TAKING IT ALL IN Montee Ball was front and center as a finalist last weekend, joining his fellow finalists for a stroll through Times Square in New York before Saturday’s big presentation. PHOTO BY KENT GIDLEY IN FOCUS COMING DECEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 15, 2011 CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 19 16 THE RING IS THE THING Hilary Knight already has played her way into the discussion as one of the best in the women’s game, but the senior has her eyes set on winning another NCAA title at Wisconsin.

36 DEPARTMENTS » IN CONFIDENCE Now a sophomore, guard 8 LUCAS AT LARGE by Mike Lucas Josh Gasser is learning to be a more aggressive scorer for 10 BEHIND THE DESK the Badgers. by 12 BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW 14 5 THINGS TO WATCH 44 INSIDE BASKETBALL 48 INSIDE HOCKEY 52 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY 26 Badgers double up » TAILBACK’S TOUR What do you get the man 54 THE VOICE by Matt Lepay who has 38 touchdowns? How about award show trips to Orlando and New York?

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© 2011 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

Badgers get back to business of bowl prep he Best Buy Theater sits on “A couple of former practices. It also speaks to trying to the corner of Broadway and Heisman winners came keep things fresh, especially since TWest 44th Street. the Badgers are returning to the The venue features one of the up to me and talked same bowl for a second-consecu- largest high-definition marquee about how much they tive year. screens in Times Square. However, there is a caveat to If you haven’t been to New York really respect the way all of this tweaking; or whatever City recently, you may remember we play football at Wis- tweaking takes place. it as the Nokia Theater. Twisted consin,” Bielema said. “We can’t over-think ourselves,’’ Sister, the Wu-Tang Clan and the Bielema cautioned. “We have to Disco Biscuits are booked for De- stick to the things that we’re strong cember. Last Saturday night, it was complimentary and I thought that at, and keep everything in perspec- Heisman Trophy Central. was kind of neat.’’ tive. We’ve had some bowl success “It was a unique experience for Back to business. Bielema was here, too.’’ me personally,’’ admitted UW head able to sandwich a couple of team Bielema doesn’t want to over-re- coach Bret Bielema. practices around his trip. act to last season’s Rose Bowl loss. Besides accompanying Montee “I really liked the tempo and Not in the plan. He also doesn’t Ball, one of five finalists, he also we got some good developmental want to forget how much that loss had a few “Heisman’’ moments. work,’’ he said. “I just liked the hurt and lingered. Not a chance. During the awards ceremony, energy that the guys brought to the While lifting weights during Bielema sat next to , practices Saturday and Sunday.’’ the off-season, Bielema pushed the 1977 Heisman winner. The Badgers will return to the through reps with a grunt and a “I grew up a huge Dallas Cow- practice field Friday. “TCU’’ — personally invoking the boys fan,’’ Bielema confided. “We’ll get our first look against memory of that painful two-point Dorsett played 11 seasons with the Oregon,’’ Bielema said. Some con- loss to the Horned Frogs. Cowboys. “And he had some very cessions have already been made to At the team’s awards banquet nice things to say about Montee the Ducks’ high-octane offense. last Friday, Bielema reminded and our program.” “We’ve had shorter practices everyone that the UW’s mission Dorsett wasn’t alone. “In the VIP with a more aggressive work at- statement — established by Barry room,’’ Bielema said, “a couple of titude and tempo,’’ Bielema said. Alvarez — is not to get to the Rose former Heisman winners came up “We’ve also changed up some Bowl, but to win the Rose Bowl. to me and talked about how much things in terms of conditioning.’’ During the Big Ten’s preseason they really respect the way we play The Badgers have routinely gone kickoff meetings last summer, football at Wisconsin.’’ to school on how other programs Bielema overheard someone ask At the end of the night, Baylor’s have prepared for bowls. senior wide receiver Nick Toon, Robert Griffin III walked away with That would have been the case “How long did it take you to get the Heisman. Bielema, though, left regardless of the opponent in over the Rose Bowl loss?’’ with a nice parting gift. Pasadena. “We’ve tried to collect Bielema remembered how Toon “RG3 said, ‘Coach, I’m really as much information as we can,’’ politely but sternly replied, “I looking forward to watching your Bielema said. haven’t.’’ Rose Bowl game against Oregon,’’’ That speaks to such things as the Neither has Bielema, nor any of Bielema recounted. “He was very travel itinerary and how to lay out his other returning players.

8 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 LUCAS AT LARGE BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Bowl practices a chance to learn and grow

