CONTENTS JANUARY 22, 2015 ■ VOLUME 5, ISSUE 22 STEVE GOTTER

COVER STORY NO SLOWING DOWN That bounce in Bo Ryan’s step? Ask his players, past and present, and they’ll tell you the Badgers’ mentor gets his energy from getting on the court to do what he does best — teach.

BRIAN MASON FEATURES FOOTBALL IN [FOCUS] STRONG LEADERSHIP The week's best photos Few are more familiar with what BEHIND THE DESK makes the Badgers successful than Autonomy a fine first step alum Ross Kolodziej, who returns to THE VOICE run Wisconsin’s weight room. Badgers’ recipe remains BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW

LUCAS AT LARGE WHAT TO WATCH Hoops, hockey and more ‘HEROIC’ BACKCOURT ASK THE BADGERS How did you spend break? Badgers thriving on the toughness DAVID STLUKA of Josh Gasser — ‘Captain Amer­ BADGERING ica’ to his teammates — and the Michael Lihrman (Men’s Track) efficiency of Bronson Koenig. INSIDE MEN'S BASKETBALL Badgers rely on ‘next man up’ -SCROLL FOR MORE­ INSIDE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Junior class provides boost Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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‘Captain America’ leads heroic guards y the time Iowa’s Fran ica that stated his case. Besides hero of our team.” McCaffery got to seethe his usual solid floor game, Gas- Gasser, a former high school Band fume in a team hud- ser had everyone “Marveling” at quarterback, had a brief locker dle Tuesday night, Wisconsin his toughness, especially Frank room pit stop before returning had already jumped off to a 13-4 Kaminsky, who accorded him to the game. But he was reluc­ lead on the strength of three fictional superhero status af­ tant to go into great detail af­ straight 3-point hits from Frank ter Gasser injured his shoulder terwards. “It’s all good; I’ll be Kaminsky, Bronson Koenig and while fighting through a Gabriel fine,” said Gasser, who pointed Josh Gasser — and a string of Olaseni screen. out that collisions were an oc­ defensive stops, not to be taken “Josh is Captain America,” cupational hazard “when you’re lightly. Kaminsky chortled. “Josh is the always chasing screens.” It was the defense, in fact, Rather than dwell on his con­ that fueled the offense. “People dition, he wanted to talk about GASSER ON KOENIG: always talk about confidence WE ALL KNOW HOW GOOD Koenig, the sophomore point offensively and knocking down OF A PLAYER HE IS; guard who has taken over for shots,” Gasser said. “But you can HE JUST HAS TO REALIZE the injured Traevon Jackson. also get confidence playing de­ IT HIMSELF. THE MORE Koenig has scored in double-fig­ fense. Once we got some stops MINUTES HE GETS, THE ures in three straight games. in a row, we became more and “MORE HE’S REALIZING THAT. “He has been playing awesome; more confident with what we he has really been running the were doing.” show for us,” he said. Citing how they “zapped In addition to posting a 39­ them” from the start, which to-9 assist-to-turnover ratio may have broken Iowa’s spirit overall, Koenig has found his on offense, Koenig said, “We got shooting touch in the Big Ten — through the screens and forced ” converting 10-of-18 shots from them to shoot tough jump shots 3-point range (.556). That’s the and we also did a good job of second-best percentage in the rebounding and limiting second conference. He has knocked chance points. We got a lot of down three triples in each of the energy off of our stops, too.” last two games. The Badgers held the sec- “He’s just playing more and ond-highest scoring offense in more confident each game and Big Ten play — second only to more aggressive and that’s what UW — to 17 points in the first we need out of him,” Gasser half on 7-of-25 shooting (1-of­ said. “We all know how good of 7 from beyond the arc) and it a player he is; he just has to re­ paved the way for an 82-50 rout alize it himself. And the more he of the Hawkeyes, who were plays, the more minutes he gets, intent on making a statement at the more he’s realizing that.” the Kohl Center. Prior to this recent stretch, DAVID STLUKA Instead, it was Captain Amer- Koenig had not played more

-PAGE 1 OF 2­ LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS » UWBADGERS.COM

than 27 minutes in any outing at the game), so I know that I need care of business Saturday at Wisconsin. “My body is starting to just keep shooting,” said Koe­ Michigan. Gasser has some to adjust to playing 30-plus,” nig, who had 13 points against fond memories from playing in said Koenig, who has played 31, Iowa. “My shot wasn’t feeling Ann Arbor. Last year, he had 13 37 and 34 minutes over the last that good from the start (2-of­ points to complement Kamin­ three games. “Once I get used to 7 in the first half). But I kept sky’s double-double (25 points, it, I’ll feel really comfortable.” shooting and some eventually 11 rebounds). As a freshman, Coming off the bench through went in.” he had the game-winning bank the 13 non-conference games, Koenig sounded more pleased shot as time expired. Koenig shot just 38 percent from with his ball-handling than his “Obviously it was way back the field and only 28 percent shooting. He didn’t have a turn­ when,” Gasser said wistfully of (10-of-36) from beyond the arc. over. Nobody else did, either. his buzzer-beater against the Since moving into the starting The Badgers were credited with Wolverines in 2011. “I feel like lineup, he said the difference just one turnover on a shot I’ve had almost two basketball has been the “coaches giving clock violation on an air ball. careers here (pre- and post-knee me more confidence to let it rip” “That’s what we preach,” Gasser surgery) since then.” on offense. said proudly, “taking care of the Kaminsky probably can’t wait Why has that been such a big ball.” to see what Captain America will deal? “I’m not coming out (of Now the Badgers must take do for an encore. ■ DAVID STLUKA STEVE GOTTER

-PAGE 2 OF 2­ BEHIND THE DESK BY BARRY ALVAREZ » UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Autonomy is a positive step forward talked to our players before offensive coordinator, in USA Mac visited with some of our the Outback Bowl about the Today. Darrell and Russell have offensive linemen at the bowl Ipendulum and how the mo­ been good for each other. He site and it was pretty cool to see mentum of a game can swing thinks and sees the game as a him answer their questions and back and forth. It’s something former quarterback. share with them what we’ve I’ve always talked about to my Another one of our former done here in the past to be suc­ teams. players, Ross Kolodziej, is now cessful. When you lose the momen­ in charge of our weight room. I’m fired up about having Mac tum, you have to stay positive Ross was very talented and involved in fundraising with our and make a play to swing it back gifted as a defensive lineman. I development office. He’ll add in your favor. And when you know that he’ll do a good job. a lot. He’s very bright and loyal have momentum, you have to Bringing back anyone who has to the university. And we’re go­ capitalize on it and put the ped­ been here before, particularly ing to try and get him involved al to the floor. in the early years, is important in some other areas of athletic Russell Wilson struggled because they know how to win administration. for more than three quarters here and they know why we’ve Last weekend, I was happy to against the Packers. But he won. see the full cost of attendance stayed with it, he never lost con­ It’s about an attitude, being legislation pass at the NCAA con­ fidence, he never let negative tough, being physical. It’s about vention. We just needed to do thoughts get into his head and playing smart and playing with something for our student-ath­ he just kept playing. discipline. It’s about having letes. This is a big step. We never saw him have a bad good chemistry as a team. It’s exciting that 15 stu­ day like that when he was here. These are all the things that dent-athletes — who live it — But in crunch time last Sunday, we’ve built our program on; all had a voice and a vote in the he made things happen, he the things that we’ve been con­ process. I understand they were made great throws, he used his sistent with the last 25 years. very vocal, intelligent and im­ feet, and he did what he to do. Our former guys understand it pressive with what they brought It was just unbelievable for because they’ve been through to the table. him to overcome what he did it. This was a historic convention and for the Seahawks to win It all starts in the weight room because of the autonomy grant­ the way they did. I’ve never had with hard work in the offseason ed to the Power 5 conferences. anyone like Russell. I don’t think and it carries over to the sum­ In the past, anything dealing many people have. mer. The older guys teach the with money was voted down be­ Guys go through their whole younger ones how to work and cause so many leagues couldn’t career without getting to a Su­ there’s no compromise. afford it. per Bowl. He has won one al­ That carries over to the Now, we can take a harder ready and has a chance to win playing field and it builds at­ look at things and make deci­ another in his third year. That’s titude. Guys believe they can sions based on what’s best for not bad for a guy who was too win; they’re tough-minded. the student-athlete and what’s short to play. That’s how we did it. Ross went best overall. There was a nice article on through it; so did Mac, Chris This is all very positive moving Darrell Bevell, now Seattle’s McIntosh. forward. ■ THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY » VOICE OF THE BADGERS

Badgers follow formula to near perfection n February 28, 2008, benhoft is an assistant coach Wisconsin held the Big Ten’s the Badgers shut down at South Dakota State, where second-highest scoring team O Michigan State 57-42. he no doubt gets on his players to 17 points in the first half, the It was the fifth victory in what when they commit a turnover). final three coming on a buzz­ turned out to be a seven-game During the grind of a Big Ten er-beating 3-point heave from winning streak to secure a regu­ season, if you can have a little Jarrod Uthoff. lar-season Big Ten title. On that laugh now and then, go for it. “You look (at the statistics) night, the Badgers committed Then Paris turned a bit more and see only two fast break one turnover. serious. points — that was a point of Naturally, head coach Bo Ryan “The guys did a good job. They emphasis,” said Paris. “We were had to mention that right away. pressured us in the half court. proud of what we were able to “That’s too many,” said Ryan They picked us up three-quar­ accomplish defensively.” with a straight face. Well, sort of. ter court. Guys did a good job Now it is onto Michigan, where “We got on Joe (Krabbenhoft) in handling it and attacking, and the Wolverines will be without the locker room. His teammates knowing when to be aggressive leading scorer Caris LeVert for did.” and when to pull out and run the rest of the season. He suf­ Once the coach was done hav­ some offense.” fered a broken foot in the final ing a little fun in the moment, There was every reason to seconds of last Saturday’s two- he added “But our guys do value believe the game with the point victory against Northwest­ the ball.” Hawkeyes would be close. Re­ ern. Under Ryan, they always have. cent history says as much, and In their first game without And there is every reason to be­ chances are when they meet the star junior, Michigan beat lieve they always will. again a week from Saturday in Rutgers 54-50. Expect plenty of On Tuesday night against a tal­ Iowa City, it will be a much tight­ defense at the Crisler Center. ented and deep Iowa team, the er contest. The Wolverines have struggled Badgers were nearly flawless. However, a couple of nights to score, and for the most part, Once again, they were guilty of ago at the Kohl Center, the Bad­ teams have struggled to score just one turnover. A shot clock gers simply were superb. The against them. violation early in the second 82 points might catch your at­ It is a different-looking Mich­ half. A team turnover that did tention. Posting 16 assists on 29 igan team from what fans are not show up on the statistics buckets might get your atten­ used to seeing, but John Beile­ screen until the game’s final tion. in’s group is 5-2 in conference minutes. That is excellent, but so was play. ESPN’s College GameDay After such an impressive effort, the defense. It is something crew will be there, and no doubt you might wonder if the head Ryan and his staff always talk the building will be noisy. coach brought up Dakota Joe. about. It is an area of this team For the Badgers, home or “If you think we didn’t talk that has needed work. Yes, it is away, the formula remains the about Joe Krabbenhoft in the just one game, but perhaps on same. Bring your defense and coaches’ locker room, you’re Tuesday the Badgers showed protect the basketball. Do those mistaken,” said UW assistant what they are capable of doing two things, and you always have Lamont Paris (side note: Krab­ at that end of the floor. a chance. ■ ASK THE BADGERS HOW DID YOU SPEND? WINTER BREAK? GREG ANDERSON DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA

RAFAEL GAGLIANONE KATIE CHRISTNER JOE NAUGHTON TAYLOR FRICANO Freshman ■ Football Senior ■ Softball Sophomore ■ Men's Soccer Sophomore ■ Volleyball

I went home (Sao I spent New I travelled to a I went to Ver­ Paulo, Brazil) Year’s Eve in small village in mont to visit my and saw the family Pennsylvania with Ecuador through a uncle and his family. It and saw a bunch of my dad's family, so I student organization was the most beau­ friends and spent my was able to watch the called Engineers With­ tiful state I have ever time on the beach. It Steelers game with my out Borders, where I been to. I went climb­ was in the 90s every family. I'm originally lived in a bamboo hut ing in the Green Moun­ day so I went surfing from PA, so my family without electricity for tains and saw some in the morning with has some big Steel­ about two weeks. As a amazing waterfalls, my dad — he was a ers fans. Although the group, we were work­ including Texas Falls professional surfer Steelers lost to the Ra­ ing on a water supply (photo). I also went back in the day — and vens, it was really fun project that will allow to a dairy farm that then hung around the to watch the playoff the people of the vil­ is owned by friends house and in the pool. game with my family.” lage to have access to of my uncle and saw We'd be in the pool clean water. We were how they made milk until 9:30 at night be­ also able to interact and cheese. It was a cause it was so hot. It with the people of great vacation!” was awesome.” the village and fully immerse ourselves in their culture. It was an awesome experi­ ence and inspired me to continue to pursue similar projects in the future.” BADGERING WALT MIDDLETON

MICHAEL LIHRMAN

In his first season competing at Wisconsin, Michael Lihrman had a ALL ABOUT MICHAEL debut to remember in the indoor weight throw. He went undefeated in Year: Senior six competitions, became the first Badger since 2007 to win an individ­ Height: 6-5 ual national championship and also broke the NCAA Division I record Events: Weight Throw, Hammer Throw in the event. During the outdoor season, Lihrman broke the Big Ten Hometown: Rice Lake, Wis. record in the hammer throw and again earned first-team All-America High School: Rice Lake honors. Lihrman opens his final season with the Badgers on Saturday Last College: UW-Stout when UW hosts Minnesota in a dual meet at The Shell at 11 a.m. QUICK Qs FOR MICHAEL Last movie you saw? “Unbroken.” Were you pleased with how last season went? Favorite vacation spot? “I think it went great, given the circumstances. I went through “I don’t think I have a favorite vacation a lot of the season with an injured back, so being able to do spot, but I have a favorite way of trav­ what I did, even while going through pain, was pretty incred­ eling, which is cruise ships. I love cruise ible. I’d say that what I hit last year surpassed my expecta­ ships.” tions for even what I would hit this year.” Favorite food? “Ravioli.” Do you have any pre-meet rituals? After battling some injuries last year, how is your health? “Basically, the day before I try to eat as “I feel great! I think this is the longest I’ve ever made it with­ much as possible and I drink as much as possible, and I try to limit myself as to out getting injured. Every year since my freshman year at what I’m doing.” UW-Stout I’ve gotten injured and sat out for at least a month, Favorite ice cream? “Raspberry gelato.” or more, and this is the first year that I haven’t had to sit out during my preseason ― which is the most important part be­ Dream job? “One day I would like to own my own cause that’s the time that you can work hard and get really business, whether it’s a hotel like my par­ strong. It’ll be interesting to see what happens this year with ents own, or maybe more simple fast food the fact that I haven’t had to sit out once.” joints, things that are kind of easy to run.” - SCROLL FOR MORE ­ You accomplished so much last year. What are your goals for 2015? “I have three goals. One, I want to hit 80 feet in the weight throw, because I missed it, barely, last year. Beyond that, I would love to break the NCAA record. I hold the Division I re- cord, but the actual overall NCAA record was thrown by Kib- we Johnson in Division II, and he threw just over 82 (feet), so that’s my second goal. My third goal is, of course, to break the world record, which is just over 84. Outdoors in the ham- mer throw, I’m shooting to try to make the world (champi- onships) team because they lowered the standard this year. It used to be 78 meters, and they lowered it to 76. So if I can have myself a really good hammer season, I should be able to hit that. Coach Dave (Astrauskas) has been having me work with the hammer as well as the weight right now, so I’m throwing both.” Are you excited to compete in a dual meet setting? “I think it’ll be fun. I love the Minnesota guys. We’re supposed to have this rivalry between Wisconsin and Minnesota, but I love the Minnesota athletes and I’m looking forward to see- ing them and opening up the season against them. I’m not looking to do anything huge, we’re still working really hard. Coach Dave is setting me up to peak at the correct time, which is nice because I’m seeing all of these other weight throw- ers opening up a month ago, or two or three weeks ago, and they’re bragging on Facebook about how well they’re doing. But they’re just setting themselves up to peak at the wrong time, and that’s where Dave does the correct thing. He holds me back.” What are your post-collegiate goals? “I definitely want to make the Olympics one day, but I’d still be satisfied with just making a world team or a Pan-Ameri- can games, or any other type of games where I can represent Team USA. Looking forward to next year, I’ve already decided that I’m going to stay here for an extra year to train and pre- pare myself for the following years to come.” ■

DAVID STLUKA

HERE WAS A NOTICEABLE BOUNCE IN himself in the picture and can’t help but think Bo Ryan’s step during a recent practice that he’s looking more and more like his dad, T at the Kohl Center. Not that there isn’t al­ Butch, who passed away in August of 2013. He ways that bounce; Ryan has a passion for prac­ was 89. ticing because it gives him a chance to teach Basketball was more than an elixir, something and the players a chance to get better. But this that invigorates, for the Ryans. It was a way of was a little different. life, not unlike competition. Why wouldn’t you “He had this jolt of energy,” observed fifth- want to compete, they’d ask? Why wouldn’t year senior Duje Dukan. you want to be the best at what you do wheth­ Basketball is Ryan’s stimulant. Always has er you’re shooting marbles or flipping baseball been. Still is after 31 years as a college head cards against the wall? coach, 14 at Wisconsin; 947 games overall; 721 So here he was on Sunday night, in his ele­ wins, 338 with the Badgers, 161 in the Big Ten; ment, in his classroom, doing what he loves to all of which has set him apart from Bud Foster do best, teaching and coaching, getting his play­ and Walter Meanwell as the winningest coach in ers ready for what’s next. He likes to frame ev­ school history. erything by saying of his team, “It’s still a bunch While still young at heart, there may be some of guys who are trying to have their next game days, by his own admission, when he feels like be their best game.” he’s 67. Just the other day, for instance, he was And he’s the facilitator. As for the aforemen­ walking past a framed photo in the reception tioned jolt of energy, he was at a loss for words area of the Kohl Center basketball office and he to explain, other than the fact he loves “situa­ stopped in his tracks and retraced his steps. tional” basketball and a chunk of this practice Moments later, he confessed that every time was devoted to clock management and execut­ he walks past this particular wall hanging, cele­ ing set plays in the final seconds of a game with brating last season’s Final Four trip, he looks at or without the lead.

-PAGE 2 OF 7­ No such scenarios arose Tuesday night, in five miles from his beloved Chester. what might have been the Badgers’ most com­ “Because of how the other team’s players were plete game of the season ― a thorough 82-50 driving into my guys, we had a bunch of guys shellacking of rival Iowa. foul out and they had a bunch of guys foul out,” But at Sunday’s practice, the team staged mul­ said Ryan, throwing up his hands, much like he tiple inbounding scenarios at both ends of the still does now when an offensive player drives floor, full-court and half, a timely exercise given into a defensive player and the block-charge the injury to senior Traevon doesn’t go his way. Jackson, who’s out indefi­ ALANDO TUCKER: “I can’t remember the nitely. Taking over is Bron­ Explain Coach in one number of overtimes,” Ryan son Koenig, and Ryan want­ word? I don’t know that said, picking up the sto­ ed to drill his young point ryline, “but we go up by guard on every potential I could do it in one word. three points and they call end-of-the-game situation. I would have to say their last timeout. I might That extended the prac­ “ ‘leader.’ When he leads, have been down to five tice well beyond the norm everyone follows. guys and I didn’t want to go ― that and Ryan’s penchant into another overtime; so for telling stories; one of which that he shared I’m not taking any chances, we can’t give up a Sunday dated back to his first job as a prep 3-point play. head coach when he was making $12,000 at “There’s about five or six seconds left in the Sun Valley High School in Aston, Pennsylvania, overtime.” There was no 3-point shot back then DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 3 OF 7­ ­ ­ ­ ­ How did his UW players UW players did his How players, a few are There at Ryan coached Rainey said is another one,” “Nigel react to Sunday’s story? “It Sunday’s to react you think sense after makes contended. Ryan about it,” is neat really what’s “And work guys are when these basketball ing the (summer) coaching and they’re camp should you teams, their own that things the of some see up with.” they come would believes,that Ryan Josh coach; good a make such one. “He’s for Gasser, said. Ryan a competitor,” He cheated. “He doesn’t get every on plays hard posses ­ Rain what (Ron) sion. That’s said about me. He ey always that I would kind of figured I guess.” coaching, into go School and Wil­ High Chester College. kes Ni­ putting sophomore Ryan, have to inbound. The guys guys The inbound. to have hap everybody’s up and got We won.” py.

DAVID STLUKA “He responds. And you really don’t have to to don’t have really And you “He responds. position. He made the Dean’s in a nice “He’s gel Hayes on any list of players with coaching with coaching on any list of players Hayes gel things that run around some are “There savvy. He’s interesting. his mind that are in up there ev to tuned-in is always Nigel tuned-in; always erything that is going on around him. erything on around that is going got thing a lot of times. We’ve him the same tell tell to got that you’ve some guys on our team But them the same thing 100 times. Not Nigel. other things in his mind that he some got he’s do (with his future). to like would said team,” on a good player a good list and he’s a problem adding that he doesn’t have Ryan, him as “William” during to referring with Hayes and me ‘Pops’ him call heard “I’ve a presser ­ ­ PAGE 4 OF 7­ -PAGE

The ball was inbounded against Ryan’s de Ryan’s inbounded against was The ball And then he told them something else that them something And then he told

ball in, and with the clock moving, we didn’t we in, and with the clock moving, ball he said, “and you get five seconds to bring the to seconds five get you he said, “and scored on a lay-up with like two seconds to go,” go,” to seconds two on a lay-up with like scored fense ― five players sitting on the floor. “They sitting on the floor. players ― five fense “I did that on the fly.” “I did that on the fly.” them. And he was serious, though he confided, serious, though he confided, them. And he was down on the court, all five guys,” he instructed he instructed guys,” all five on the court, down ball to their in-bounder, I want all of you to sit to all of you I want their in-bounder, to ball his players. “As soon as the official hands the soon as the official hands “As his players. drew all sorts of strange looks and shrugs from and shrugs from looks strange all sorts of drew win this if you foul and they make a bucket.’” a bucket.’” they and make foul win this if you players in the huddle, ‘The only way we don’t we ‘The only way in the huddle, players and the clock was not going to stop on a bas stop to not going and the clock was my running. I reminded keep to going It was ket. THERE ARE A LOT OF TEAMS THAT ARE ABOUT THE SAME. “WHO’S GOING TO STICK THEIR HEAD UP? - BO RYAN ” STEVE GOTTER

‘Dad.’ You can call me anything. Just don’t call impressionable kid. But he was on a mission to me late for dinner.” do well for his mom and give her a better life.’” OK, so he’s more Rodney Dangerfield than Tucker’s picture hangs from one of the office Jerry Seinfeld. How many times do you think Al­ walls, along with the other first-team All-Big Ten ando Tucker has heard that one-liner or some­ players that Ryan has coached here: Kirk Pen­ thing comparable? Tucker played five seasons ney, Devin Harris, Mike Wilkinson, Brian Butch, for Ryan and left as the school’s all-time leading Jon Leuer and Frank Kaminsky. “It’s probably scorer. Tucker, who’s now playing in France, was not fair to the second-teamers,” Ryan lamented. at Sunday’s practice. Each has been a link in the chain, a thread “It’s hard to describe him in words,” Tucker in the story. “The guys stayed true to what we said when asked. “I always liked to say when I were teaching them,” Ryan said, “and their voic­ was here that he was the ultimate father figure. es in the locker room were echoing what we He’s a great leader and super caring. Explain were saying as coaches. When the two are on Coach in one word? I don’t know that I could do the same page you can be successful in a lot of it in one word. I would have to say ‘leader.’ When endeavors.” he leads, everyone follows.” Sports or otherwise. To this point, Ryan’s After the practice, Tucker visited with Ryan in greatest success may be off the court in raising his office. “I told him, ‘I remember sitting down money and awareness in the fight against can­ with you the first time and you were sitting on cer. This, too, has been a team effort. Along with that same couch,’” Ryan said. “He was a young his wife, Kelly, they have a long track record of

-PAGE 5 OF 7­ supporting research through the American Can­ Ryan could probably live without the dribble. cer Society. He has survived without the zone. The Ryans have been tireless and generous in “Probably deep down inside and years from their fundraising, while also rallying the campus now it will be special,” UW associate head coach around the “Make Bo Pay” campaign. “Kelly and Greg Gard said of Ryan breaking Meanwell’s re­ I thought, ‘Why don’t we do something with the cord for Big Ten wins against Purdue. “He has students and the players so the players connect the utmost respect for the coaches who have with the students?’” he said. come here before him. The connection has never been stronger. “Obviously, Doc Meanwell is someone he has On the floor of Ryan’s office, there’s an en­ talked about a lot. He has studied him and knows larged check from the “Shooting Down Cancer” the history. That part is special to him just be­ event in October which raised over $275,000 for cause he appreciates and respects the history Coaches vs. Cancer. Ryan is seated in a chair on of the game and what people have done.” the opposite side of the office. Warren Taylor is Gard has been at Ryan’s side for all 161 Big peering over his right shoulder. Ten victories at Wisconsin. Has there been a Taylor played in the early ’20s for Walter common denominator? “It’s been grind-it-out, Meanwell. The life-sized reproduction of Taylor, find-a-way, hard-hat basketball,” he said. “They one of the first UW basketball players ever pho­ haven’t all been pretty. There have been a lot of tographed, is a reminder of a bygone era. “Doc ugly ones. Meanwell really spearheaded taking the dribble “His personality has rubbed off on a lot of the out of the game,” Ryan said. “He wanted pass, teams that we’ve had in terms of, ‘You have to cut; pass, cut.” fight and scrap to succeed.’ There’s going to be

-PAGE 6 OF 8­ a grinding moment in each game and season. So what is the personality of this group of And he has instilled that in the players. players? “Just survive,” Ryan insisted. “That’s “The culture has been established on how we what we’re trying to do right now. We’ve got to do things and what is expected. When you have develop some more depth. We’ve got to get Zak that ingrained, it kind of perpetuates itself. The (Showalter) more reps in practice. There’s a fine upperclassmen know what it takes to be suc­ line with this group.” cessful and they pass it on to the younger guys. But the resources are still there to carry them “The culture,” Gard as far as they want to go. continued, “and the ex­ GREG GARD: “We give them teach­ pectations and how “The culture has been estab­ ing points after every you go about your busi­ lished on how we do things and game,” said Ryan. “So ness day-in and day-out what is expected. The upperclass­ if they’re gobbling up doesn’t change. That’s men know what it takes to be suc­ the teaching points ― the thing about him. He and they did last year cessful and they pass it on to the doesn’t change. Whether ― they’ll get better. And we go 16-2 or 10-8, noth­ younger guys. The culture and that’s what they’ve got ing changes in terms of the expectations and how you go to do.” his preparation and ap­ about your business day-in and Although Wisconsin proach and how he goes day-out doesn’t change. was the preseason fa­ at it each day.” vorite, there’s a lot of That was echoed by Dukan after Sunday’s gridlock at the top of the Big Ten standings. lengthy practice. “He has his system and what “There are a lot of teams that are about the he thinks is going to work and guys buy into same,” Ryan agreed. “Who’s going to stick their that system,” he said. “Guys get better and the head up?” team develops as well. Chemistry is one of the Who’s going to have that jolt of energy? Stay biggest things.” tuned andDAVID STLUKA don’t be late for dinner. DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 7 OF 7­

Ross Kolodziej enjoyed an unlikely NFL career, but his lengthy stay in the league was no accident. And no one will be surprised if the work ethic he brings back to the Camp Randall weight room helps the Badgers continue their championship course.

ISCONSIN’S NEW STRENGTH AND said about unlocking the truth. conditioning coach Ross Kolodziej “Everybody has a plan ‘til they get punched in W has been known to send out a dai­ the mouth,” Tyson reasoned. ly text message to inspire and motivate with a You don’t have to take that literally. And you quotable quote or scriptures. don’t have to limit the application to sports. But the 36-year-old Kolodziej is not about bra­ It’s not the adversity but how you respond to vado in his weight room. the adversity that is the broader suggestion. “Talk is cheap,” he said. “Words don’t belong Fighting back can’t be minimized. in there. Work does.” “So really just make it your plan,” Kolodziej Of course, he makes exceptions for instruc­ said. “That’s going to be our approach.” tional cues and coaching. That’s about it. And if you have to rely on signage on walls to “We’re not going to spend a lot of time,” he reinforce what should be ingrained, good luck. said, “hooting, hollering and U-rah-rahing.” “If you can’t get up to train and play this game,” Kolodziej subscribes to what Mike Tyson once he said, “you’re not going to last very long.”

-PAGE 2 OF 8­ • • • • In the weight room, Kolodziej attained leg­ olodziej still has a small scar at the base of endary status. He set records for the squat and his right thumb, a battle scar; a reminder clean. Kolodziej and nose tackle Chris Janek K of his playing days with the Badgers and would routinely bend the bars with the weight so much more. they were lifting. As a true freshman, Kolodziej appeared in the Kolodziej was a special athlete. He established first three games of the 1996 season as a re­ new standards for his position group in the 40­ serve defensive lineman, a 3-technique. He had yard dash, the vertical jump and pro-agility shown plenty of promise, too, for an 18-year­ drill. He also threw the shot put for the UW track old. team. But in advance of the Big Ten opener against Despite being overshadowed by his higher highly-ranked Penn State, he was executing a profile linemates ― Tom Burke, Wendell Bry­ rip move in practice and got his thumb caught ant and John Favret ― he was still taken in the in a teammate’s thigh pad. It was a gruesome seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New sight. York Giants. “So began the journey,” Kolodziej recalled. That began a seven-year odyssey in the NFL The injury required surgery and Kolodziej with the Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota missed the remainder of the season. But UW Vikings and Arizona Cardinals. In 2005, he start­ later petitioned the NCAA and he was granted ed 14 games for the Cardinals. a medical redshirt, pre­ “Every year I was com­ serving that year of eligi­ peting for a job,” Kolodziej bility. said. “When I went with Eying the scar now, he the Cardinals in ’04, I was said, “It’s always a re­ really the 15th defen­ minder of what it takes sive lineman on that ros­ and what you have to do ter. That year, I ended up to persevere in this game; starting four games. nothing is given to you “It’s really not where and there’s always going you start, but where you to be adversity. finish and how you go “Just like this (holding through that process and up his hand), as minor approach. Your prepara­ as it was, it still could tion and focus has every­ have thrown you off your thing to do with it. path and gotten into your “How you go about your head. You have to stay fo­ business ― staying in cused and committed on your lane ― is what I took what your purpose is.” away from my time in the The 6-foot-3, 286-pound NFL. It’s getting to know Kolodziej went on to start yourself and what your 45 games on the D-line for strengths and weakness­ the Badgers; and he was es are. truly one of the unsung “The truth is, there’s members on teams that no replacement for hard won back-to-back Big Ten work and knowing what titles and Rose Bowls. you’re supposed to do.

-PAGE 3 OF x­ PETE MADIA / PITT ATHLETICS It wasn’t easy for Kolodziej to leave his fam- ily to return to UW for classes in 2009. “But I was determined,” he said. “And it meant a lot to me to come back and get it here.”

That’s how I survived,” admitted Kolodziej, a “And it meant a lot to me to come back and get Stevens Point, Wisconsin, native. it here.” “I knew the playbook inside and out. I could While he was on campus, Kolodziej stopped by play multiple positions. I showed up on time for the weight room one day to visit with one of his meetings. I did what was asked. I didn’t com­ former teammates, Ben Herbert, who had just plain. It’s not a complicated formula.” been named the UW strength and conditioning When Kolodziej left school to pursue his ca­ coach. reer in professional football, he was 10 credits Herbert invited Kolodziej to monitor what was shy of his degree; some going on in the room to unfinished business that “THAT’S WHAT THIS GAME IS see if he might have some he addressed in 2009 by ABOUT; IT’S THE ULTIMATE interest in this area, and returning for classes at that led to Kolodziej serv­ the UW. TEAM SPORT WHEN YOU GET A ing as an intern on Her­ “My family was in Ari­ GROUP OF MEN FOCUSED ON bert’s staff. zona and we were com­ A SINGLE GOAL AND THEY’RE Kolodziej quickly came fortable I guess you could PRETTY MUCH UNSTOPPABLE.” to the conclusion, “This is say,” he said. “I could what I want to do.” have easily done whatever for the rest of my But then he got an offer that he couldn’t re­ days and made it work, but the degree was im­ fuse; an offer to resume his playing career, at portant.” age 31, with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the Obviously, it wasn’t easy leaving home, wife United Football League, which opened its doors Miriam and the kids; they now have two boys in October 2009. and two girls. “But I was determined,” he said. The Locomotives, coached by Jim Fassel, who

-PAGE 4 OF 8­ “I knew the playbook inside and out,” Kolodziej said of his time in the NFL. “I could play multiple positions. I showed up on time for meetings. I did what was asked. I didn’t complain. It’s not a complicated formula.”

“And then when you see it happen, and everybody knows why it hap­ pened, because it wasn’t just because of me, it was because of the guy next to me and the guy behind me … “That’s what this game is about; it’s the ultimate team sport when you get a group of men focused on a single goal and they’re pretty much unstop­ pable.” In 2012, Kolodziej retired from foot­ ball, for good, and returned to Madi­ son; this time as a graduate assistant coach on defense with Bret Bielema’s final team at Wisconsin. After Bielema left for Arkansas, Kolodziej caught on with Paul Chryst at Pittsburgh. He was an assistant on Todd Rice’s strength and conditioning staff in 2013 and replaced him the fol­ guided the New York Giants into Super Bowl lowing year. XXXV and had drafted Kolodziej, won back-to­ “I learned a lot from Todd; he’s brilliant bio­ back championships in Kolodziej’s two seasons mechanically,” Kolodziej said. “I grew a ton and in the UFL. I learned a lot about how he (Rice) goes about “I just love the game and I love everything the process. It’s something I’ve always been about it,” he said of his motivation to prolong cognizant of. his playing career. “I love the offseason prep “Every coach I’ve ever played for, I’ve taken that leads into training camp that leads into the notes on how they approach things; how they season. teach and instruct. What are their methods? “When you’re around a great group of guys ― What’s their progression? It was a good oppor­ which we had a lot of places I’ve been and obvi­ tunity to grow.” ously here (with the Badgers) ― that’s what it’s That growth was accelerated when he was all about. calling his own shots at Pitt. “When you can find a collective group of men “Now you’re dealing with the administration that can set their egos aside and really buy in and the budget,” Kolodziej said. “You’re manag­ and say, ‘We’re going to go out and do this and ing your assistants and dealing with a lot more this…’ of the macro-things with players.”

-PAGE 5 OF 8­ A lot more was coming across his desk, but he based on.” welcomed the increased workload and interac­ Kolodziej has deep respect for his Badgers tion since it related to student-athlete welfare mentors: athletic director Barry Alvarez, who as a whole and went beyond just the weight once coached him; and director of strength and room. conditioning John Dettmann, who once trained “I loved it because you really got to know the him. players and got to build the relationships that Given this backdrop, Kolodziej noted, “To say are the reasons why I do this,” he said. “This is that you can help a guy realize his dream is what not about me, this is about the guys. it’s all about, and now to be able to do that for “It’s seeing them when they walk in the door these kids at this place (Wisconsin) is pretty spe­ as freshmen and hopefully seeing them when cial.” they’re walking out of here as champions with The UW weight room has its own unique per­ an opportunity to play on Sundays.” sonality, making it special, he proposed. Kolodziej was delighted to add “Big Ten” “Number one, when you think of Wisconsin as champions to that statement after Chryst ac­ an institution, you think smart,” Kolodziej said. cepted the Wisconsin job and brought Kolodziej “Just to get into the building, they’re going to along with him to share in the homecoming. be smart kids. “When I look at the foundational principles “Then when you start exploring the athletic of what guides me and where I always go back side of things, they’re tough guys; they’re phys­ to as a reference point,” Kolodziej said of UW, ical guys; they do the right things; and they’re “this is that ground floor and what everything is detailed in their approach.

-PAGE 6 OF 8­ “I think that’s one thing that has separated said. “That’s not how it works. Each individual this program from others over the last 25 years. is going to respond a little bit differently wheth­ We have smart, tough, dependable guys that fo­ er that’s motivationally or physiologically. cus on the details. “These kids have a lot on their plate ― aca­ “They don’t let little things slide. Every little demically and socially. You have to get to know thing is important and they understand how them and be in-tune with where they’re at. that does affect the outcome on the field.” “There could be a group of guys that you can Kolodziej met Tuesday with the returning push. And there may be some guys, whatever players; many of whom he already knows. the circumstances, where you have to be will­ On what was discussed during the meeting, he ing to adapt…” He paused and stressed, “In a said, “We laid out what is going to be expected sense.” from them, how we’re going to start and where He smiled and continued, “At the same time, we will finish at the end of the winter training the core still has to be the core. The core values cycle. can never change.” “We made it clear on what we’re going to do. There will be no changes on the football We instilled the expectations. Moving forward, strength staff beyond Kolodziej’s hiring and we’re trying to eliminate as many questions as Evan Simon’s departure. Jamil Walker, Jeff Zuhl­ possible.” ke, Billy Breider and Micah Cloward are all being Kolodziej is not about imposing his will on retained. others; no questions asked or answered. After former UW head coach Gary Andersen left “It’s not going to be, ‘Here’s the template,’” he for Oregon State, Alvarez put Walker in charge of DAVID STLUKA

IT’S SEEING THEM WHEN THEY WALK IN THE DOOR AS FRESHMEN AND HOPEFULLY SEEING THEM WHEN THEY’RE WALKING OUT OF HERE AS CHAMPIONS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY ON SUNDAYS. “-PAGE 7 OF 8­ ” “I think that’s one thing that has separated this program from others over the last 25 years,” Kolodziej said. “We have smart, tough, dependable guys that focus on the details. getting the players ready for the Outback Bowl, programs talk about being family and being and Walker was invaluable in that capacity. special,” he said. “But this place is special and Kolodziej likes having a confident deci­ it is family.” sion-maker like Alvarez at the top of the flow Everybody who steps into the weight room chart. will be challenged to carry on the tradition. And “It’s always great to have an AD who has been he plans on opening his door to any former UW in the trenches,” he said, “and it never hurts to players who want to come back, like he has, to have the guy who built it ― who laid the founda­ reinforce it. tion of the program ― as your AD.” “It only gives more credence to what this place It doesn’t hurt, either, Kolodziej acknowl­ is about and how it was built,” he said. “As many edged, to have already developed a trust and people as we can have echoing the same mes­ bond with Chryst and offensive coordinator Joe sage for these young guys, only makes it stron­ Rudolph, a former All-Big Ten guard for the Bad­ ger. gers. “I’m a pragmatist,” Kolodziej went on. “What’s “Rudy is one of those core foundational play­ the difference that makes a difference? I always ers that helped put this program on the map,” try to dissect, as everyone does at the end of the he said. “He’ll do an outstanding job recruiting year, why did that team win the championship? by identifying the type of guys that fit and work “If you’re not in it to win championships, I here. don’t know why you’re doing it. You always “Paul is great; he’s a Wisconsin guy who real­ have to deconstruct why people have had suc­ ly embodies the core values of what this place cess doing it a certain way. is about. If you understand how it works, and “But it’s pretty easy here because the formula come in and do the work, great things can hap­ has been tested and it’s very true. I don’t think pen.” we’ll have to spend a whole lot of time on what Kolodziej is expecting nothing less. “A lot of the expectations are.”

-PAGE 8 OF 8­

DAVID STLUKA

1937 TRACK TEAM

HE LAST TIME THAT THE WISCONSIN or professional sports,” said Matt Bingle, Min­ and Minnesota track and field programs nesota’s director of women’s track and cross T met in a dual meet in 1978, the Blues country. “The rivalry runs deep for many, many Brothers made their debut on Saturday Night people in Minnesota. There’s a lot of pride on Live and Wisconsin director of track and field the line.” and cross country Mick Byrne was finishing up Both Wisconsin teams lead their dual-meet his collegiate track career at Providence Col­ rivalries with the Gophers. The UW men own a lege. 73-22 lead in a series that dates back to 1900. The Border Battle foes rekindle their rivalry on The Badgers and Gophers missed their year- Saturday at The Shell, as ly meetings only seven the Wisconsin men meet MALACHY SCHROBILGEN: times from 1900 to 1978, the Gophers for the 96th “Everyone knows how heated the and in many years met time in program history rivalry is between Minnesota and during both the indoor and the women’s squad Wisconsin in every sport. Now we and outdoor seasons. faces off with Minnesota have the opportunity to actively The Wisconsin women for the fourth time. add to that history.” faced Minnesota in 1976, “It’s bragging rights,” 1977 and 1978, winning Byrne said. “We have quite a few kids from Min­ all three showdowns with the Gophers. nesota on the team. They have some Wisconsin But as teams focused on going to larger com­ kids. There’s going to be a lot of energy in there petitions in the 1980s, dual meets with Minne­ from the fans, the coaches and the athletes on sota and other Big Ten teams faded away. Many the track.” Badgers, including sophomore Malachy Schro­ “Obviously Wisconsin is the biggest rival that bilgen, are excited to restart the rivalry in a we have in every sport, whether it’s collegiate head-to-head form.

-PAGE 2 OF 4­ “Everyone knows how heated the rivalry is be­ “It’s something that we have tried to do for a tween Minnesota and Wisconsin in every sport,” few years now,” Byrne said. “It’s the direction Schrobilgen said. “Now we have the opportuni­ that our sport is going. At the end of the day, we ty to actively add to that history. talk about times and I think there is too much “It will be great to have the Gophers in town emphasis on times. and I’m beyond excited “I think year-in and to be able to go out this MICK BYRNE: year-out we see kids walk weekend as we look to We have to get back to head-to- off the track and they protect our turf.” head competition, that’s what are disappointed if they Dual meets are once our sport is all about. At the end don’t run a certain time. again trending up in the of the day, fans want to see a They would rather run a track and field world. The competition, just like a football fast time and finish in the Badgers faced Missouri in or basketball game. You have a middle of the pack than a pair of duals last season, winner and you have a loser.” win a race with a slow marking the first time time. We have to get back since the 1990s that Wisconsin had competed in to head-to-head competition, that’s what our a dual meet. The men’s team went 2-0 against sport is all about. the Tigers, while the women split the duals. “At the end of the day, fans want to see a com- petition, just like a football or basketball game. You have a win­ ner and you have a loser.” The Badgers and Gophers aren’t the only Big Ten schools compet­ ing in duals this year. In-state ri­ vals Indiana and Purdue met last weekend, while Michigan and Michigan State face each other next week. The head-to-head competition not only makes for shorter meets, but also makes the format easier for non-track fans to follow. “We’ve recognized that our in­ vitational meets are way, way too long and boring,” Byrne said. “And this type of tight compe­ tition, four athletes from each team, I think people can relate to the head-to-head competition. “Our kids are very excited about competing. It’s not about them getting that specific distance, height or time. It’s about them beating someone from Minneso­ ta.” The meet marks the Badgers’

-PAGE 3 OF 4­ OUR KIDS ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT COMPETING. IT’S NOT ABOUT THEM GETTING THAT SPECIFIC DISTANCE, HEIGHT OR TIME. “IT’S ABOUT THEM BEATING SOMEONE “THAT’S WHAT THIS GAME IS FROM MINNESOTA. ABOUT; IT’S THE ULTIMATE - MICK BYRNE TEAM SPORT WHEN YOU GET A GROUP OF MEN FOCUSED ON A SINGLE GOAL AND THEY’RE PRETTY MUCH UNSTOPPABLE.” ”

second competition of the year ― they hosted they’re injured or we’re redshirting them. the Wisconsin Open last weekend ― but many “You can’t go into a competition like this and athletes will make their season debuts this not bring your top guns.” weekend. Lining up a dual meet meant the schools had “I think that it’s going to be an exciting meet to mutually clear a date on their schedules to to open up with,” said junior Molly Hanson, a make it work. Dodgeville native who earned second-team “I’ve wanted to do a dual with them for a long All-America honors last year. “The coaches and time. It is just a matter of getting together with athletes are really getting hyped up about fac­ Minnesota,” Byrne said. “They see the direction ing another Big Ten school in a dual, so it should that the sport is going, and it was a matter of be a fun meet to compete in and watch.” clearing our schedules and understanding how Unlike most early-season competitions, in important it is for our athletes and our fans that which teams might rest some top athletes, the we do something like this. Badgers and Gophers agreed to compete their “I think we are going to see more and more of full rosters on Saturday. Among the UW athletes this. There’s talk about adding on another dual competing will be reigning weight throw nation­ meet next year with another Big Ten school. al champion and NCAA Division I record-hold­ More and more people are talking about it as er Michael Lihrman, 2014 Big Ten pentathlon they see the importance of having the team champion Deanna Latham, and Kelsey Card, score.” who set Big Ten records in the shot put and dis­ “I think these duals are a cool way to rekindle cus at the 2014 USA Outdoor Championships. some interest in track and field,” Hanson said. “We signed a contract and in the contract that’s “This is very clean-cut as compared to other part of the deal, that we run our top athletes,” meets we have; there’s going to be a winning Byrne said. “They’ll have all their top athletes team and a losing team and I think that will get and we will have ours. No one gets a bye unless the fans and teams more fired up.”

-PAGE 4 OF 4­ INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB STEVE GOTTER

Next man up: Badgers don’t miss a beat Koenig, Showalter & Dukan playing their part SCHEDULE (17-2, 5-1) osing a starting player is never good, but when it’s a veter­ Home games in bold. All times CT. an starter, the loss figures to be a significant blow to any RECENTLY team. That was the concern when senior Traevon Jackson Jan. 4 at N’western W, 81-58 Lsuffered a foot injury during Wisconsin’s lone Big Ten road loss Jan. 7 Purdue W, 62-55 at Rutgers. Jan. 11 at Rutgers L, 62-67 This season’s Badgers have refused to miss a beat, however. Jan. 15 Nebraska W, 70-55 As cliché as it may be, the “Next man up” mantra is one awfully Jan. 20 #25 Iowa W, 82-50 fitting for UW’s response since Jackson’s setback. Filling Jackson’s void has been done by committee thus far COMING UP for UW, inserting Bronson Koenig into the starting lineup, while Jan. 24 at Michigan 6 p.m. also bumping the minutes and roles of guys like Zak Showalter Jan. 31 at Iowa 11 a.m. and Duje Dukan in the rotation. Feb. 3 Indiana 6 p.m. While not always guaranteed to leave his mark in the stat Feb. 7 Northwestern 4:30 p.m. sheet, Showalter has become a spark plug for the Badgers Feb. 10 at Nebraska 8 p.m. during his time in Madison. Arguably the best pound-for-pound athlete on UW’s roster, Showalter is best known for bringing > Complete Schedule | Buy Tickets plenty of energy, intensity and hustle onto the basketball court with him each and every time he checks in. FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: That’s all head coach Bo Ryan asks of him. “Just what he’s been giving us,” Ryan said of his expectations. “Work hard, take care of-SCROLL the ball, FOR playMORE­ defense, hit the glass, take charges ― an energy guy. Zak has brought us a lot of ener- gy.” Showalter went through a stretch of three straight games in which he played just two minutes in each. Since Jackson’s ab- sence, the flashy and energetic player, known as “Showy” by his teammates, has seen his playing time on the uptick. He played seven minutes at Rutgers, then nine versus Nebraska and most recently 18 minutes against Iowa. Bringing scoring off the bench has been Dukan. The fifth-year senior is averaging seven points over the last three games on 40 percent shooting from the floor (6-for-15), including 37.5 per- cent from distance (3-for-8). He’s also been more assertive of late in driving to the basket and drawing fouls, owning a 6-for-7 mark from the stripe the past three games. Dukan appeared in all 38 games off the bench last season, averaging 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds. So far this season, the forward with range has more than doubled his production, con- tributing 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest. INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY KELLI GRASHEL JACK MCLAUGHLIN

Junior class making a major difference The three starters have stepped up this year SCHEDULE (7-10, 3-4) hen players become upperclassmen, they are expect­ Home games in bold. All times CT. ed to step up. It’s a new leaf to be turned. More is re­ RECENTLY quired of them. They have to show leadership on and Jan. 6 Penn State W, 65-46 Woff the court in addition to contributing more during their play­ Jan. 11 at Indiana L, 69-52 ing time. Jan. 15 at Purdue W, 65-56 That’s a lot of pressure for some players, but the three start­ ing juniors on the Wisconsin women’s basketball team have Jan. 18 Rutgers L, 73-63 handled it well. Dakota Whyte, Nicole Bauman and Tessa Cichy COMING UP have answered that call this season and are embracing their Jan. 22 Nebraska 7 p.m. roles on the team. “We go into every game thinking we can win, and there’s Jan. 25 at Michigan State 1 p.m. obviously things you can take away from every game,” Cichy Jan. 29 Ohio State 8 p.m. said. “In our minds, we can beat any type of team, whether it’s Feb. 1 Illinois 2 p.m. an athletic team, a half-court team, a transition team or a big Feb. 8 Iowa 2 p.m. team, and I think one of our issues right now is putting wins > Complete Schedule | Buy Tickets back to back. “We win one and then maybe we drop the next one, so I think FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: what we should probably focus on now is putting wins back to back, and I think that will help us because we know we can beat anybody.” The juniors average at least-SCROLL 30 FOR minutes MORE- per game. Each is also averaging more than 8.0 points and at least 2.9 rebounds per contest — and the trio have been in double figures together in four games this season, all wins. INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO LARRY RADLOFF

Rumpel steals another game with stops Senior goaltender giving Badgers a chance SCHEDULE (2-13-3, 0-2-1-1) hen freshman defenseman Jack Dougherty got down Home games in bold. All times CT. on his knees and made a save in front of an open net RECENTLY last Friday at Minnesota, it didn’t officially count as a Jan. 9 #2 Boston U. T, 3-3 (OT) Wsave. It went into the official stats as a blocked shot, but it saved Jan. 10 #2 Boston U. L, 6-1 a goal. Senior goaltender Joel Rumpel was at the opposite post Jan. 16 at #16 Minn. T, 2-2 (OT) after making a play, but Dougherty saved the day. Jan. 17 at #16 Minn. L, 5-2 It was a rare occurrence as of late ― Rumpel not in position to make a save ― at least rare without contact from an opponent COMING UP preventing him from being in the right spot. Jan. 23 #16 Michigan 8 p.m. “Rumpel has made 40-plus saves in three of the last four Jan. 24 #16 Michigan 7 p.m. games so I guess I just owe it to him to help him out every once Jan. 30 Minnesota 8 p.m. in a while,” Dougherty said when describing the play. Jan. 31 Minnesota 7 p.m. Rumpel was spectacular that night, stopping 19 of 20 Minne­ Feb. 6 at Penn State 5:30 p.m. sota shots in the first period and keeping the Badgers in the Feb. 7 at Penn State 1 p.m. game until they could score twice in the third to tie the game. > Complete Schedule | Buy Tickets Rumpel and the Badgers went on to capture an extra Big Ten point with a shootout victory. In all, the goaltender made 47 saves in the contest. FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Rumpel returned to the ice less than 19 hours later and post­ ed a similar performance. He faced 21 first-period shots on Sat­ urday, with one puck getting-SCROLL past FOR MORE-during a Minnesota power play, and two others slipping by only after Minnesota players made contact with him. He finished with 45 saves in his encore performance, but the Badgers fell, 5-2. The Swift Current, Saskatchewan, native already has nine games with at least 30 saves in his 16 games this season, match- ing his season totals from his first two campaigns at Wisconsin, when he appeared in 26 and 29 games, respectively. He’s also made at least 40 stops three times this season, after playing just two prior games in his career with at least 40 saves. The goaltender is doing what head coach Mike Eaves has laid out as UW’s formula this season. He’s keeping the Badgers in the game and allowing his teammates a chance at points. It won’t get easier this weekend as the nation’s top offense visits the Kohl Center. Michigan, which is averaging 4.15 goals per game, scored 10 times last Friday against Ohio State and boasts 17 goals in its last two contests. ■ INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY A.J. HARRISON

Non-conference test awaits No. 4 Badgers UW meets No. 7 Clarkson in top-10 showdown SCHEDULE (18-4-2, 14-4-2) or the final time this regular season, the Badgers will meet Home games in bold. All times CT. an opponent outside of the WCHA, as No. 4 Wisconsin fac­ RECENTLY es No. 7 Clarkson of the East Coast Athletic Conference Jan. 10 at #2 Minnesota L, 4-1 FFriday and Saturday at LaBahn Arena. Jan. 11 at #2 Minnesota T, 1-1 The series marks the first time the two teams have matched Jan. 16 Bemidji State L, 2-1 up. The Golden Knights are the 32nd NCAA Division I team Wis­ Jan. 17 Bemidji State W, 2-1 (OT) consin has faced in its 16-year history. Clarkson became the first team outside of the WCHA to win a COMING UP national title last year, defeating Minnesota in the NCAA cham­ Jan. 24 #7 Clarkson 2 p.m. pionship game, and the series is a unique one for the Badgers. Jan. 25 #7 Clarkson Noon “What makes it fun, is the history of Clarkson’s program, being Jan. 30 Minnesota State 7 p.m. the defending NCAA champions and one of our former players, Jan. 31 Minnesota State 3 p.m. Meghan Duggan, is an assistant coach there,” UW head coach Feb. 6 #6 Minn. Duluth 7 p.m. Mark Johnson said. “There’s some things within that equa­ Feb. 7 #6 Minn. Duluth 7:30 p.m. tion that make the weekend enjoyable and, even though it is non-conference, there are some things very important about the series.” FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: “It’s a huge series,” senior Brittany Ammerman said. “They are the reigning champs, they are ranked in the top 10, so to get two wins against them would be huge, especially in the second half of the year.” -SCROLL FOR MORE- Wisconsin is coming off a series split against Bemidji State in which UW lost the opener 2-1 before winning in overtime, 2-1, in the series finale. The Badgers outshot the Beavers 104-46 during the two-game set, so the team isn’t discouraged by its lack of goals. “If you are getting quality scoring opportunities, if you are getting shots to the net, the game indicates that eventually the puck is going to go in,” Johnson said. “You look at Minnesota, they are one of the top defensive teams in the country, you look at Bemidji State, they are one of the top defensive teams in the nation. There is a reason why the puck hasn’t gone in for us. “More importantly is that we are getting chances. As long as you getting chances, that is a real positive thing.” Fans that come out to LaBahn will see a familiar face on the Clarkson bench in Duggan, who is in her first year as an assis- tant coach for the Golden Knights. “I’m sure she will be very excited to come in here,” said John- son, who also coached Duggan in the 2010 Olympics. “It will be strange that she will be on the other bench and part of the other group. It will be good, she’s a wonderful person, she had a great career here at Wisconsin and has done well with our Olympic team as a captain. There’s a lot of things in her life that the experiences she has had as a player she will be able to pass on as a coach.” The captain of the 2014 U.S. Olympic team that won silver in Sochi, Duggan helped the Badgers win three NCAA cham- pionships. The 2011 Patty Kazmaier Award winner served as the Badgers’ captain during the 2010-11 season, Ammerman’s freshman season. “It will be great to see her,” Ammerman said. “She’s been a great mentor for me, but when that puck drops on Saturday, we will be rivals.” ■ INSIDE WRESTLING BY KELLI GRASHEL JACK MCLAUGHLIN

No. 17 Badgers work to stay atop conference Wisconsin prepares for challenging weekend SCHEDULE (7-1, 5-0) he Wisconsin wrestling team will be back in action after a Home events in bold. All times CT. beneficial week off. The Badgers used the break to get in RECENTLY some hard training before going into a stacked weekend Dec. 11 Indiana W, 45-0 Tagainst Michigan on Friday night and Michigan State on Sunday Dec. 13 at Nebraska W, 23-14 afternoon. The Badgers are coming off of a successful run that saw them Dec. 29-30 at Midlands 7th place defeat No. 19 Northwestern 30-15 and Purdue 22-13 the week­ Jan. 9 at N’western W, 30-16 end of Jan. 9-11. Jan. 11 Purdue W, 22-13 “It was a great week for the Badger wrestling team,” Wiscon­ COMING UP sin head coach Barry Davis said. Isaac Jordan recorded his sixth pin of the season at North­ Jan. 23 at Michigan 6 p.m. western over No. 7 Pierce Harger. He will face No. 10 Taylor Mas­ Jan. 25 at Michigan St. 1 p.m. sa of Michigan this week. Connor Medbery defeated his second Feb. 6 Rutgers 7 p.m. ranked opponent of the season at Northwestern but he will Feb. 7 at Blugold Open All Day take on another this week in the Wolverines’ No. 8 Adam Coon. View complete schedule “Michigan will present a big challenge as they have nine indi­ > viduals ranked in the top 20 at their respective weights and are ranked higher than we are at six of the weights,” Davis said. FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: But it is a challenge they have been waiting for.

-SCROLL FOR MORE­ As far as strategy, I don’t think much will change. We need to go out with a high pace and be ready to scrap hard “ for seven minutes. THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

FIRST FLIGHT JANUARY 29, 2000: Bobby Myers, who also started as a free safety on the football team, tied the UW indoor record in the high jump. Myers cleared 7 feet, 3 1/4 inches in his first competition on the track, qualifying him for the NCAA championship. -MORE THIS WEEK­

RECORD RACE SECOND HELPING USA! USA! JANUARY 28, 1995: JANUARY 25, 1988: JANUARY 27, 2009: Amy Wickus broke the Badgers’ The men’s basketball team set a Women’s hockey coach Mark school record and all-time Big single-game record for the most Johnson was named coach of Ten mark in the indoor 600 points in a half with 67 in the the U.S. women’s team for the meters with a time of 1:27.77. second period against Iowa. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Badgers lost to the 16th-ranked The U.S. won a silver medal in Hawkeyes, 104-89. Vancouver.