growth and de- velopment.’’ He was quick to add, “You can’t give somebody confi- dence. They have to earn it themselves.’’ Thus, the inevitable grow- ing pains for Berggren and Brust and Ryan Evans. “It’s human nature that if you don’t play well or if things don’t go well then you get down a little bit and your confidence can waiver,’’ Gard said. “As Jared continues to grow and mature and understand what makes him good, that won’t happen as much even if he does play poorly at times or things don’t go his way.’’ When Gard was recruiting Berggren out of Princeton, Minn. — 45 miles northwest ICON SMI

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UF COMMUNICATIONS

34 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 WOMEN’S HOCKEY

SMALL PACKAGE, BIG HEART Brianna Decker doesn’t let her small stature get in the way of bringing a big game to the ice. Instead, the junior has used size to her advantage in becoming the nation’s top goal scorer

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

rianna Decker was between “classes’’ — those she attends on campus to work towards a degree in Family Studies and those she participates in as a member of the UW women’s hockey team. Tuesday’s “class/practice’’ wasn’t scheduled to start for Banother two hours. “I’m still learning and it’s definitely a classroom (on the ice) consid- ering coach Johnson teaches us that way, too,’’ Decker said of Badger coach Mark Johnson. “I look at him as a teacher, not a coach.’’ Decker, a high-scoring junior from Dousman, Wis., would like to be- come a coach when she’s done playing. When that was relayed to John- son, he asked inquisitively, “She does?’’

35 BRIANNA DECKER

“Because I’m so small I feel like I should play more physi- cal,’’ Decker said. “I think people kind of misjudge how strong I am just because I’m smaller. But I’m kind of a lit- tle brickhouse.’’

While giving his endorsement — “She’d make a good one,’’ he said — Johnson couldn’t resist the temptation to tease Decker about her spirit and fiery make-up. “That would be good for her,’’ he said of Deck- er’s intentions of joining the profession, “then she’d have to handle players like herself — com- petitive as she is.’’ Johnson chuckled. “If you go on the ice with her and there’s one puck,’’ he said, “chances are she’s going to com- pete and try to hang onto that puck as long as she can. That’s just the type of player she is. “She doesn’t like to lose on the scoreboard and doesn’t like to lose any battles on the ice.’’ Decker attributed her competitiveness, in part, to growing up with three brothers. Plus, she added, “I played with the boys’ (teams) up until high school and I had to be physical.’’ That competitive nature is a byproduct of standing 5-foot-4. “Because I’m so small I feel like I should play more physical,’’ she said. “I think people kind of misjudge how strong I am just because I’m smaller. But I’m kind of a little brickhouse.’’ Decker giggled. “I can be pretty scrappy in the corners. A lot of game because you’re not allowed to check.’’ times my shoulders are up to their stomachs on At that, Johnson believes Decker’s competi- some of the taller D (defensemen) and I can use tiveness can work against her. “Sometimes good my low center of gravity to my advantage.’’ players are their own worst enemies,’’ he said. Johnson agreed whole-heartedly — with an “She can get frustrated because she’s so com- emphasis on the “heart’’ that she plays with. petitive.’’ “She’s tough to knock off the puck,’’ he said. That frustration, Johnson said, can result “She’s very competitive and being competitive from “people hooking or holding her and elimi- and physical go hand-in-hand in the women’s nating her from getting some scoring chances’’

36 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 SMALL PACKAGE, BIG HEART

PREVIEWING SATURDAY’S ‘FILL THE BOWL’ GAME Lauren Unser and Brittany Haverstock look ahead to this weekend’s series with Bemidji State, in- cluding Saturday’s “Fill The Bowl” game, and the team’s Twitter campaign to drum up support.

in a game where “the referees are not calling overall with 59 points. In 26 games, she has anything.’’ 27 goals; four more than UW teammate Hilary It should not be surprising that opponent’s Knight. have so much respect for her skill and value to That brings context to the type of season that the Badgers. “The hard part with her success,’’ Decker is enjoying considering Knight’s stature Johnson said, “is that people are taking notice.’’ as the school’s career scoring leader and one of What might Johnson say to Decker when her the elite goal-scorers in the history of the sport. frustration appears to be getting the better of “I have a knack for the net,’’ Decker said, ex- her? “He might say something along the lines of plaining, “I would say that I can see openings on not being so hard on myself,’’ she said. the net and where the goalie is standing but I’ve Easier said than done? Her body language at had a hard time aiming the puck in a certain di- times, she conceded, can reflect as much. rection. “I show emotion,’’ she acknowledged. “At that “I still have to work on accuracy and hitting moment, I react and show my frustration be- those spots. Obviously, I’ve been finding the net cause I’m so competitive. I just need to not get so pretty well this year. But there’s always room for frustrated with myself and play the next shift.’’ improvement to get the shot you really want to Whatever she’s doing, it’s working. get.’’ Decker is the leading goal-scorer in women’s That has been one of the lessons that Johnson college hockey and the second-leading scorer has taught her.

37 BRIANNA DECKER

“You really can’t fill someone’s shoes like ing and that’s how my game has grown on the that,” Decker said of 2011 Patty Kazmaier ice,’’ she said. Award winner Meghan Duggan. “But I want As a sophomore, to get close to it.’’ Decker played with Meghan Duggan, the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Award winner. “She really pushed me and gave me a lot of confi- dence to be able to play at this level,’’ Decker said. Decker was first -ex DAVID STLUKA DAVID posed to Duggan dur- ing the Olympic tryouts prior to her freshman season with the Bad- gers. Decker didn’t make the cut, but she chalked it up as another learn- ing experience. Duggan was an “He has mentioned my accuracy to me be- Olympian and the fore,’’ she said. quintessential captain, along with being a men- To this end, Johnson related a conversation tor to Decker. that he had with Steve Yzerman, who scored 692 “She was always positive (in the locker room); goals during his illustrious Hall of Fame career I never heard one negative thing come out of her with the Detroit Red Wings. mouth,’’ Decker said. “That really reflects on the They had visited for about 10 minutes after team chemistry. a practice when Yzerman excused himself. “He “Even when she personally wasn’t perform- says, ‘I’ve got to go back on the ice and work on ing like she wanted to (on the ice), she never let my shot,’’’ said Johnson, still shaking his head at that affect the team. She made the memory. sure the team was upbeat and » Decker sent the Badgers “Here’s a guy who had scored over 500 NHL ready to go. to the Frozen goals (at that stage of his career) and he’s work- “You really can’t fill some- Four final last ing on his shot after practice. It’s like golfers one’s shoes like that. year with her game-winner working on little things. Good players fine-tune “But I want to get close to against Boston their game.’’ it.’’ College with Decker has been doing that since her fresh- One thing she may have just 48 seconds remaining in man year when a broken wrist sidelined her for learned from Duggan is how the national nine games. “I’ve focused on my off-ice train- to deal with high expectations. semifinal.

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BRIANNA DECKER

“If you go on the ice with her and there’s one puck, chances are she’s going to compete and try to hang onto that puck as long as she can,” Mark Johnson said of Decker. “That’s just the type of player she is.” UF COMMUNICATIONS

“Being ranked No. 1 and coming off a national Kohl Center for Saturday night’s “Fill the Bowl’’ championship we’re going to have that target on matchup against Bemidji State; especially since us,’’ Decker reasoned. the Second Harvest Foodbank will be a benefi- “But I’ve been told that pressure is privilege. ciary. Katey Stone says that a lot.’’ A year ago, the Badgers drew 10,668 fans for Stone, the Harvard coach, has been active the promotion. “It would be awesome if we could with the U.S. National Team program. get the same turnout if not better,’’ Decker said. “I really look at that as a true statement,’’ Beyond supporting such a worthy cause — the Decker said, “in the sense that if you’re not feel- money and goods that will be donated to the ing pressure you’re not in the place where you food bank — she said, “It would be nice to see want to be. So it’s kind of nice we’re ranked No. how many people support women’s hockey.’’ 1.’’ Spoken like a coach. Or someone who aspires Decker would love to see a big crowd at the to become one.

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MAKING A CONNECTION The Badgers’ new offensive line coach spent 19 years working with one head coach, but an even older relationship helped bring Mike Markuson from Mississippi all the way to Madison

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

hen Houston Nutt called ent offenses, but he understands what we’re all Wisconsin athletic direc- about.’’ tor Barry Alvarez to put in a In taking over as the UW’s offensive line good word for his offensive coach, Markuson admitted that he really hasn’t line coach of 19 years — Mike had much communication with Alvarez over the MarkusonW — Alvarez couldn’t help but smile. last few years other than to say “Hi’’ at the con- “I’m thinking to myself, ‘You don’t have to sell vention. me on Markuson — I know he’s a good coach,’’ “I’ll be honest with you,’’ Markuson said, “I Alvarez said. “I’ve followed Mike’s career and would periodically write him (Alvarez) a note he’s very passionate about what he does.’’ back in my early days. My first couple of years In 1989, Alvarez was the defensive coordina- at Arkansas, I even came up to visit when he was tor at Notre Dame — his final season with the the head coach. Irish before taking the UW job — and Markuson “To me how it all came together was Coach was a graduate assistant on Lou Holtz’s staff. Alvarez. I know he was influential with Coach “Mike was trained by one of the best O- Bielema in helping get me to Wisconsin. I’m line coaches ever in Joe Moore,’’ said Alvarez. thankful for that and proud as punch to be a “Markuson is a tough guy and understands Badger.’’ physical football. How proud? “It’s a dream come true,’’ he said, “When I called Bret, he told me that he had al- “because we’ve always talked about it.’’ ready made contact with him. I was really happy Working for the Badgers actually came up in about that. Mike has coached in a lot of differ- conversation less than a month ago.

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TITLEMIKE MARKUSON

“Ironically enough we were coming from back from Minnesota, where we had spent Christ- mas,’’ recounted Markuson, who was born and raised in Farmington, Minn. “To me how it all came to- “We were headed to Kentucky to show my gether was Coach Alvarez,” daughter the University of Kentucky campus when we were driving around Madison and I Markuson said. “I know he said, ‘This would be a great place to live and was influential with Coach coach.’’’ Bielema in helping get me That was on December 28. Markuson, 50, has since gotten his wish. to Wisconsin. I’m thankful “I’ve studied and watched Wisconsin and I’ve for that and proud as punch got cut-ups of what they do,’’ he said. “I’ve al- to be a Badger.’’ ways been impressed with the kind of kids that they were able to cultivate and develop in that program.’’

44 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 TITLE MAKING A CONNECTION

In short bursts, Markuson rattled off “the great running attacks ... the play-action passing game ... the great running backs ... all the guys (offensive linemen) that they’ve put in the pros. “Man, to be a part of that is so ex- citing — to see what they do, what they believe in and how it gets done — because Coach B and Coach A have such high expectations and a recipe for success.’’ Alvarez earlier referenced Marku- son’s first mentor: the late Joe Moore, who was viewed as one of the top offensive line coaches in the country during his nine-year stints at Pitt and Notre Dame. “He (Moore) could make his play- ers feel like Superman and play like Superman,’’ Markuson said. “He New LBs coach Buh could break things down in the sim- plest terms and make guys under- up to speed on Badgers stand what he wanted done.’’ BY MIKE LUCAS Another mentor to Markuson was Brad Seely, who’s currently the Thanks to a Digital Video Recorder and an old game assistant head coach and special tape, Andy Buh was able to do his homework and get an team’s coordinator of the San Fran- early read on the personnel and personality of the Wis- cisco 49ers. consin defense. Markuson was a graduate assis- Those preliminary steps in the discovery phase whet tant at Oklahoma State at the same his appetite to find out more. time that Seely was the O-line coach “When I was first approached,’’ he said, “the first on running teams that featured thing I did was look at some games. I’ve always been Thurman Thomas and Barry Sand- intrigued by the Big Ten and I’m excited to finally get a ers. taste of that brand of football.’’ The irony wasn’t lost on Marku- The 35-year-old Buh, UW’s new linebackers coach, son, either. had the recent Rose Bowl between the Badgers and In 1988, he watched Sanders win Oregon on DVR and the 2010 game between Wisconsin the Heisman by setting the NCAA and San Jose State on file. record for touchdowns and now The latter was a common opponent. For the last two he’ll be grooming a UW offensive seasons, Buh has been the defensive coordinator at the line to block for Montee Ball, who University of Nevada. The Wolf Pack also played San tied that TD mark in 2011. Jose State in 2010. » Continues on Page 39

45 TITLEMIKE MARKUSON

“I’m ready to go to work,’’ Markuson said. “All good things have to For the first time in nearly two decades, come to an end,’’ Marku- Markuson will not be working for Nutt, who fostered Markuson’s growth as an offensive line son said of his 19-year run coach at Murray State, Boise State, Arkansas coaching with Houston and Mississippi. Nutt. “Meeting new people Ideology cemented their bond. “We were always on the same page and got and getting in a new system along,’’ Markuson said. “I relish all the days I and going out there and do- spent with him and what he did for me and my family and the impact that he had on me as a ing something different is coach. invigorating.’’ “We always believed in running the football and play-action passes.’’

46 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 TITLE MAKING A CONNECTION

Markuson has been around some That was the backdrop to Buh formally meeting in special running backs, too, includ- Madison with Wisconsin’s co-defensive coordinators: ing the Arkansas tag-team of Dar- defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and secondary ren McFadden and Felix Jones; a coach Chris Ash. couple of 1,000-yard rushers. “We met quite a bit through this whole process,’’ said The Badgers beat the Hogs, 17-14, Buh. “It was normal conversational stuff; most of it was in the 2007 Capital One Bowl and me listening and then responding to some of the ques- Markuson still hasn’t forgotten how tions that they had. UW cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu “We started talking tackled McFadden from behind, about family and where saving a touchdown. I’ve been and who I’ve “We were amazed he caught coached and we then tran- him,’’ said Markuson, noting Pey- sitioned into some (defen- ton Hillis was also in that backfield sive) schemes and how I with McFadden and Jones. In 2010, coached. Hillis rushed for over 1,000 yards “They really seemed like with the Cleveland Browns. pros. It never felt like an “Good backs can make a great interview.’’ offensive line,’’ he went on. “Those Maybe that’s because guys got into the hole so fast that Buh has been in their big things happened. It might be position. stop, stop and one goes for 70 or 80 “When you’ve been a yards.’’ coordinator like I’ve been Breaking from Nutt has afforded here (Nevada),’’ he said, Markuson a fresh start. “you rely on your staff “All good things have to come to which typically doesn’t get an end,’’ he rationalized. “Meeting the credit that the coordi- new people and getting in a new nator does. system and going out there and do- “But the strength of a coordinator is his staff – the ing something different is invigo- continuity that is there – and being able to bring up rating.’’ ideas and figure out things together in a quick and de- Although he doesn’t have a per- tailed manner.’’ sonal connection to Wisconsin’s new Buh is replacing Dave Huxtable, who had taken a offensive coordinator Matt Canada, similar career path. Huxtable gave up his defensive he has a link to him through one of coordinator’s title at Central Florida to coach the Badger his former colleague at Arkansas. linebackers during the 2011 season. “We’re all connected to some- “It wasn’t an issue to change titles,’’ Buh emphasized. one,’’ he said. “It’s a small frater- “Wisconsin is a national program chasing Big Ten nity.’’ titles and national championships. They’re competing Alvarez was probably thinking at the highest level and they have a record that reflects a the same thing. consistent winner. “Mike will be an unbelievable fit “That made my decision to be a position coach again here,’’ Alvarez said. very easy.’’ » Read More on UWBadgers.com

47 INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB

SCHEDULE (16-5, 5-3) Last Five Jan. 8 at #16 Michigan L, 41-59 Jan. 12 at Purdue W, 67-62 Jan. 15 Nebraska W, 50-45 Jan. 18 Northwestern W, 77-57 Jan. 22 at #22 Illinois W, 67-63

This Week Thur. #16 Indiana 8 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 31 at Penn State 7 p.m. Feb. 4 #4 Ohio State 1 p.m. Feb. 9 at Minnesota 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at #10 Michigan St. 6 p.m. Feb. 19 Penn State TBA

Eight is great, 9 would be divine » No. 25 Wisconsin hosts No. 16 In- diana Thursday looking to extend a streak of dominance that hasn’t been matched in nearly 80 years. The Badgers have beaten the Hoosiers eight straight times, which is the most consecutive vic- tories over IU by any team since Thursday vs. Indiana a 1935. (fashion) statement game » Wisconsin has defeated Indiana 10 straight times at the Kohl Cen- UW coaching staff to wear suits and sneakers ter. The Hoosiers have not won in Madison since 1999, prior to Bo Ryan’s arrival. his weekend marks the “Suits and Sneakers” is

Tannual Coaches vs. Can- an initiative of the Ameri- Road work cer “Suits and Sneakers” can Cancer Society and the » Wisconsin is 6-2 away from the collaboration across college National Association of Bas- Kohl Center this season, including basketball. With the Badgers ketball Coaches (NABC) to four true road wins. being off over the weekend, demonstrate support for the Bo Ryan and his staff will American Cancer Society. » The Badgers lead the Big Ten with be breaking out their adi- Thursday’s festivities also six road and neutral-site wins. das running shoes with their include a celebrity free throw UW’s four true road wins are tied suits at Thursday’s Big Ten shooting contest with Steve with Michigan State (also 4-2) as showdown with Indiana. Stricker and Mark Tauscher. the most in the conference.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE (6-13, 2-5) Last Five Jan. 5 at #18 Purdue L, 52-63 Jan. 8 at Illinois W, 70-67 Jan. 15 #15 Nebraska L, 69-75 Jan. 19 at Iowa L, 57-69 Jan. 22 Northwestern W, 75-55

This Week Thursday at Minnesota 7 p.m. Monday Michigan 6:30 p.m.

Next Five Feb. 2 Iowa 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at #9 Ohio State 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at #18 Penn State 6 p.m. Feb. 16 Michigan State 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at #19 Nebraska 1 p.m.

Scoring from deep » Wisconsin tied a school and Kohl Center record against Northwest- ern Sunday by making 11 3-point- ers. Sophomore Morgan Paige set the individual Kohl Center record by making six treys, including four straight late in the first half. In its last three games, UW is UW takes first Big Ten shooting 44.8 percent (30-of-67) from 3-point range while oppo- home win in stride nents are shooting just 22.4 per- Badgers expect more as season continues cent (13-of-58). The Badgers have averaged 10 triples made per game over the stretch. hen the Badgers de- for UW since defeating Saint Wfeated Northwestern Louis on Dec. 5. Balanced scoring 75-55 on Sunday in the Kohl While the Badgers were » The Badgers have had balanced Center, you didn’t see a big excited about giving a home scoring their last three games, with celebration by the UW team. crowd of more than 8,500 four players in double figures vs. The win was the Badgers’ fans a win, expectations are Nebraska on Jan. 12, three play- first Big Ten home victory of higher as the Big Ten season ers in double-digits at Iowa on Jan. the season, moving them into counts down. The win wasn’t 19 and three vs. Northwestern on a tie for ninth in the confer- a surprise to the team so fans Sunday. Wisconsin has had at least ence standings. The win was should also expect more wins three players in double figures in 10 also the first home triumph — both home and away. games this year.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE (12-10-2, 7-9-2) Home ice the goal for Last Five Jan. 7 RIT W, 2-1 surging Wisconsin Jan. 13 at Minnesota State W, 4-0 Badgers have gone 7-2-1 since Nov. 25 Jan. 14 at Minnesota State L, 3-0 Jan. 20 Alaska Anchorage W, 4-0. Jan. 21 Alaska Anchorage W, 3-2

he competition heats up Kohl Center. This Week Tfor the Badgers as the Six of UW’s next 10 games Friday at North Dakota 7:30 p.m. last 10 games of the regular are on the road, including Saturday at North Dakota 7 p.m. season begin this weekend series against three of the Next Five with a trip to North Dakota. six teams currently holding Feb. 3 St. Cloud State 7 p.m. The Badgers have put to- down home-ice spots for the Feb. 4 St. Cloud State 8 p.m. gether a 7-2-1 run over their first round of the playoffs. Feb. 17 Denver 7 p.m. last 10 games and look to The Badgers have climbed Feb. 18 Denver 7 p.m. carry that momentum into one spot to ninth in the Feb. 24 at Bemidji State 7:30 p.m. their final 10 league games. league standings over the Victories over the last past two weeks, but more 10 games include contests importantly have drawn to Joel Rumpel became just the sec- against Atlantic Hockey within two points of sixth- ond UW freshman to post two members Mercyhurst and place North Dakota for the shutouts in a season, joining Terry RIT, as well as Minnesota final home-ice position. Kleisinger, who did it during the State and Alaska Anchorage 1980–81 season. No Badgers goal- — the teams in 11th and 12th Rumpel stepping up ie has three shutouts as a frosh. place in the WCHA stand- » With his first two career Rumpel is 4-1-0 with a 1.01 goals- ings — and most of those shutouts coming on the against average and .964 save per- games were played at the last two Fridays, goalie centage in 2012.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LADUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (22-2-2, 16-2-2) Last Five Jan. 7 at #2 Minnesota L, 1-0 Jan. 14 at #6 North Dakota W, 8-2 Jan. 15 at #6 North Dakota T, 4-4 Jan. 20 #8 Minn. Duluth W, 2-2 Jan. 21 #8 Minn. Duluth W, 4-3

This Week Friday Bemidji State 7 p.m. Saturday Bemidji State 7 p.m.

Next Five Feb. 3 Minnesota State 2 p.m. Feb. 5 Minnesota State 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at. St. Cloud State 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at. St. Cloud State 2 p.m. Feb. 17 Ohio State 2 p.m.

Big games against the Beavers » Prior to last year’s record-breaking attendance at the Kohl Center, the NCAA mark was the 8,263 fans that attended the women’s game during the Culver’s Camp Randall Hockey Classic, which also happened to be against Saturday’s opponent, Bemi- dji State. Carolyne Prévost recorded Badgers use Twitter to a hat trick in that game, a feat Hil- ary Knight matched earlier this year support #FillTheBowl against the Beavers to set the Bad- UW attempts to break NCAA record Saturday gers’ record for career points. Conference shakedown f you’re on Twitter, you It is more than that, though, » The Badgers remain in first place in Imay have noticed a mas- as the team is attempting to the WCHA with 51 points, holding a sive amount of tweets being break its own NCAA single- six-point lead on second-place Min- sent out from the Badgers game attendance record, set nesota and a 15-point cushion on asking different celebrities last year at 10,668. third-place North Dakota. Only 10 and sports personalities to Already boasting the best points separate third through sixth help promote Saturday’s Fill attendance figures in the na- place in the standings. There are the Bowl game. tion, the team is asking all still eight games remaining in the At first glance, the objec- Badgers fans to come out Sat- regular season, meaning each team tive seems easy — get as many urday night and help “Fill the could earn as many as 24 points be- fans to the game as possible. Bowl.” fore the season ends.

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Led by senior Alando Tucker, the 2006-07 Badgers won a school-record 30 games.

January 28, 2007 Tucker’s time to shine Led by a game-high 21 points from Alando Tucker — who became just the second Badger to surpass the 2,000-point plateau — the No. 2-ranked men’s basketball team defeated Iowa, 57-46, to win its school-record 17th-consecutive game. That extended a stretch that saw UW go 67 days without losing a game and helped the Badgers ascend to No. 1 in the Associated Press poll for the first time in school history on Feb. 19.

January 27, 1985 SETTING THE PACE: Cathy Branta broke the Badgers’ school record and the Big Ten’s all-time mark in the indoor 1,500 meters with the time of 4:18.74.

ALSO January 27, 2009 THIS GOING FOR GOLD: Women’s hockey coach Mark Johnson was named coach of the WEEK U.S. women’s national team for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. January 29, 1977 LIGHTING THE LAMP: Steve Alley set the UW mark for the fastest two goals by a player when he scored goals 10 seconds apart against Michigan State.

56 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012

THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS Working with legendary Irwin a privilege

uring the 1989 and 1990 As for your truly, I was a twenty- rific work. But I think we all under- Badger football seasons, I something kid from Ohio still trying stand that hearing Jim Irwin’s voice Dhad the privilege of work- to figure out the business. The next takes us back to so many memo- ing with legendary announcer Jim think I knew, I was sitting next to a rable moments. Irwin. In those days, Jim did the Wisconsin broadcasting icon. From Wes Matthews’ half-court play-by-play alongside Elroy Hirsch While those were trying times heave to beat Michigan State in and Brian Manthey. My role was for the Badgers and their fans, the 1979, when he told his listeners, hosting the pregame, halftime and 1989 and 1990 football seasons are “Yes! He made it! He made it! He postgame shows. years that I cherish. Why? Because made it, and we win the ballgame! I certainly knew about Jim. In Jim could not have been more wel- 83 to 81! From mid-court! Wesley those days, every sports fan in coming to someone who was still Matthews made it!” to football’s Wisconsin was familiar with the fairly new to the industry. 1981 upset of No. 1 Michigan. name. Among his many duties, Jim On that September afternoon, Ir- was the voice of the Badgers, the win described Matt VandenBoom’s Milwaukee Bucks and, most nota- Someone like Jim could three interceptions, including the bly, the Green Bay Packers. When have “big timed” me, pick that sealed the game: “This is needed, he would fill in for Bob the last play of the game. He fires Uecker on the Brewers’ broadcasts. but he always offered it over the middle. Picked off! The He did it all. On Friday, Jim words of encourage- Badgers win it. With 2 seconds to would call a Bucks game. On Satur- ment. In a sense, per- go, Matt VandenBoom intercepts day, he would be in the booth for a the ball!” » Hear Irwin’s Calls Badgers game, and then he would haps he was taking me Then there was the Packers’ Su- either head up to Lambeau Field or under his wing. per Bowl XXXI victory against the race to catch a plane to wherever New England Patriots: “The Vince the Packers were playing Sunday. Lombardi Trophy is coming home It was quite the schedule, but Someone like Jim could have where it started!” Jim was the consummate profes- “big timed” me, but he always Hearing those calls is like turn- sional. There is a reason he is a Hall offered words of encouragement. ing back the clock and being a kid of Famer. In a sense, perhaps he was taking again. Like so many sports fans in this me under his wing. It was only 22 I am proud to say that I had the state and beyond, I am saddened Saturdays, but for me they were im- chance to work with Jim Irwin. I at the news of his passing. Irwin portant Saturdays, and Jim made was very lucky to have had that op- died earlier this week in Southern me feel as though I was a big part of portunity. It isn’t every day that one California at age 77. the Badgers’ radio crew. can say he was able to spend time For many years, Jim Irwin was He did not have to be that way, with a Hall of Famer who was gra- the voice of teams that had very but he was. The same goes for Jim’s cious, supportive and just a pretty little success. When we worked lovely wife, Gloria, who often joined down-to-earth man who loved his together for those two years on the him in Madison for those home craft and performed it at a level that UW football broadcasts, the Bad- football games. most of us can only hope to reach. gers’ record was 3-19. On the field, Jim retired more than a decade Rest in peace, Jim. Thank you those seasons were anything but ago, and clearly the Packers have a for all of your wonderful calls, and pretty, but Jim had plenty of energy great announcer in Wayne Larrivee. thank you for believing in that and was the eternal optimist. The Bucks’ Ted Davis also does ter- young broadcaster.

58 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS