CONTENTS APRIL 5, 2017 ▪ VOLUME 7, ISSUE 33 LAUREN ARNDT

ADVERSITY AND OPPORTUNITY Injuries ended their seasons. But for Jack Cichy and Chris Orr, the road back has provided more than rehab and healthy bodies. It’s given them a clearer outlook on football and life. JACK MCLAUGHLIN FEATURES SOFTBALL IN [FOCUS] WALK-ON SUCCESS The week's best photos

Wisconsin’s culture of finding and BY THE NUMBERS growing local and regional talent is Facts and figures on UW building success for softball. WHAT TO WATCH Where to catch the Badgers

LUCAS AT LARGE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Badgers’ best & brightest LEGEND OF THE MIC ASK THE BADGERS After starting his storied career Why Badgers fans are great calling Wisconsin hockey games, ICON SPORTSWIRE NHL Hall of Fame announcer Bob Miller is ready to turn off the mic. BADGERING Sarah Disanza (Track & Field) -SCROLL FOR MORE- INSIDE TRACK & FIELD Arizona’s Shootout up next Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711

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© 2017 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER A legend of the hockey mic at UW, in NHL he storytellers were Bob In late January of 1990, Grana- recalled Granato. “And, then, I Miller, whose legendary to was in Madison for the NHL said, ‘Hey, Bob, who’s this W. Tbroadcasting resume in- All-Star break when he got word Douglas that I’m rooming with?’” cludes having his own star on that he had been traded from the Miller got a smirk on his face. the Hollywood Walk of Fame; (along with To- “Oh, you know what, that’s and , whose return mas Sandstrom) to the Los Ange- Wayne’s name that he regis- to his alma mater has already les Kings for Bernie Nicholls. The ters with at the hotel,” Miller bordered on the stuff of leg- following day, Granato flew to informed Granato. “That’s so ends with the revitalization of a Vancouver to join his new team. people don’t know it’s Wayne dormant program after just one “When I checked in at the ho- Gretzky.” season. tel,” he said, “I asked, ‘Who’s my Miller picked up the story from From up-close and afar, they roommate?’” there. “Tony says, ‘What? I’m have earned each other’s re- This was before NHL players rooming with ?’ I spect: Miller, 78, the former had single rooms on the road. said, ‘Yes, Gretzky.’ And he says, DAVID STLUKA Wisconsin hockey play-by-play “They said, ‘W. Douglas,’” ‘Oh, my, God.’” man and iconic voice of the Los Granato recounted. “So I was Yep, the one and only, the Angeles Kings; and Granato, 52, wondering, ‘This is kind of Great One, Wayne Douglas the former UW star, Olympian strange.’” Gretzky. and battle-scarred NHL survivor That’s because he was un- “It’s funny,” Granato went on. as a player (13 years) and coach aware of a W. Douglas on the “Gretz had played in the All-Star (13 years). Los Angeles roster. game (in Pittsburgh) and had “He’s such a wonderful human Walking to the elevator, he been given an extra day off. So being,” Granato said. bumped into Miller, the venera- I get to the room and I’m in the “He was an individual who ble Kings announcer. room by myself for a day waiting would do anything to win the “He welcomed me to the Kings for that knock on the door and game,” Miller said. and we were talking about Bad- for Wayne Gretzky to appear as Now for their story. gers stuff and everything else,” my roommate. HARRY HOW

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 1 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER ICON SPORTSWIRE

“IT’S BASED ON MY HEALTH REALLY AND IT’S REALLY NOT A TOUGH CALL,” ADMITTED MILLER. “I ALWAYS SAID I WANTED TO RETIRE WHEN I’M STILL HEALTHY ENOUGH TO ENJOY RETIREMENT. I WAS READY TO DO IT.”

“I can remember calling Donny (Granato, his younger brother) back here (in Madison) and say- ing, ‘Donny, you’re not going to believe this, but I’m sitting in a room right now and there’s an- other bed in here and Wayne Gretzky is going to be in that bed — he’s my roommate.’” Keep in mind, Tony Granato was only three years removed from his senior year at Wiscon- sin. “All the college guys back in Madison,” he said, “would call my room (in Vancouver) just to see if ences back here in Madison and his storied career in what will Wayne would answer the phone how special they were to him. be the final two regular-season so they could talk to him.” We talked about Badger hockey games for Los Angeles on April Over the years, Granato be- all the time.” 8 against the Chicago Black came good friends with W. Granato spent seven years Hawks at the Staples Center and Douglas. with the Kings (380 games). on April 9 against the Ducks in “He learned a lot from Wayne “He’s obviously a great broad- Anaheim. Gretzky,” said Miller, who remem- caster, a Hall of Famer,” Granato “It’s based on my health really bered Granato for his feistiness, said of Miller, “who has not only and it’s really not a tough call,” enthusiasm and competitiveness meant a lot to the Los Angeles admitted Miller, who has dealt as a Kings player. “I think that’s Kings but to the NHL as well. It with quadruple bypass surgery still the way he is today.” was classy how he represented and two strokes within the last Granato has fond memories of himself and his retirement is sad year (most recently in January). Miller, too. from the standpoint that he’s “I always said I wanted to retire “We had a connection right not going to be around calling when I’m still healthy enough to away from the Badger ties,” said games anymore.” enjoy retirement. I was ready to Granato, reflecting on his recep- After 44 years with the Kings, do it. tion with the Kings. “He came some 3,351 broadcasts, Miller “It was a good, long run and it up to me and shared his experi- will call his final two games of was time to end it.”

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 2 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ color analyst on home games, us out, 3-0. It was as dull as it eady or not, Miller became while Phil Mendel handled the could be. My wife Judy and I the original voice of Bad- assignment on the road. were driving home and said, Rger hockey on Dec. 13, In 1972, Miller applied for the ‘What have we done?’ We left 1968. He had no idea of what play-by-play job with the Kings. Madison where we had parties he was getting himself into when One of his references was Los after games and everybody was his program director, WKOW’s Angeles Lakers announcer Chick upbeat. Roger Russell, informed him, Hearn. But owner Jack Kent “We came here (Los Angeles) “Oh, by the way, we’re doing the Cooke acted on a whim and and we don’t know anybody and hockey broadcasts this weekend hired someone else. A year later, that first regular season game and you’re doing the games.” after the Badgers won their first was terrible. There was so much Although Miller, a TV sports national championship, the Kings more energy around the college anchor in Madison, had experi- position reopened. game than there was the profes- ence doing football, basketball Miller again sent them an au- sional game. It was just a whole and baseball, he was a newcom- dition tape. And this time, he different atmosphere.” er to the sport of college hock- was hired. “I had people tell me, It didn’t take long for Miller ey, which was still a novelty and ‘Why would you take a job with to make adjustments or find curiosity to most people in the the Kings? They’re a terrible his niche in a legend-rich mar- community. Bob Johnson’s bud- team,’” Miller related. “But I just ket. Besides Hearn, who passed MAX SIKER MAX ding program was just beginning wanted the opportunity to get away in 2002, there was the to generate interest. into the incomparable Vin Scully with the “What was in my favor,” Miller and see where it would lead.” Dodgers. Last October, Scully said, “is that I don’t know how Miller’s first impression of the retired after 67 seasons. What a many people in Madison had pro game was not a good one. hat trick: Scully, Miller, Hearn. listened to hockey on the radio, “One of the worst games I’ve In fact, it was Hearn who set so they didn’t know how bad I ever seen,” he said. “We played Miller straight on what it would was in those early days. It was Chicago. Tony Esposito shut take to succeed in LA. the biggest challenge I ever had ICON SPORTSWIRE doing play-by-play just to keep up with the speed of the game.” In his debut, the Badgers upset No. 1 ranked North Dakota, 7-5, at the Coliseum. “I really fell in love with the game,” he said, “and I wanted to see if I could really do them well.” From 1969 through 1973, Miller, a Chicago native and University of Iowa alum, was the UW’s Director of Radio and Tele- vision. He worked side-by-side with Jim Mott, the sports infor- mation director. Bob Leu was his

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 3 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER

“Be yourself,” Hearn advised of 53 years) has been there to Another former “Voice of Badger him. “You’re not trying to be polish it.’” Hockey” also made the jump to the Chick Hearn, you’re not trying Miller is one of two former NHL. Chris Moore, who covered to be Vin Scully, you’re not try- Wisconsin hockey play-by-play UW football and hockey, went on ing to be anybody that you may voices to receive the Foster to become the play-by-play voice have listened to growing up in Hewitt Memorial Award for of the (1988- Chicago (Bob Elson). Just be overall professionalism and con- 93) and the yourself. Don’t mimic other an- tributions to the game. The oth- (1993-99). Moore has excelled nouncers. Just do the game in er is Chuck Kaiton who covered as a national talk show host. your own style.” the Badgers in the late ’70s. “Chris Moore was here when Humor has always been an Both of their plaques hang in the I was here and we’re great bud- integral component of Miller’s NHL Hall of Fame. dies,” said Tony Granato, who style. enjoyed running into Moore, “People always asked me, ‘Are Miller and Kaiton during his trav- “A LOT OF GREAT THINGS HAVE you going to go as long as Vince els in the league. “Being a part HAPPENED TO ME. IT’S TIME TO Scully’” posed Miller, who would of Wisconsin hockey, like team- ENJOY THEM WITH MY WIFE AND then deliver the punchline. mates, you feel like you have a FAMILY AND I HOPE TO HAVE A “Let’s see, I’m in my 44th year, bond. There’s a brotherhood.” LOT OF GOOD YEARS LEFT.” he went 67 — that’s 23 years And now, it’s Miller time — difference. At my age, I’ll tie him time for him to step away from when I’m 101. I told my wife, ‘It Kaiton has been with the the broadcasting fraternity. could happen.’ She said, ‘Not a Carolina Hurricanes (formerly “A lot of great things have chance.’” Hartford Whalers) franchise for happened to me,” he said. “It’s Asked if he has gone to the 34 years. He has never missed time to enjoy them with my wife Hollywood Walk of Fame to a broadcast. “Chuck is a great and family and I hope to have a stand on his own embedded friend, a great guy to be around. lot of good years left — meeting star in the sidewalk (No. 2,319), We’ve had a lot of laughs,” said with fans, hosting some projects. he cracked, “I’ve done that for a Miller, who will entertain/feed It’s not a complete break all-to- couple of reasons. One, I wanted Kaiton when he’s in Los Angeles. gether from being around the to make sure it’s still there. Two, Kaiton does likewise for Miller in team and people that I know.” I wanted to see if Judy (his wife Raleigh, North Carolina. The icing on an HOF career. ▪

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 4 OF 4 STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Congratulations to UW’s Student-Athletes of the Month for March. These honorees have been recognized ― via nominations from Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members, coaches, advisors and sport administrators ― for the accomplishments in athletics, academics, on campus and in the community. GREG ANDERSON JORDAN HAHN SOPHOMORE ▪ MEN’S GOLF A sophomore from Spring Grove, Illinois, Jordan Hahn has developed into a leadership role this season thanks to his dedication on and off the course. Hahn has finished within the top- 30 in seven out of nine tournaments this year, including three top-10 finishes. Despite be- ing an underclassman, Hahn is the leading scorer on the team and is one of the top players in the Big Ten. With a 72.96 season scoring average, Hahn finished as the top Badger golfer in the last three tournaments and enters the end of the season with plenty of momentum. Hahn’s coaches commend him for staying motivated and always giving it his all, whether it be in the classroom, on the golf course or in the community. An up-and-coming sopho- more, Hahn is praised for being a student athlete that can be always be counted on.

MORGAN McDONALD JUNIOR ▪ MEN’S TRACK & FIELD A junior from Sydney, Australia, McDonald won a pair of Big Ten titles at the end of February to earn Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championship honors. McDonald earned 20 points for UW, leading the Badgers to a third-place finish at the conference meet. In addition, McDonald became the first Badger to win both the 3000 and 5000 meters at the Big Ten since Brandon Bethke in 2008. An international business and finance, investment and banking double-major, McDon- ald serves as one of the three team captains for the men’s track and field team this year. He also earned U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Academic team honors earlier this year.

LAMAR REMY JUNIOR ▪ MEN’S TENNIS A junior from Roslyn, New York, Lamar Remy has emerged as a strong leader and pivotal player in the Badger lineup. Remy demonstrates his strong leadership on the court as team captain, standing at the No. 1 singles position and No. 2 doubles spot. This spring, he has made his mark on the court, accruing a 9-6 singles record and an outstanding 14-2 doubles record. Leading the 29th-ranked Badgers to their best Big Ten start in years, Remy continues to show growth on the court. A personal finance major, Remy is continually praised by his peers and DAVID STLUKA coaches and is consistently one of the team leaders in community service hours. Head coach Danny Westerman shared that Remy “cares deeply about this program and is a lead-by-exam- ple type of player. … He understands the importance of giving back to the community.”

SYDNEY RIDER SENIOR ▪ WOMEN’S TENNIS A senior from Annapolis, Maryland, Sydney Rider has exhibited a selfless and kind-heart- ed demeanor as a leader on and off the court for Wisconsin. She represents the Badgers primarily at the No. 4 and No. 6 singles position, while standing at the No. 2 doubles slot. So far this spring, she has accumulated a 4-8 singles record and a 5-9 doubles mark. A life sciences communication major, Rider is, year in and year out, one of the team

leaders in community service hours.DAVID STLUKA She has also worked diligently to improve in the DAVID STLUKA classroom over the course of her time at Wisconsin. The senior earned 2016 Academic All-Big Ten honors and is greatly admired by head coach Kelcy McKenna, who believes that Rider’s “skill set and personality will allow for a future of limitless potential.”

SPOTLIGHT: STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE MONTH PAGE 1 OF 1 ASK THE BADGERS

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WISCONSIN ?BADGERS FANS? PAUL CAPOBIANCO JACK MCLAUGHLIN ICON SPORTSWIRE

ALEX IDARRAGA AMY DAVIS ALEC INGOLD KELSEY JENKINS Senior ■ Men’s Rowing Soph. ■ W. Track & Field Sophomore ■ Football Junior ■ Softball Milwaukee, Wis. Madison, Wis. Green Bay, Wis. Tucson, Ariz.

“We have a great “I would say loyalty “The best thing “Badger fans are the community here at is one of the best about our fans is that best fans because Wisconsin and the things about our they’re fully com- they are committed fans are a big reason fans. The fans here mitted to Wiscon- just as much as you for that. You can get into whatever is sin sports, and that during the game. see it in the way the happening in the ath- makes it fun to be a They sit through long alumni give back letics world and un- Badger. Wherever we and cold games to and just by walking derstand that when a go, we know we’re cheer for you on the around at games and team is having a few going to get great field. They always events. Everyone is down games, match- support from our believe the Badgers behind the Badgers es or meets the most fans.” are going to win the all the way and they important thing is game. And best of all also take care of one that there are always they believe in you as another. You don’t people behind you much as anyone else get that at every uni- supporting you.” would and that’s why versity.” we play for our fans.” BADGERING DAVID STLUKA SARAH DISANZA

When Sarah Disanza crossed the finish line, completing the 5,000-meter race at the Stanford Invitational on March 31, the junior for the Wisconsin women’s track and field team was euphoric. Yes, her time of 15 minutes, 55.57 seconds was a personal best. Yes, her effort put her among the top 10 in program history in the event. But Disanza’s giddy reaction to placing 10th was more about the journey than the moment. It was her first outdoor race at that distance since her freshman season in 2014. A series of setbacks had forced Disanza to recover and regroup three times, so being able to run fast, free and competitively was a joy. Disanza talked about her journey — its many lessons — while offering other campus-related insights earlier this week. Interview by Andy Baggot: Due to a series of health issues, it had been almost three years since you last ran an outdoor 5,000. What sustained you during that time? “It was the issues themselves that actually helped sustain me — being in that position where you’re actually taken out of the sport and you can’t really contribute any other way than just be there for your team. It helps you gain some perspective about how connected you really are to the sport and how important it is to you. Trying to get yourself back into (training), then you really have to think, ‘How hard do I really want it? How hard do I have to work?’ Coming full circle after each and every injury, having to ask yourself those questions, that really helped sustain me.”

Did you ever consider quitting? “No. It was the opposite. I was faced with each injury and was obviously devastated. It was my reaction to each injury that made me realize how much I really wanted it.”

What was it like emotionally? Did you have different experiences coming to grips with each setback? “They were all fairly similar. One thing that was helpful with each one that I did was that I just let myself have an hour or two to be really upset, to hate the world and everything in it. Then, after that, I told myself, ‘That’s it. Cut it out. Be optimistic.’”

Based on your effort in the Stanford race, it looks like you were making up for lost time and that all your pent-up energy was poured into that event. Any truth to that? “A little bit. It definitely was a championship-style race. The first two miles were a little on the slower side and the last mile everyone was kind of kicking it into gear. It was a little tougher because I’d lost a shoe and couldn’t kick it in quite as much. I definitely think it was the pent-up energy and the fact there’s more to offer because I was so excited and now I can’t wait for my next race.”

What were the emotions like when you crossed that finish line and saw your time? “I was ecstatic. It hadn’t really occurred to me until just before we were leaving and my roommate reminded me that it was my first outdoor open race since my freshman year. It made me take a step back and think, ‘Wow, it’s been quite some time and I’ve come a long way.’”

Included in your bio is the fact you chose UW for its academics and its running programs, but you also de- clared that the cold “is just an added bonus.” Man, what were you thinking? “My freshman year I was eating my words because that was the year of the polar vortex, which was a cruel, sick joke. But I’m definitely one that likes to run in the cold rather than the extreme heat, if I had to pick one or the other.”

You grew up on the East Coast, in Wantage, New Jersey, and now attend college in the Midwest. Is there a cultural difference? “Yes. I find that the Midwest is much more friendly. There’s much more of a familial vibe. If you just walk up to anyone you could easily strike up a conversation with them. They’re very friendly. On the East Coast everyone is more fast-paced and not worrying about the people around them. They’re just trying to get to their destina- tion and keep their eyes down. It’s not quite as friendly of an environment in that respect.”

What’s something you wish you would have known about Madison before you got here? “One of the biggest things I didn’t know about Madison is just how fun it really is. Hearing ‘Wisconsin’ to those outside the Midwest, they don’t really know it’s a hidden gem. They think dairy land and all the farms and cows. Madison has so much more to offer — the Arboretum and all its trails, the Farmer’s Market and the (Memorial Union) Terrace — and there’s so much you can do, especially in the summer.”

What’s your greatest personal triumph at Wisconsin? “I’d have to say it’s coming off all these injuries. I feel it’s really changed me as a person, just giving me a whole new perspective. Being the person who was always wearing the shoes before — meaning I wasn’t injury-prone in high school — I kind of saw the people who were injured at the time (as) just looking to get out of work. I didn’t see it for what it truly could be. Now being a person that’s been injured all the time made me more of a team player and given me more perspective about how much the sport really meant in my life.”

Who’s the most impressive UW student-athlete you’re encountered outside your sport? “I had (football quarterback) Alex Hornibrook in the student-athlete counseling class. I was a peer leader and he was one of the kids in my peer group. It was really, really impressive what he was able to do this past season as a freshman (starter). … He had a lot of pressure on him, so I was really impressed with what he was able to do.”

What’s your favorite non-team-related moment at Wisconsin? “When our (men’s) basketball team made the Final Four (in 2014), being part of the group that went to flood State Street. That was so, so cool. It was such a fun time seeing everyone from all corners of the campus just going in and flooding the entire street. Everyone was screaming and taking pictures and chanting. It was a lot of fun.”

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since you came to Wisconsin? “Before coming here, I would have really not called myself much of a leader. After being put into this situation, with this team especially, it’s really helped me develop my leadership skills.” ■ LAUREN ARNDT NEIL AMENT

he reminders are on Chris Orr’s wall. Pictures “I’ve got this nice little scar here,” Cichy said, of his mom, dad, grandmother and three pointing to his left shoulder and the incision from Tbrothers. Whenever the Wisconsin lineback- surgery. “That’s enough for me. Whenever I put my er hits a snag in his rehab from knee surgery, when- shirt on, whenever I look at it in the mirror, it’s a ever he feels the need for a pick-me-up, he gets in- good reminder. It shows that I made it through (the spiration from his family, even though they’re miles rehab).” away. Since being injured, Orr and Cichy have each got- “I kind of use that for motivation,” he said. “I know ten support from former Wisconsin players. Orr they’re watching.” heard from wide receiver Lee Evans, the school’s Orr is a long way from his home in DeSoto, Texas, all-time leader in receiving yards (3,468). Cichy a Dallas suburb. UW linebacker Jack Cichy, by con- tapped into linebacker Chris Borland, a first-team trast, grew up in Somerset, a village in northwest All-American and 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of Wisconsin, a four-hour drive from campus. He has the Year. people watching over him, too, during his rehab. “Lee called me (after the injury) and we talked for But he has tried to avoid reminders of his surgery. a little while and then we talked here at the Georgia “I’ve thrown my sling away,” he said. “I’m trying to State game,” Orr said. “He told me about tearing his think about it as little as possible.” ACL (in the spring of 2002) and the (rehabilitation) In late October, Cichy tore his pectoral muscle process. He gave me some encouraging words. I while making a tackle at Iowa. Not unlike Orr, who wasn’t expecting to hear from him.” was injured on the first defensive snap in the 2016 Less than two months ago, Cichy ran into Bor- opener against LSU, Cichy has encountered highs land. “I remember he had shoulder surgeries and I and lows during rehab. The process has extended asked him for any advice,” recalled Cichy. “He just into the spring for both inside linebackers. said, ‘Where you are in your career, don’t rush it. Do

JACK CICHY AND CHRIS ORR: ADVERSITY AND OPPORTUNITY PAGE 2 OF 5 the rehab. Take your time.’ It was really reassuring. It ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ was nice to hear something like that from him.” uring spring break, Steve and Jack Cichy Although he’s technically going into his junior sea- got to reconnect on a father-son getaway son, the 19-year-old Orr is hoping to regain a year Dto London, Ontario. They attended a Chris of eligibility. Cichy, a former walk-on, is a fifth-year Stapleton concert. And on St. Patrick’s Day, they senior. He played as a true freshman in 2013 and went to a British pub and watched Wisconsin’s up- redshirted the following season. Cichy is 21 going set of defending national champion Villanova in the on 22 (in May). Both have grown up this past year. NCAA tournament. “It was a taxing year and I’m not even 20 yet,” “We talked at length about the whole (rehab) situ- Orr allowed. “But I think it made me a better per- ation,” said Steve, who was a two-year starter in the son than it will make me a better player. When you Notre Dame secondary during his playing days. “He lose something that you love, you kind of reflect on was a smart football player before the injury. But yourself and see who you really are … and you just being able to be a quasi-coach allowed him to take appreciate everything a lot more.” his knowledge to another level. “I definitely grew a lot as a person,” said Cichy. “He was saying this spring, ‘I know every position “After that first month of being in the sling, you with every alignment and what everybody is sup- learn a lot about yourself and the people around posed to do.’ And what he’s doing now, he’s making you and your family. The biggest thing I’ve taken sure that the quiet kids in the secondary are being away from this is being able to look big picture. You more vocal. His ability to see the game differently notice those little details — things you’re blind to was a blessing in disguise for him.” before.” Steve Cichy knows something about dealing with injuries as a collegiate athlete. “My junior year, I broke my neck — cracked the vertebral body of my C5 and C6 (vertebrae),” he said. “Quite honestly, if I had to do it over again, I probably wouldn’t have come back (to play) because mentally I wasn’t the same indi- vidual just in terms of hitting and leading with any part of my head. “I know what Jack was go- ing through, but as I’ve told him time and time again, you couldn’t have asked for a better injury (if you were going to get hurt). You didn’t blow out your knee. You didn’t blow out your rotator cuff. You didn’t blow out your ankles.” He further reminded him, “Giv- en the time frame of six months, the rehab timeline, you will be 100 percent. Not many people are able to come back from an injury and be medically 100 per- DAVID STLUKA cent.” He also noted, “This was such a black and white injury.”

JACK CICHY AND CHRIS ORR: ADVERSITY AND OPPORTUNITY PAGE 3 OF 5 BRANDON HARRISON

It wasn’t like Cichy was going to have the option is not so bad, being winded is not bad at all when to play through the pain. you’re on the field … You definitely take less for “He would have cut off three fingers if it meant he granted … It’s all fleeting … That’s one thing that could keep playing,” Steve acknowledged. more of us have to realize.” But there were no alternatives beyond shutting it Nobody realizes that more than Orr. down. He’s wearing it on his sleeve. Rather, his back. He’s “The second thing,” Steve said, “was when (coach) now wearing No. 54 to honor his brother, Zachery,

Paul Chryst told him, ‘Don’t worry about any contact who has been forced to give up the sport because DAVID STLUKA during spring football.’ He could be patient with his of a congenital spine and neck condition. In his rehab. That was one bit of advice I gave him, ‘You third NFL season, first as a starter, Zach Orr, 24, led have to allow the train- the Baltimore Ravens in ers and medical staff to tackles with 132. dictate your timeline. “BEING OUT FOR SO LONG, YOU LEARN THAT “It was over Christ- You can’t dictate it.’” BEING TIRED IS NOT SO BAD, BEING WIND- mas break,” Orr said. On the practice field, “We were all home and ED IS NOT BAD AT“ ALL WHEN YOU’RE ON Cichy has been limited we knew that Zach was THE FIELD … YOU DEFINITELY TAKE LESS FOR to 7-on-7 passing and going to the doctor be- GRANTED … IT’S ALL FLEETING … THAT’S ONE some individual drills. cause of a shoulder in- THING THAT MORE OF US HAVE TO REALIZE.” “When I’m out here,” jury. He got a CAT scan. he said, “I want to go Me and my brother Nick full-go and run around and hit everybody.” (who plays at TCU) got back to the house after get- Old habits are hard to break. It has challenged his ting our haircuts and Zach was there.” patience and heightened his awareness. That’s when the family learned of his decision to “You really learn to not take things for granted,” retire from football. Cichy said. “Especially now that I’m out here and “He had a little smirk on his face and we thought I’m able to run around and laugh and smile and yell he was playing with us; I was like, ‘Bro, stop play- at guys. I really appreciate this a lot more. Every time ing,’” Chris said. “And then he got real serious and I’m on the field, I want to run all the way to the ball.” told us. It kind of hit us all. There were no tears but You won’t hear him complaining, either. “Being you could tell that he was real down.” out for so long,” he said, “you learn that being tired But he didn’t stay that way for long. Terrance Orr,

JACK CICHY AND CHRIS ORR: ADVERSITY AND OPPORTUNITY PAGE 4 OF 5 the oldest brother, and an assistant coach at DeSoto High School, laid out a game plan for Zach to follow in the upcoming days and months and years. “Instead of asking, ‘Why me?’” he im- plored of him, “ask, ‘What’s next?’” Chris was on board with that sug- gestion. “He has been offered a few positions up there (in Baltimore),” he said. “I know that he wants to get into coaching or even into the media and kind of double-dip that way. I know they (the Ravens) love him.” What’s there not to like about a self- made player, an undrafted free agent out of North Texas? “When he got to the NFL and you looked at him, you’d say, ‘He’s just a cover guy,’” Chris said. “But if you played against him, he was thumping, too. He was an athlete who could stop the run. He did it all.” Terry and Rita Orr’s four boys grad- uated from DeSoto High, the alma mater of Denver Broncos All-Pro out- side linebacker Von Miller. Terry, a University of Texas grad, played eight seasons as a tight end in the NFL, NEIL AMENT seven with the Washington Redskins, and came away with two Super Bowl rings. “INSTEAD OF ASKING, ‘WHY ME?’ ASK, ‘WHAT’S NEXT?’” After retiring because of broken vertebrae in his back, he never pushed the sport “It’s one of those reality checks,” Chris said. “I was on his sons, preferring to keep his distance to allow down because I was done for the year. But he’s them to make their own choices. As a precaution, done completely and he was on the up and coming after Zach was diagnosed with the spinal - abnor and about to be a star in the NFL. And then it was mality, he had Nick and Chris take CT scans, which just over. I’m sitting here sad for being done for a were negative. few months. He’s done for life. Terry and Rita, an elementary school teacher, “Now whenever I get tired running, or I get tired made sure their kids knew how fleeting everything doing the rehab, I just think about him because could be in the athletic spotlight. It’s why they have Zach would give anything to be doing what I’m do- a wall in their home devoted to academic achieve- ing right now. It actually made me kind of appre- ment. Terry’s and Rita’s college degrees are dis- ciate — not my injury — but appreciate what I’m played. So are Terrance’s and Zach’s. going through.” Terry was at Lambeau Field when Chris blew out Zach Orr’s fate has also resonated with Cichy. his knee. “It’s kind of a splash of cold water (in your face),” Throughout his rehab, Chris said of his dad, “He Cichy said, “or a wake-up call.” has told me to bring an attacking mindset.” And it pushes Jack Cichy and Chris Orr to run out Zach has now become his guiding light. everything like they never have before.

JACK CICHY AND CHRIS ORR: ADVERSITY AND OPPORTUNITY PAGE 5 OF 5 JACK MCLAUGHLIN

Walk-ons find success, more as Badgers UW culture of finding and growing talent extends to softball program

BY ANDY BAGGOT ■ UWBADGERS.COM INSIDER t was a conversation between boss and employ- ing to continue to get better.” ee, but also between peers. Healy listened and began to craft her own walk- I One voice belonged to Barry Alvarez, the Wis- on plan. consin director of athletics and Hall of Fame foot- “We’ve been trying to do it every year since we ball coach. got to Wisconsin,” she said. The other participant was Yvette Healy, who has The latest batch have factored into one of the spent the last seven years as UW softball coach. best starts in program history, one that included a Alvarez had a proven idea from his coaching days brief stay in the national rankings. with the Badgers that he felt might help Healy for- The Badgers won 23 of their first 26 games until tify her growing program. they were knocked off stride by a Big Ten Confer- “I know you’ve got limited scholarships,” he told ence series sweep at the hands of Nebraska. her, mindful of the 12-tender limit, “so how about UW (23-6 overall, 2-4 in the Big Ten) will try and going out and finding the best athletes in the state end its three-game losing streak when it hosts Iowa and recruiting them as walk-ons?” at Goodman Diamond Friday through Sunday. Alvarez did that to great success, building a walk- Healy identified four walk-ons on her current on culture that spawned a phenomenon. The list of 23-person roster, including two from in-state. in-state prospects who began their Wisconsin ca- Junior outfielder/utility player Brianna Flugaur reers as non-scholarship recruits and went on to is from Stevens , while freshman outfielder become NFL fixtures is long and distinguished. Heather Rudnicki is from Verona. “They get better,” Alvarez told Healy. “The im- They are joined by two veteran Iowans in senior provement percentage is much higher. They haven’t catcher Taylor Berry, who’s from Muscatine, and played as long (as some recruits) and they’re not as sophomore outfielder Gabby Scherle, who’s from polished, but when we work with them, they’re go- Slater.

WALK-ONS FIND SUCCESS, MORE AS BADGERS PAGE 1 OF 3 The four represent a recruiting focus for Healy, Flugaur said Healy didn’t have to make much of a whose roster leans heavily toward the Midwest. pitch to get her to walk on. Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois combine for 14 roster “Growing up a Badgers fan, I know this university spots, while Indiana has one. is very well-known for its athletic program and just “We needed more Midwest kids in our program, knowing I could be a part of that pretty much sold there’s no doubt,” she said. “You want the heart and me right away,” Flugaur said. soul of your program in the Big Ten to be from your The opportunity for Flugaur has evolved from state, from the Midwest, where you’ve got kids that a part-time pinch-running role as a freshman to grow up as fans of the 19 starts this season. Badgers. Though hitting a light “There are challenges “YOU WANT THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR .190 (8-for-42) in 29 to being a warm-weather PROGRAM IN THE BIG TEN TO BE FROM YOUR games overall, she leads sport in a cold-weather STATE, FROM THE MIDWEST,“ WHERE YOU’VE GOT the club in stolen bases state, but you don’t want KIDS THAT GROW UP AS FANS OF THE BADGERS. with 12 in 16 attempts kids and all they see when YOU WANT KIDS THAT WALK IN AND SEE HOW and is sixth on the team they walk in are challeng- MUCH OF AN OPPORTUNITY IT IS.” in runs scored with 15. es. You want kids that The script was a little walk in and see how much of an opportunity it is.” different for Rudnicki, a four-year starter at Verona That’s where Flugaur and Rudnicki come in. who said she kept the lines of communication open Both were prepared to attend UW as students with Healy and her staff during the recruiting pro- alone, but ultimately wanted to continue playing a cess. game they loved and were good at. “This is something I really wanted to do,” said

Flugaur played for three WIAA state tournament Rudnicki, her high school valedictorian. “It’s always DAVID STLUKA teams at Stevens Point Area High School, where been my dream.” she was known for her hitting and speed. Healy eventually invited Rudnicki to walk on, but Healy said Flugaur is “freakishly fast and strong” not before outlining the immense time commitment and whose home-to-home speed is under 11 sec- involved and telling her she’d be used almost strict- onds, which the coach said is “top tier.” ly as a pinch runner as a rookie. DAVID STLUKA JACK MCLAUGHLIN

Brianna Flugaur

WALK-ONS FIND SUCCESS, MORE AS BADGERS PAGE 2 OF 3 “It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Rudnic- runner I can be at the time so I can be ready at any ki said. opportunity,” Rudnicki said. “I’ve always prided myself on being a hard work- Flugaur and Rudnicki seem to fit the profile Healy er and I wasn’t afraid that I’d come here and never has in mind for all her players, but especially walk- play. It’s a to play and turn it into something ons. for myself.” “We’ve got kids that value the education, the Rudnicki has appeared in 25 games to date with blue-collar work mentality,” the coach said. “You’re four plate appearances and one hit. She’s also embracing the opportunity and what an honor it is swiped three bases in four attempts and scored and not looking at the down side. seven runs. “We’ve taken some chances on some Wisconsin “I’m trying my hardest to be the best pinch kids and some Midwest kids that have just devel- oped into really nice players.” Tucked into the UW softball culture is a mento- ring program among the players. This season, Flu- gaur is serving as a big sister of sorts for Rudnicki. “Having her as a role model and seeing her get these opportunities I think is motivating and helps me know that I’ll get opportunities,” Rudnicki said of Flugaur. Flugaur said her career path was shaped by the guidance of two former walk-ons when she was a freshman in 2015. Outfielder Maria Van Abel and infielder Ashley Van Zeeland were prep teammates at Kaukauna. Flugaur said it took a while to get up to speed — on the field with a Division I program and in the classroom of a world-class university — so having a sounding board is important. “Both kind of took me under their wing and showed me the ropes, kind of what it meant to be a Badger walk-on,” Flugaur said. “Both of them had great work ethics. I think they really led by example. “Being able to return that favor to Heather is re- ally important to me just because I know how much (Van Abel and Van Zeeland) impacted my experi- ence as a freshman.” Rudnicki said she senses a bond with the other walk-ons at UW, but especially those from the state who cheered for the Badgers growing up. She recounted one of her first post-games with Wisconsin when she and her teammates linked arms and sang “Varsity.” “For me that was the coolest thing ever,” Rudnicki said. “I’ve been in the stands for every type of (UW) sporting event and I loved singing ‘Varsity.’ It was

JACK MCLAUGHLIN my favorite thing. “But being on the field, singing it as an athlete, is DAVID STLUKA Heather Rudnicki so special to me just because I’ve grown up with that.”

WALK-ONS FIND SUCCESS, MORE AS BADGERS PAGE 3 OF 3 INSIDE TRACK & FIELD BY A.J. HARRISON ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS WALT MIDDLETON

Arizona’s Jim Click Shootout up next Badgers travel for six-team competition beginning Thursday in Tucson

ADISON, Wis. — For a third-straight week, tional. the Wisconsin track and field team heads “But this week is a total team event.” Mwest as the Badgers will take part in the Jim UW will take on host Arizona, Iowa, Northern Ari- Click Shootout hosted by the University of Arizona zona, Oklahoma State and TCU at the meet that be- this weekend. gins on Thursday and Friday with the decathlon and But that’s where the similarities end between the heptathlon. The rest of the events will take place on Jim Click Shootout and UW’s prior outdoor meets, Saturday as the women’s hammer throw is the first the UC Riverside Spring Classic, the Aztec Invitation- event at 11 a.m. CT while the first track event is the al and the Stanford Invitational. men’s 110 hurdles at 2:30 p.m. This weekend’s invitational in Tucson is a scored “What I like about this meet is it’s a one-day meet meet featuring six teams from across a variety of that’s scored, which is easy for fans to understand,” conferences. Byrne said. “It’s about the track and field program. It’s “When we go to other meets there are emphases about one program competing against another in all on specific events,” UW Director of Track and Field events and that’s what I like. Mick Byrne said. “Last week, our goal at Stanford was “It’s all about what I believe our sport needs.” having our distance kids compete against some of the More than 45 athletes will compete this weekend best distance competition in the country. Two weeks for UW as the Badgers look to grab marks that rank down the road, our throwers will get an opportunity towards the top of the conference’s performance list to go to San Diego to compete at the Triton Invita- and that can help them qualify for the NCAA West Preliminary Round at the end of May. “It’s all about progressing,” Byrne said. “Everything is a process leading up to Big Tens and after Big Tens. We can’t say anymore that we’re trying to get our legs under us after going through indoor track. It’s now time to start getting on the Big Ten list and get- ting on the NCAA list. “The challenge is there, it’s been put out to the team and now it’s time to start throwing down some performances.” ■ INSIDE SOFTBALL BY KELLI GRASHEL ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS JACK MCLAUGHLIN

Badgers have a lot of fight left in tank Wisconsin hosts Iowa for three-game series at Goodman Diamond

ADISON, Wis. — “There’s a lot of fight in ed a .444 batting average, .889 slugging percentage this group.” and .643 on base percentage. Her worst weekend is M Head coach Yvette Healy’s words say it something most players and coaches would beg for. all for the Wisconsin softball team who had a tough “We just have to get back to work,” Healy said. opening weekend at home, dropping all three games “It was a rough weekend, Nebraska played well and to Nebraska. Three losses in the weekend equaled we’ve got a lot to work on, but at least it’s still early the total amount of losses the Badgers (23-6 overall, in the season. That was my main message, the sea- 2-4 Big Ten) had seen all season. son’s not over. We know we’ve got to get back to the But at the end of the day, it’s just three losses at drawing board a little bit.” the beginning of conference play and in the middle of Last weekend’s obstacle is now in the past and the season. It doesn’t take away from the best start there’s no time to look back. Another three-game Big in school history and it doesn’t take away from the Ten series is just around the corner as the Badgers win column. It’s a bump in the road but it’s not the host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Goodman Diamond on biggest hindrance. Friday (6 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.). Good teams find a way to win, but great teams will The Hawkeyes struggled in the first stretch of their find ways to fight back and win against difficult odds, season, but when it comes to Big Ten conference re- including a three-loss setback. cords don’t always mean much. There’s an intensity Senior Chloe Miller had one of the worst weekends and drive that comes with conference season that of her season, and that was a weekend that includ- makes every team you face a sincere challenge, de- spite how many wins and losses they have picked up and is fourth in on base percentage (.538). Her fel- before. low junior Brooke Wyderski remains in the top 10 in Iowa will enter the weekend with an 8-21 record slugging percentage, runs batted in (35) and doubles after clinching their series against Purdue, winning (10). Numbers don’t lie. The Badgers still have some out the last two games with a 5-0 shutout and 8-3 of the best bats in the Big Ten and they’re not even win. The Hawkeyes first face Drake in a midweek close to being done yet. matchup in Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday before If there’s anything we all know about this year’s making the trek to Madison. team, it’s that they have a lot of strength in the line- Miller is still leading the Big Ten in batting- aver up and a lot of will to win. Three consecutive losses age (.511), slugging percentage (.913) and on base will not sit well with these Badgers and they will be percentage (.602), while Kelsey Jenkins still leads the looking to bounce back strong against the Hawkeyes conference in walks (28), fourth in runs scored (36) at home. ▪ INSIDE MEN’S ROWING BY ALYSSA ROBIN ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Spring preview: UW shakes up mentality Fresh competitive edge pushes Wisconsin men’s rowing to crave more

ADISON, Wis. — Last season, the Wiscon- coach Chris Clark said. “Nothing is given to your com- sin men’s rowing team was forced to rebuild petition, and if they beat us, it will hurt.” Mfrom the difficult season before, and moving But, this competitive edge does not happen over- into 2017, the Badgers are not finished. This season, night. It takes an entire team effort with strong lead- Wisconsin’s dedication and drive are greater than ers and focused practice. ever to move up further on the podium, adjusting “The entire junior class has really made the jump,” their mentality and returning to the basics of rowing. Clark said. “This type of progression, which is entirely UW finished its 2016 season with a 10th-place natural and expected, has been absent for a number team finish at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association of years so it’s great to see it happen.” National Championships, clinching a fourth-place fin- In building a strong competitive foundation, the ish, a pair of fifth-place finishes and a seventh-place coaching staff has redirected the Badger focus. finish. Although these results showed great improve- “We want to build confidence,” Clark said. “Rowing ment from the prior season, the Badgers move into is simple, but not easy. Racing is very, very simple. this spring season still hungry for more. We have been focusing on the need to race and race Establishing a driven, focused mentality is essen- hard.” tial to a successful season, and for the Badgers, that Confidence is at the core of a competitive mindset. mentality is the spirit of competition. The upperclassmen have echoed the coaches’ em- “We want to become way more competitive,” head phasis on racing hard by helping to build this confi- dence amongst the younger classes. “I know the seniors and juniors have felt that they may not have had such good role models as fresh- men and sophomores, so they have gone out of the way to lead by example and be the kind of elders they wish they would have had,” Clark said. The Badgers are ready to demonstrate this fresh at- titude as they open spring season. The men’s rowing team travels to Chicago this weekend racing against Syracuse. The men’s rowing team is concentrating on the po- tential achievements ahead, putting those difficult seasons behind them. And most importantly, they are ready to conquer their spring season with confidence and a competitive edge.■ INSIDE WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT ROWING BY ISABEL BRINKER ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Badgers value rowing program’s history Lightweight team using its storied past to build successful future

ADISON, Wis. — As the air gets a little a part of this team and contribute at a high level,” said warmer and the sun shines a little bright- Mattison. “This year we’ve talked a lot about form- Mer, the Wisconsin lightweight rowing team ing genuine relationships with each other and even knows this can only mean one thing: it’s time to com- in the last couple months it’s changed tremendously. pete. You can feel the shift when that happens, when peo- With spring training behind them, the Badgers ple aren’t as nervous to just be themselves.” have tuned things up in preparation for the season In her first season as coach of the varsity light- and open up competition this weekend at the Knecht weights, Mattison saw her squad achieve a handful Cup in West Windsor, New Jersey. of impressive accolades, highlighted by a lightweight “We’ll race everyone that we’re going to see at the four national title at the 2016 IRAs. national championship IRAs,” head coach Dusty Mat- “This year we have a much smaller senior class; we tison said of the season opener. “It’ll be a good base- only have three. But they’ve done a great job at get- line to find out where we stack up against everyone.” ting everyone focused on a common goal,” said Mat- Entering her second year at the helm of the varsity tison. “We want them to be excited to race whom- squad, Mattison looks to build on last season’s suc- ever and have the desire to put together the best cess through high expectations, both for her athletes performance for each other, no matter who they line and herself. up against.” “We want athletes to come in and really want to be The Wisconsin varsity lightweight eight claimed six Knecht Cup titles from 2007 to 2013. Since then, position. The big thing we’re focusing on is the leg- the Badgers have struggled. Last season, Wisconsin acy that they can leave as a group and changing the claimed a trio of third-place finishes, sparking a reviv- program back to that solid foundation that we had al in the program under Mattison’s direction. for such a long time.” Both a former UW rower and assistant coach her- As the competition clock winds down and the Bad- self, Mattison offers a unique perspective onthe gers make the trek to Mercer Lake next weekend to program she helped develop and places an emphasis open the season, the chance to leave a mark on the on the value of its history in relation to her current program is not something they take lightly. squad. For some, they’ve spent years contributing to the “Winning a national championship is always really program’s legacy. For others, next weekend signals exciting,” explained Mattison. “But we’ve talked a lot the beginning of such an opportunity. about the history of our program which, surprising- Regardless of where each individual stands, there’s ly, a lot of the team didn’t understand. We weren’t no doubt that as a collective group they possess the always a national championship program and so we tools to build an unforgettable season. took it back a few years from that first national cham- If this team is anything like the first national cham- pionship and talked about what was built during that pionship-winning squad that Mattison drew compar- time and how we’re similar to that group. isons to, then perhaps next weekend marks the start “I’ve been with the program for a very long time so I of another opportunity up for grabs. was able to speak about it from personal experience. One to make history. ■ I’ve seen it happen and this group is in an amazing