oing to a bowl game entails whole Hayes family. Jay went on to coach at Cal a lot of planning during the They’re from South Fayette, where he had a hand in recruit- Gmonth of December. Pa.; right by Bridgeville. I’m from ing Tony Gonzalez. And then he You have to build your schedule Burgettstown. rejoined me here with the Badgers around different factors leading up Jonathan Hayes wanted to be before moving on to the NFL. to a bowl appearance. Who’s on the a linebacker so I recruited him as For the last nine years, Jonathan road recruiting? When are exams? one. But he moved to tight end and and Jay Hayes have been assistants What are the heaviest days? was drafted in the second round by with the . You want to put your scouting the . I couldn’t help but think about report in and practice your game His older brother, Jay, played both of them when I recently saw plan before you leave campus. Jesse Hayes. I know during two-a- So you have to work around days, Bret was still thinking about those factors during your bowl You use it as a using Jesse in some capacity. practices. He knew that he could help out This is like another spring prac- developmental period. on special teams, but he decided to tice. You use it as a developmental The freshmen have a redshirt him. period. The freshmen have a year year under their belt, I think Jesse Hayes is going to under their belt, and they under- be a good player here. That’s why stand what it’s all about. and they understand some of these developmental bowl They’re not in awe of everything what it’s all about. practices will be so important to his like many of them might have been growth. when they first got here. I still remember scratching down Now you can go work on football defensive end at the University of some ideas while recruiting before instead of lining them up and tell- Idaho. It’s kind of funny how he got the 2002 Alamo Bowl. I wanted to ing them what plays to run. started in the coaching profession. look at some different guys at dif- They’re growing. They’re more Jay played in the USFL for a few ferent positions in December. mature than they were. They’re years before going to work for Her- We had a player that I didn’t more comfortable in their skin. shey’s Chocolate Company. think was going to help us at quar- The other day I saw one of our I was an assistant at Notre Dame terback. But he could run. He was freshman defensive ends, Jesse when he and his dad visited with a good athlete. And he was very Hayes, who’s redshirting. You can me after a game against Pitt. Jay smart, so we decided to take a look see how he’s starting to fill out wanted to get into coaching and at him a tight end. physically. When he was younger, I they wanted to know if I could help. Within three days, he was in our nicknamed him, “Jesse the Hoss.’’ I told them we may have some- game plan for Colorado. But then His dad, Jay Hayes, coached thing and we did. He came to Notre he hurt his knee. We had to wait linebackers and special teams for Dame as a grad assistant. We had on Owen Daniels. But the wait was me in the mid to late ‘90s. a defensive coach leave that same worth it. The rest is history. He has Jesse Hayes is from good stock. year, so I elevated him on the staff. become one of the better tight ends I recruited his uncle, Jonathan He went from selling Hershey’s in pro football. Hayes, to Iowa when I was an as- to full-time assistant on the de- I bring his name up whenever sistant under Hayden Fry. fending national champions. That’s anybody asks about the value of That’s how I got to know the good work if you can get it. bowl practices.

10 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 BEHIND THE DESK BY THE NUMBERS

Bo Ryan now has 251 wins at Wisconsin and is the 13th Big Ten coach to record 250 wins.

MEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S HOCKEY With a win against UNLV Sophomore goaltender 250 on Saturday, .949 Alex Rigsby is 19-1 and Bo Ryan earned his 250th has made 483 saves win at Wisconsin. Ryan became the 13th this season. Rigsby’s .949 save percentage coach in Big Ten history to reach the 250- leads the nation, and her 1.34 goals-against win mark and is the third-fastest, doing so average is third-best in the nation. in just 343 games.

FOOTBALL MEN’S SOCCER After winning the Big Ten champion- UW head coach John 4 ship for a second straight year, the U-23 Trask was named Badgers are on their way back to the assistant coach Pasadena for their fourth Rose Bowl appear- for the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team ance in the BCS era. Only USC, which has this week. Trask will coach the team as it made five trips to the Granddaddy of Them prepares for the 2012 CONCACAF Men’s All, has more Rose Bowl appearances than Olympic Qualifying tournament. the Badgers over the past 14 seasons.

12 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

5 THINGS TO WATCH

THURSDAY • 5:30 PM • BTN Champs against ‘The U’ One of the most memorable wins in recent memory came in 2009 at the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando when Wisconsin upset No. 14 Miami. MVP John Clay had 121 yards and the Badgers outgained the Hurricanes 430-249. The win capped what would become the first of three-straight 10-win seasons for the Badgers.

THURSDAY • 7 PM • BTN Final exam precursor Men’s basketball plays host to Savannah State Thursday in the final game for any Badgers team before fall semester final exams begin. The game against the Tigers is an early test for the Badgers, who have just one day to prepare for their guests from Georgia after defeating Milwaukee on the road Tuesday night.

FRIDAY • 4 PM • BTN Ron’s Roses, part one The Badgers were Big Ten champions and earned a berth in the Rose Bowl in 1998, edging out co-conference champions Ohio State and Michigan. No. 9 Wisconsin went on to upset No. 6 UCLA 38-31 thanks to ’s MVP performance that included a record-tying four touch- downs. Relive the win as one of the Big Ten’s Greatest Games on BTN.

SUNDAY • 8:30 PM • BTN So many great memories What will you remember most from the 2011 football season? Nebras- ka’s first Big Ten game at Camp Randall and the win over Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game stand out. BTN will take a look back at all the memorable moments from the 2011 season. Montee Ball and Russell Wilson might even make an appearance.

TUESDAY • 8 PM • FSN Wisconsin Former Badgers, all grown up Former Badgers Dany Heatley and Joe Piskula face off against one anoth- er in an NHL matchup Tuesday. Piskula, a member of UW’s 2006 national championship team, is currently with the Calgary Flames. The Flames play host to Heatley’s Minnesota Wild on FSN Wisconsin. Heatley played for the Badgers from 1999 to 2001 and is in his 10th NHL season.

14 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

TAKING HER SHOTS Hilary Knight already boasts an impressive resume, but the hard-working senior plans to add a few more lines as she seeks to lead Wisconsin to yet another NCAA title

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

PHOTO BY ROSS LADUE TAKING HER SHOTS Hilary Knight already boasts an impressive resume, but the hard-working senior plans to add a few more lines as she seeks to lead Wisconsin to yet another NCAA title

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

PHOTO BY ROSS LADUE HILARY KNIGHT

isconsin women’s hockey coach Mark Johnson committed a Hilary Knight snapshot to memory. The snapshot? A Hilary Knight slap shot. What else? “In last Saturday’s game at Bemidji,’’ he said, “she comes down and takes a slap shot from just outside of the circle andW if you didn’t know it was a women’s game, you might think it was an NHL game. “With just the velocity and the accuracy of her shot, she does some things real special that some of the other kids aren’t able to do. One of those things is obviously scoring because of her shot.’’

As much as Knight dislikes focusing on some Knight, “I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ of her individual achievements — she doesn’t and he explained.’’ keep track of her career point total (“I have no The numbers still don’t compute. idea what it is”) — she does like scoring goals. “I really can’t base my goals off of points,’’ she “Finding the back of the net is a hard thing to said, “because there are other variables.’’ do and hopefully I can do it more,’’ said Knight, a senior from Sun Valley, Idaho. “It’s always fun “When you watch us play, to celebrate (goals).’’ So what does it feel like to score on a booming Hilary is the first person slap shot? you recognize because of “It feels great,’’ Knight said. “Especially when it zips right past the goaltender and the goalten- her size and strength and der has no idea where the puck is. I remember skating and shooting. It’s when I wasn’t able to lift the puck in the eighth grade.’’ like, ‘Wow, she’s pretty That is a distant memory. Today, she’s one of phenomenal.’” the elite goal-scorers in women’s hockey. “When you watch us play,’’ Johnson said, – Mark Johnson “Hilary is the first person you recognize because of her size and strength and skating and shoot- “Goals” being a synonym for “objectives” in ing. It’s like, ‘Wow, she’s pretty phenomenal.’’’ this case. Knight has moved past Meghan Duggan as What type of statistic would get her attention? the UW’s career scoring leader with 239 points. “If someone pulled me aside,’’ she conceded, With 135 goals, she has also topped Mark John- “and said, ‘You took this many shots and this is son, who scored 125 during his playing days at how many goals you scored, maybe you should Wisconsin. become a little more accurate.’’’ It wasn’t until Knight’s dad sent an email Nobody is likely to have that conversation congratulating her on the milestone that she with Knight anytime soon in North America. realized what she had accomplished. Recalled “When you start talking about the Canadians

18 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

TITLEHILARY KNIGHT

“If I was one of my brothers, I’d probably be in the NHL today,’’ Knight said. “But obviously, when you look at it, they are two different games (women’s and men’s hockey).’’ and their best players and our best players in the tention to details),’’ she said. United States,’’ Johnson said, “she’s up there — That habit was developed at a very early age. she’s going to be in the conversation. “I have three younger brothers and my mom was “She’s been able to score some big goals in driving us around to different rinks,’’ Knight some big games the last several years. She’s spe- said. “I’d always get dropped off the earliest.’’ cial for a lot of different reasons on the ice and First to arrive — last to leave. That still applies off the ice, too. She’s a humble person, a nice to her practice habits. person. “I’ve been fortunate enough to watch her the “What you’re seeing today is a product of a last four-plus years because I had her with the lot of hard work, a lot of growth, a lot of matur- Olympic team,’’ Johnson said. “And she has al- ing. She’s got great work habits. On a daily basis, ways wanted to be as good as she’s capable of she does a lot of the little things before and after being.’’ practice.’’ If Knight was a male hockey player, she would Coming to the rink is not a chore for Knight. have left school by now for the NHL. Johnson On the contrary, it’s a joy; a privilege. “I have a suggested that she would have had the same op- lot of fun on the ice so it’s not hard to do (pay at- tions as a Dany Heatley, a former UW skater.

20 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 TITLE HILARY KNIGHT

“Am I going to stay that second year at Wis- “When you start talking consin? Or am I’m going to leave?’’ Johnson posed. “She would have taken that same path about the Canadians and that Heatley took.’’ their best players and our After two years in college, Heatley went on to become the Rookie of the Year in the NHL. best players in the United Knight has occasionally wondered what it States, she’s up there — would be like to be in that position. “If I was one of my brothers, I’d probably be she’s going to be in the in the NHL today,’’ she said. “But obviously, conversation.” when you look at it, they are two different games (women’s and men’s hockey).’’ – Mark Johnson When her collegiate career is over, Knight has considered the possibility of playing in a second tier professional men’s hockey league in Sweden skills and bringing them back to the women’s to hone her skills before the Olympics. side.’’ There is precedence. Team Canada’s Hayley For now, she’s focused on helping the Badgers Wickenheiser was the first woman to play pro defend another national championship. hockey in a position other than goaltender when “At the end of the year, I always look at the she joined a European squad. placards that we get,’’ Knight said. “Do you want Knight would be excited by the challenge if the the team picture of all of us sitting on a bench? opportunity presents itself. Or do you want us all around a trophy celebrat- “I grew up with three brothers always wanting ing? to be the best,’’ Knight said. “If I could play at “I’d like to have a (NCAA championship) ring.’’ that level, it would be special, especially learning The No. 1 ranked-Badgers completed the first

22 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 TAKING HER SHOTS

half of their schedule with a 19-1 re- cord, the only loss coming to Min- nesota. “I would probably say we exceeded some things overall,’’ Johnson said. Pausing, he added, “It’s been a great first half.’’ If you would have asked John- son in September where he thought his team would be after 20 games, he would not have predicted such success; not a chance, not given the pressure of repeating. “Everybody is going to throw their best at you,’’ he said. “Over the course of the season, you’re going to have some games where you don’t play as well as you want. “There are going to be five or six games, where you can flip a coin; where you don’t know how it’s going to go. I told my assistants after last weekend that we should feel pretty good where we’re at. “A lot of things have to take shape. We knew we had scoring coming back. Along with that, our goalten- der (Alex Rigsby) gave us a chance to win in October when maybe we didn’t play our best.’’ Knight is not even the UW’s lead- ing scorer. Brianna Decker has 48 points (21 goals) while Brooke Am- merman has 42 points (17 goals). Knight has 37 points on the strength of a team-high 23 goals. “I haven’t felt any pressure at all,’’ Knight said, “and that’s because we’ve got a great core unit for lead- ership with Brianna Decker, Brooke Ammerman and Carolyne Prévost. “If you’re having a bad day, one of those girls will step up and help you

23 HILARY KNIGHT

“At the end of the year, I always look at the placards that we get,’’ Knight said. “Do you want the team picture of all of us sitting on a bench? Or do you want us all around a trophy celebrating? I’d like to have a ring.’’

out. That’s the beauty of our team — we’ve had That has been one of her guidelines for never numerous people who are ready to take the lead being satisfied. depending on the day.’’ “There have been a bunch of games where I Since Knight is reluctant to recognize her per- felt OK, but I didn’t feel great. Right now, I’m sonal statistics as a measuring stick to how she’s just starting to come into my own; going hard playing, how does she gauge her own effective- into the corners, digging for the puck, winning ness from game to game? 50/50 battles. “It’s how I feel,’’ she said. “When I look at myself as a player, I don’t Knight’s standards are high, too; higher than ever think you will get my A-game. At the same most. time I’m pushing the envelope for a better game. “If you think you’re the best, you’re already at Whether that’s attainable, I’m still looking for the bottom,’’ she said. that.’’

24 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

A record-setting MAKING season has led to recognition that THE made Montee Ball a fixture on the awards ROUNDS circuit last week

BY BRIAN LUCAS • UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

n Oct. 16, 2010, Wisconsin His transformation from third-string RB to defeated No. 1 Ohio State 31- Heisman Trophy finalist has been well - docu 18. Sophomore Montee Ball mented. Ball reaped the rewards of his hard did not leave the bench. Fast work last week as he traveled to the ESPN Home forward to almost 14 months Depot Award Show and the later and the Badgers’ RB, on Heisman Trophy presentation. the verge of breaking a seemingly unbreakable The pictures over the next few pages docu- ONCAA record, was in Orlando and New York, ment Ball’s trip to Orlando and New York and being recognized as one of the best players in will give people a glimpse into his whirlwind college football. week.

26 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 MAKING THE ROUNDS DAVID STLUKA DAVID

1. Ball arrived in Orlando on Wednesday at about 5 p.m. That night he joined the other awards finlaists, numerous ESPN personalities and representatives from the various awards. His Thursday started with a quick trip to the Disney park followed by an ESPNU roundtable discussion on the Disney Boardwalk with fellow Heisman finalists Trent Rich- ardson (Alabama) and Tyrann Mathieu (LSU).

2. A couple hours later, Ball changed into a brand new suit and walked the red carpet, prior to the start of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show. Joining him in his formal wear were the hosts of the event, Mick- ey and Minnie Mouse.

27 MONTEE BALL

3. Ball was joined at the show by his parents, Montee, Sr., and Me- lissa Ball. Montee, Sr., recounted a story of seeing on the Boardwalk ear- lier in the day. When he approached Walker and started to introduce himself, Herschel cut him off and said, “I know who you are. Your son is a heck of a player.” Sounds like both Mon- tee, Sr., and Jr., have arrived.

4. The five Heisman finalists were just beginning their journey when the ESPN show ended. All except Stanford’s would board a plane the next day to fly to New York. The airport shuttle picked everyone up at 6 a.m. for the 8:20 a.m. flight. However, the flight was delayed until 10:30 a.m., resulting in some good bonding time at the airport. Luck, on the other hand, left for the airport at 5:30 a.m., caught a flight to Baltimore for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award ceremony that evening and joined the group in New York via train on Saturday morning.

28 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

MONTEE BALL

5. On the short walk back from lunch in New York on Saturday, the group ran into 1976 Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett. He was among the 23 former Heis- man winners who traveled back to New York for the ceremony. Ohters included Ron Dayne, George Rogers, , Gino Toretta, , , , Johnny Lattner and .

6. Friday afternoon, the four finalists who were in town gathered to meet the media. After about 30 minutes of inter- views, they got their first glimpse of the most coveted award in college football, the Heisman Trophy. 7. After taking care of the media obligations, the finalists and their families were treated to a bus tour of New York City. The group started in Times Square, saw Madison Square Garden and got to see many of the storefronts decorated for the holidays. The tour ended at Rockefeller Center, home of the world’s most famous Christmas tree.

30 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 MAKING THE ROUNDS

8. At the conclusion of the tour, the Heisman Trust hosted a reception for the final- ists, their families, the former winners in town and the Heisman Trophy staff. Ball, Robert Griffin III (Baylor), Richardson and Mathieu received their finalist plaques at the event.

7. After taking care of the media obligations, the finalists and their families were treated to a bus tour of New York City. The group started in Times Square, saw Madison Square Garden and got to see many of the storefronts decorated for the holidays. The tour ended at Rockefeller Center, home of the world’s most famous Christmas tree.

9. Saturday started with all five Heisman finalists (Luck’s train was on time) boarded the DirecTV bus for interviews with ESPN SportsCenter. The interviews ran all day on ESPN’s platforms to promote the ceremony later that night.

31 MONTEE BALL

10. From ESPN, it was off to CBS and its studio on the upper west side. The five finalists taped a segment with Tim Brando, Aaron Taylor and Spencer Tillman for halftime of the Army-Navy game.

11. After a little bit of down time, the finalists traded in their warm-ups for suits and began the countdown to the 2011 Heisman Trophy Presentation with a press conference. There were almost 100 credentialed media on site, including the Big Ten Network, which chroni- cled Ball’s weekend in the Big Apple.

32 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 MAKING THE ROUNDS

12. Once the presentation started, Ball was the first finalist featured in an interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi. The story of the dramatic change to his body was told as a back- drop to his history-making season. His astounding total of 38 touchdowns, second-best in NCAA history, was the main reason for Ball’s fourth-place finish in the Heisman voting.

13. Ball was joined at the Heisman ceremony by his position coach, Thomas Hammock (pictured), head coach Bret Bielema, his parents, Montee, Sr., and Melissa, and his girl- friend, Anne Marie.

33

MEN’S BASKETBALL READY, AIM, FIRE Even as the Big Ten’s top 3-point shooter, sophomore Josh Gasser has to be reminded to stay aggressive, something he’s getting more and more comfortable with

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

isconsin coach Bo Ryan was predictably reluctant to make any comparisons between past and present players. But he did volun- Wteer that Josh Gasser reminded him a little bit of Joe Theisen. When Ryan took over the UW-Platteville program in the mid-’80s, he re- lied heavily on a core group of young players. Theisen, who hailed from Ad- ams-Friendship, was one of the building blocks. Theisen, Baraboo’s Steve Showalter, Wilmot’s Randy Kazin and Pulaski’s Rock Ripley made up a strong foundation upon which Ryan could build a Division III heavyweight. Theisen was a good shooter who ended up being one of Platteville’s better defenders. Gasser has many of the same qualities. In fact, Ryan went so far as to stay that Gasser’s tenacity in chasing shooters around screens is almost on par with Michael Flowers, the ex-Badger guard. Almost.

37 JOSH GASSER

Nobody is in Flowers’ class in terms of that said. particular skill as a “chaser.’’ But at least Ryan No need to apolo- put Gasser in the discussion. “Josh knows the gize; especially after nuances defensively that we use,’’ Ryan said. scoring fast break That came to light during the UW’s win over points. UNLV, which was outrebounded and held to a “That’s what we season-low 51 points (32 under its average). Gas- look for – getting ser matched his season high with eight boards. out on the break “He has a good nose for the ball; he’s always when we can,’’ Gas- been a good rebounder,’’ Ryan observed. “The ser said. “I know scouting report said we had to do certain things people say we’re (against the Running Rebels) and he did them.’’ kind of a slow of- Ryan feels like Gasser will grow into a more fensive team but consistent offensive threat. “He should be able when we can push it to be in a better position to score even though in transition, that’s it’s been a little bit inconsistent,’’ he said. “He’s at a point what we want.’’ But he’s not complaining about the rate of Easy baskets are Gasser’s development at that end of the floor. now where he hard to come by. Al- “He’s not a player who’s going to make great can’t defer. though the Badgers leaps from one year to the next because he’s just He’s too ac- are better known so solid to begin with,’’ he said. “Those aren’t the complished as for limiting transi- guys who go from averaging five points a game tion opportunities – to 20.’’ a shooter to do North Carolina had There are just so many elements to Gasser’s that,” associ- only two fast break overall game that fit the blue print. ate head coach points – they will Or the Bo print. Greg Gard said. pick their spots to “He’s tough,’’ Ryan said. “Hates to lose. Takes strike. charges. Dives on the floor. Battles.’’ “He’s proven That’s particu- that he’s good larly true with the * * * enough so that three-guard lineup he triggerman was an airborne Ben Brust if he gets a of Taylor, Gasser who flew over the baseline, corralled the crack at the rim and Brust. “That’s Tdefensive rebound under the Green Bay the type of thing that basket and triggered the transition attack. we have to have we’ve been working The quarterback was Jordan Taylor, who him take it.’’ on,’’ Gasser said. read the floor, spotted an open teammate- rac An aggressive ing to the other end and used an old-fashioned Gasser and Brust two-handed push pass to get him the ball in full can also relieve some of the pressure on Taylor. stride. “The more guys that we have out there that can The finisher was Gasser, who scored, drew a score, the less attention that Jordan is going to foul and completed the three-point play from get,’’ Gasser said. the free throw line. “I wish I could have flushed Staying aggressive is one of the keys for Gas- that one but I got fouled from behind,’’ Gasser ser. “Josh has to be consistently aggressive,’’

38 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 READY, AIM, FIRE SOUTHCREEK GLOBAL MEDIA

confirmed UW associate head coach Greg Grad, “Last year I got kind of frustrat- “and not hesitant when he has an open look.’’ ed ... when shots just weren’t As a true freshman, Gasser made 30 starts and averaged a modest six points. But he had his falling,” Gasser said. “It really moments. Like the school’s first triple-double at comes down to how you handle Northwestern and a buzzer-beater at Michigan. it by staying confident and ag- During the off-season, Gasser tweaked his gressive.” 3-point shooting mechanics with the help of assistant Gary Close. Despite finishing with a flourish (12- of- 25), his overall percentage was he was perfect from the perimeter – going 4-for- only 30 percent. 4 against Kennesaw State and Wofford. “I was watching the ball in the air when I shot,’’ Through the first five games, he was 14-of-17 said Gasser, a 6-foot-3 sophomore from Port from beyond the arc. Washington. “Coach Close told me to watch the But going into Tuesday night’s game at UW- rim and stay on your target the entire time. Milwaukee, Gasser had made only five of his last “It was a pretty tough adjustment at first. But 22 field goal attempts, including 3-of-11 from the more repetitions I got, the more comfortable 3-point distance. I felt. We also worked on getting a little more arc “Last year I got kind of frustrated with the way on the shot.’’ things were going at the beginning of the year Gasser started off this season on fire by mak- when shots just weren’t falling (7-of-38 from be- ing nine of his first 10 3-point field goals. Twice yond the arc),’’ Gasser said.

39 JOSH GASSER

“I’m all about giving our team the best opportunity to get the best shot off,” Gasser said. “If I’m open, I’m going to take it.”

“But you have to learn that it happens – it is part of the game. Every player goes through it. It really comes down to how you handle it by staying confident and aggressive. That’s how it is.’’ Gard has noticed that development in Gasser’s approach. “His confidence level is higher offensively,’’ Gard said. “I don’t see near the hesitation on the trigger to shoot right away. That has grown and been part of his off-season work. “Now he just has to become more consistent. There have been some games where he has filled it up. And there have been some games where he has deferred. “He’s at a point now where he can’t defer. He can’t turn down a good look for what he thinks

DAVID STLUKA DAVID may be a great look for somebody else unless it ends up being a lay-up. “He’s too accomplished as a shooter to do that. He’s proven that he’s good enough so that if he gets a crack at the rim we have to have him take it.’’ There have been times where Gard has found himself exhorting Gasser to “shoot it’’ during games and Gasser ends up making the extra pass. “But you don’t get too wrapped up in that,’’ he said. That’s because, Gard noted, it’s far more in- structive to “tell him that he has to be more ag- gressive and maybe look for his shot a little more rather than telling him that he has to shoot.’’ Gasser understands what the coaching staff is saying. “But I’m not the type of guy that is going to force anything,’’ he said. “I’m all about giving our team the best opportunity to get the best shot off. If I’m

40 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

JOSH GASSER

open, I’m going to take it. “At the same time, I’m not going to force the is- sue. I’m not going to try and make plays that are not there. If I can drive to the hoop and give it up to a guy who has a better shot, that’s what I’ll do. “I definitely don’t want to defer, though. I want to stay aggressive and help our team score. We’ve been pretty balanced offensive- ly. We need different guys chipping in and I’m one of them.’’ The Marquette loss was NEIL AMENT an aberration in many ways from both a team and indi- vidual standpoint. Gasser, for instance, was guilty of two charges while trying to “I want to stay aggressive and get the ball to the basket. help our team score,” Gasser “That was uncharacteristic of Josh and our team in general as far as what we try to do and said. “We need different guys how we do it,’’ Gard said. “Those unforced errors chipping in and I’m one of are what you’ve got to try to correct and erase.’’ them.” The challenge for a guard is finishing in spite of size that may be protecting the rim. “There are guys who are long under there so you have ability,’’ Gard said, “because he has proven that to make the best decision you can,’’ Gasser said. he can put the ball in the basket and he’s a guy By taking the ball too deep you can get into who can put the ball on the floor a little bit and trouble. attack.’’ “A couple of times we’ve gotten into position, Gasser plans on staying in attack mode. “If myself included, where we’ve gotten out of con- you have a game where you miss a few shots trol (resulting in charges),’’ he said. “Usually I you’d normally make,’’ he said, “you get back in don’t make decisions like that.’’ the gym, work on it, and knock them down the A year ago, Gasser’s assist-to-turnover ratio next game.’’ was the fifth best single-season mark in school That also fits the blue print. Or, rather, the Bo history. He accounted for 75 assists and only 35 print. turnovers in 34 games. “You always think the next one is going in,’’ “He has to continue to have confidence in his Ryan said.

42 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB

SCHEDULE Last Five Nov. 26 vs. BYU W, 73-56 Nov. 30 at #5 N. Carolina L, 57-60 Dec. 3 #16 Marquette L, 54-61 Dec. 7 Green Bay W, 70-42 Dec. 10 UNLV W, 62-51

This Week Tues. at Milwaukee W, 60-54 Thurs. Savannah State 7 p.m.

Next Five Dec. 23 Miss. Valley St. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at Nebraska 8 p.m. Dec. 31 Iowa Noon Jan. 3 Michigan State 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at Michigan TBA

Leonard (+11.3). Meanwhile, Berg- gren’s increase of +9.9 is fourth- best, trailing Brust, Leonard and Penn State’s Tim Frazier (+11.1).

Ryan reaches 250 wins at UW » With UW’s 62-51 victory over Berggren, Brust step up UNLV on Saturday, Bo Ryan earned his 250th win as the head their games this season coach at Wisconsin. Ryan reached Scoring increases among Big Ten’s best 250 wins in 343 games, making him the third-fastest Big Ten coach to reach the 250-win plateau. ne of the biggest ques- rank among the best in the Only Indiana’s Bob Knight and O tion marks facing the Big Ten in scoring average Purdue’s Ward Lambert did it fast- Badgers heading into the increase. Berggren has seen er. Among active Big Ten coaches, season was which players his scoring jump from 2.4 only Michigan State’s Tom Izzo would step up and fill the points per game a year ago has reached 250 (391 career wins), void left by graduating se- to 12.3 this year, while Brust hitting that mark in 352 games. niors Jon Leuer, Keaton has gone from 0.7 to 11.9. Ryan currently sits second all- Nankivil and Tim Jarmusz. The increase of 11.2 points time in at UW with 251 victories, So far, the answer has per game for Brust is the and he is just 15 wins away from been Jared Berggren and second best in the Big Ten breaking Bud Foster’s school re- Ben Brust. The duo each behind only Illinois’ Meyers cord of 265.

44 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE Last Five Nov. 26 at Colorado L, 48-58 Nov. 30 Boston College W, 58-50 Dec. 5 Saint Louis W, 48-46 Dec. 8 at Kansas L, 44-73 Dec. 11 Drake L, 54-65

This Week No Games

Next Five Dec. 23 #19 Green Bay 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30 #12 Ohio State 7 p.m. Jan. 2 #16 Penn State 12 p.m. Jan. 5 at #22 Purdue 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at Illinois 2 p.m.

A tough stretch » The Badgers are in the midst of a 12-day break for final exams, but play turns up when UW returns to the court on Dec. 23. The Badgers host No. 19 Green Bay to kick off a four-game stretch of games against ranked teams. The game wraps up Badgers continue to Wisconsin’s non-conference season and is UW’s first against a ranked improve ball control opponent. UW averaging just 13.7 turnovers per game The Badgers open Big Ten play at home on Dec. 30 against 12th- ranked Ohio State and also host f you ask most basketball Wisconsin has recorded 16 16th-ranked Penn State on Jan. 2. Icoaches, the one thing they or fewer turnovers in its last hate is turnovers. New coach three games, including a Wurtz moving into top 10 Bobbie Kelsey must be pretty season-low 12 against Saint » Junior Taylor Wurtz needs just happy with her team lately, Louis on Dec. 5. three 3-pointers to move into 10th as the Badgers are averaging On the season, UW aver- on the UW career list for made just 13.7 turnovers their last ages 17.6 turnovers per game, treys. The 6-0 guard has a total of three games. which ties for sixth in the 113 long balls in her three seasons. In their last six contests, Big Ten. Wisconsin started Karie Cattanach (1993-97) current- the Badgers are averaging the season averaging more ly ranks 10th on the career list for 15.3 turnovers per game. than 22 turnovers per game. 3-pointers with 116.

46 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE Last Five Nov. 19 at Colo. College L, 4-1 Nov. 25 Mercyhurst W, 7-2 Nov. 26 Mercyhurst W, 5-2 Dec. 9 #1 Minnesota Duluth T, 3-3 Dec. 10 #1 Minnesota Duluth L, 4-2

This Week No Games

Next Five Dec. 31 U.S. Under-18 Team 8 p.m. Jan. 6 RIT 7 p.m. Jan. 7 RIT 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Minnesota State 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Minnesota State 7 p.m.

Navin scores » The two-goal, three-point weekend freshman forward Brad Navin pro- duced last week against No. 1 Min- nesota Duluth gave the Waupaca, Wis., native the first two goals of his career. It also gave the Badgers an offensive contribution from one Schultz moving up in of their young forwards. Such an impact from Wisconsin’s youth is Badger annals needed for the Badgers to take a Hobey candidate revising UW record book step up when the second semester schedule begins in January.

f you haven’t taken the defensemen and on the cusp The streak continues Itime to appreciate the of a 100-point career, but » Sophomore forward Mark Zenger- play of junior defenseman it’s the ease with which he le is in elite Badger company af- Justin Schultz, let us suggest seems to do everything. ter extending his point-scoring focusing on the All-Ameri- Puck deep in the Badger streak to 17 games last weekend. can the next time you are at zone? Schultz looks effort- His streak is tied with current UW the Kohl Center. less while moving the puck women’s hockey coach Mark John- It’s not just the offensive out of the defensive zone. It son for the second-longest streak production, which has the looks like opposing forwards in school history and is four games rear guard tied for sixth on bounce off the Hobey candi- shy of the 21-game UW record held UW’s all-time goal list for date while he makes plays. by men’s coach Mike Eaves.

48 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LADUE @BadgerWHockey

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

This Week No Games

Next Five Jan. 6 at #2 Minnesota 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at #2 Minnesota 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at #5 North Dakota 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at #5 North Daktoa 2 p.m. Jan. 20 #9 Minn. Duluth 2 p.m.

Hilary Knight tops Duggan » It took an assist on the final goal against Bemidji State, as Hilary Knight cemented herself as the career points leader at Wisconsin. Meghan Duggan claimed the title last season but it didn’t last long, as Knight posted 37 points in the Badgers surpass first 20 games. Knight enters winter break with expectations for season 239 points and the remainder of UW off to program’s best 20-game start the season to put distance between her and Duggan.

ith a 19-1-0 record, With nine wins over top- Century mark WWisconsin is off to its 10 opponents, a large part of » Brooke Ammerman only needs best 20-game start since going the success has come from one more assist to become the 18-0-2 in the 2008-09 season. the outstanding play of Alex fifth player in program history to The Badgers ended up go- Rigsby in net. Her .949 save record 100 assists. She also has ing 34-2-5 and winning the percentage leads the nation. the potential to become the third national championship year. UW’s resiliency has been on Badger in program history to re- In last year’s road to the cham- display, as well. There have cord 100 career goals, as she cur- pionship, UW had a very simi- been five games in which the rently sits with 81. If she reaches lar record of 18-2-0 going into Badgers have come from be- both plateaus, she will be the third winter break. hind to claim a win. player to do so.

50 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 WOMEN’S HOCKEY THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Clarence Sherrod’s 19.6 points per game is a Wisconsin career best.

December 12, 1970 Doubling up For the first and only time in Badgers basketball history, four players each reached double figures in points and rebounds in the same game. Leon Howard (15 points, 11 rebounds), Gary Watson (19-14), Glen Richgels (15-17) and Clarence Sherrod (25-10) each accom- plished the feat in a 94-83 victory over Loyola (New Orleans).

December 13, 1981 BACK IN A BOWL: Playing in their first bowl game since 1963, the Badgers dropped a 28-21 decision to Tennessee in the Garden State Bowl in East Rutherford, N.J. ALSO December 14, 1977 STICKY FINGERS: The women’s basketball team tied the school record for most THIS steals in a game, which was first set just two weeks earlier, with 27 against DePaul. WEEK December 16, 2006 DOWNING NO. 2: Alando Tucker and Brian Butch both scored 20 points in the first half as Wisconsin defeated No. 2-ranked Pitt, 89-75. It is just the third time in school his- tory UW had beaten the No. 2 team in the country.

52 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011

THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS Here’s to cheering for the common good

ome of the pundits have men- Big Ten was lacking in signature Spurrier, aka the “Ball Coach.” tioned it already, and it is best victories. It sure would be a boost if Iowa Sto assume there is more on Which leads me to suggest can slow down high-powered Okla- the way. They are saying that this something that might be difficult homa in the Insight Bowl. is a very important bowl season for for Badgers fans to do, but I will The list goes on and on. The the Big Ten. give it a try. It is never a bad idea to conference is sending a record 10 Two years ago, the conference root, root, root for the home team, teams to bowl games this year, and performed well in the postseason. which in this case means the Big while some are more under the Wisconsin was among the win- Ten Conference. radar than others, the more the Big ners with an impressive showing What? Lepay is asking me to Ten can win the better. against Miami in Orlando, but in pull for Michigan State? Is he nuts? That certainly is true for the big- the months that followed, the big (in keeping with the holiday spirit, ger stage games. Once again, the news was the announcement that don’t answer that). Why would I Badgers have the biggest stage by Nebraska would join the Big Ten. playing Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Even though the games were still For the first time this season, it ap- a year away, the Huskers’ story It might be difficult for pears Wisconsin will be a decided seemed to overshadow a good underdog. I kind of like that. Think holiday season for the league. Badgers fans to do, but of what a Badgers victory would Last season, the Big Ten went it is never a bad idea to do not just for them, but for the 3-5 in bowl games, with Jan. 1 root, root, root for the league. being an especially tough day. The Understand, I grew up in Ohio, conference went 0-5, including the home team, which in so rooting for Michigan is not Badgers’ 21-19 loss to TCU. While this case means the Big exactly in my blood. But for now, I the result was disappointing, the say “Go Blue!” game was highly competitive, un- Ten Conference. There is a genuine rivalry like Michigan and Michigan State’s between the Badgers and Michi- performances in the Gator and gan State, but on Jan. 2, I say “Go Capital One bowls, respectively. care whether Michigan or Ohio Green! Go White!” The marquee win came from State wins? Is this crazy? Maybe, but the Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, but of I understand what you might be Big Ten is a proud conference that course that became tainted with the thinking. Sports, especially college must be getting a little tired of Buckeyes’ NCAA violations. football, are about cheering for your being a punching bag to critics. I Fair or unfair — and one can team and the heck with everyone know fans in these parts are weary make an argument either way — a else. That goes double for rivals. of the all the SEC love. conference’s image is formed by But hear me out. If Michigan There is one way to change it. In postseason play. How the teams can beat Virginia Tech in the Sugar the next few weeks, each of the ten fare in September non-conference Bowl, and if the Spartans can take Big Ten teams in bowl games will games can help, too. While there care of Georgia in the Outback, it have a chance to do its part. were some exciting finishes, such looks good for the Big Ten. Then, on Sept. 29, 2012, when as Michigan’s rally to beat Notre Nebraska draws South Carolina the Badgers open conference play Dame, and Illinois holding off what in the Capital One Bowl. For one at Nebraska, feel free to return to most thought at the time was a day, Wisconsin fans can root for the your regularly-scheduled dislike for very good Arizona State team, the Big Red of Nebraska to defeat Steve everyone else in the league.

54 » VARSITY DECEMBER 15, 2011 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS