IN [FOCUS] SEE YOU IN SEATTLE It was pure joy for the Badgers after they fin- ished off match point to dispatch of Purdue in their regional final matchup in Champaign, Ill., last Saturday. The win, which came on the heels of a regional semifinal tri- umph over Florida State, propelled UW to its first NCAA championship ap- pearance since 2000. PHOTO BY CRAIG PESSMAN

IN [FOCUS] REINDEER GAMES A visit from none other than Santa Claus himself brought a little levity to the Badgers’ practice session Monday as players found themselves in the midst of both preparation for their Capital One Bowl matchup with South Carolina and fi- nals week on campus. Santa said CB Sojourn Shelton (8), head coach Gary Andersen and CB Darius Hillary (5) all made the Nice list this year. PHOTOS BY BRIAN MASON

CONTENTS DECEMBER 19, 2013 // VOLUME 4, ISSUE 20

FEELING THE IMPACT DEPARTMENTS 32 For opponents, it's the big hits he delivers on the field. For many 10 LUCAS AT LARGE around Madison, Chris Borland's work is more subtle, but that by Mike Lucas doesn't mean his off-field efforts are any less impactful. 14 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez 16 THE VOICE by Matt Lepay 26 BASKING IN THE GLOW 18 BY THE NUMBERS With an All-American leading the Facts and figures on UW way, the Badgers are playing their 20 5 THINGS TO WATCH best volleyball of the season as Catch the Badgers on they prepare to take the sport's TV and the web biggest stage. 22 ASK THE BADGERS Favorite service activities 24 BADGERING Ryan Taylor BADGERS GIVE BACK 42 54 INSIDE SPORTS An in-depth look at how UW Football, Basketball, student-athletes are generous with Hockey their time and talents in working 64 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY to give back to Badgers fans and Gary’s the guy the Madison area community.

7

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© 2013 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS // UWBADGERS.COM Budmayr, Badgers carrying on Otis' legacy here isn’t a day that passes Clancy. Info on how to contribute to charts.” that Jon Budmayr doesn’t the scholarship fund can found at Peeler felt like he lost a family Tthink about his best friend, OtisGreenFoundation.org. member, a point that didn’t fully Kevin “Otis” Green, a former Wis- Green served as a UW manager register until after the accident consin football manager who was from January of 2012 through his when he began to think about how killed last June in a car accident. He graduation in May of 2013. During much he was going to miss Green was 22. that span, he roomed with Bud- and all that he meant to people. “The hard moments come in mayr, a long-time friend. “I met him “He loved life,” Peeler said. “If waves,” said Budmayr, whose career when I was 4 years old,” Budmayr he came into a room and he didn’t as a UW quarterback was shortened said. know you, he’d know you by the because of neurological issues with Both attended Marian Central time he left the room and you his throwing arm and shoulder. Catholic High School in Woodstock, would know him. And you’d re- “I’ll be sitting there and it will Ill. Budmayr was the star quarter- member him. He was that kind of really hit me. But every day, I’ll back, a heavily-recruited prospect. person.” think about him; I’ll pray to him and Green was an undersized, hard- I’ll just talk to him. It’s no different nosed offensive guard. winner recognized Saturday night. than when he was here. Budmayr,Spiegelhoff a student was the coach, first wasaward- the “The one difference is that I can’t presenter and he needed a little goof around with him, I can’t see “OTIS HAD A PASSION FOR FOOT- extra time to get up to the podium him smile, I can’t do all of those BALL THAT WAS SO OBVIOUS IN THE because of his crutches. things if he was still sitting right Budmayr recently had knee sur- here next to me.” WAY HE APPROACHED WORK EACH gery. “Another nerve issue, different The Badgers have honored AND EVERY DAY,” BUDMAYR SAID. body part,” he said. “It was causing Green’s memory by wearing an “HE LOVED BEING A PART OF THE numbness in my foot and knee and “Otis” decal on their helmets. At WISCONSIN FOOTBALL FAMILY.” eventually my foot quit working Saturday’s team banquet, Joe Spie- and I had foot drop.” Few have had their resolve tested Otis Green Manager Award. “He was a big-hearted kid,” Clan- to the degree that Budmayr has gelhoff“This was award the means first recipient more to of me the cy Green said of his son. “I smile since coming to Wisconsin with so than anyone can imagine,” said all the time (when he thinks about much promise as a QB. Yet, he takes Spiegelhoff, who struggled to hold him). He made me very proud and everything in stride and says, “I’m back tears. “There isn’t a day that I couldn’t have been prouder of his on the road to recovery.” goes by I don’t miss him. I know accomplishments here.” Budmayr’s character in making he’s watching over all of us.” Green has been touched by the the best out of every situation may Budmayr is commited to estab- backing that the family has received speak to why Otis Green was his lishing an Otis Green scholarship from the UW support staff, headed best friend; one in the same. “He fund. “It will basically put one man- by equipment manager Mark Peel- (Jon) is like a son,” Clancy Green ager through school for a year,” he er; and the coaching staff, namely said, “and always will be.” said. “It will keep Otis’ name around head coach Gary Andersen. There were many heartfelt mo- here, it will be special.” “They’ve embraced us and wel- ments during Budmayr’s presenta- Raising funds for the scholarship comed our family into their pro- tion and it all served to illuminate is a focus of the Otis Green Foun- gram, it has been wonderful,” Green the close bond that can develop said. “The things that they’ve done between good people who are very that is being run by Green’s father, to recognize Kevin have been off the good at what they do. dation, a newly-formed nonprofit Continued on p. 22

10 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 Budmayr, Badgers carrying on Otis' legacy LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS // UWBADGERS.COM

Continued from p. 20 “One group of people whose He loved being a part of the Wiscon- minutes before dinner was served, work never goes unappreciated but sin football family. Budmayr extolled the virtues of often can go unnoticed is Wisconsin “He took pride in his quality of Andersen and “how guys will run football managers,” Budmayr told work,” Budmayr went on, “and he through a brick wall for him.” the audience of mostly UW players was determined to do everything Budmayr said it would have been and their families. that was asked of him and so much easy to assume that Andersen had “These guys have an endless list more.” been around Green for years ― in- of jobs. They show up early and Before leaving the stage, he said, stead of months ― by the way he leave late every day. Many have key “I challenge all of you here tonight “reached out” to everyone, espe- roles every Saturday. They’re deter- to embrace every opportunity that cially the Green family. mined to go above and beyond what comes your way to be passionate “It speaks volumes to the type of is expected of them. about what you do. guy he is and the character that he “Their passion and love for “Put value in all of your relation- has,” Budmayr said. “I can’t think of Badger football is contagious ― ships and don’t ever shy away from a better guy to be (coaching) here often rubbing off on young athletes greatness,” commanded Budmayr, and a better guy for his players.” (recruits), making them want to be - At the end of this night, like every a part of something special as well. ing, “To keep it simple ― just be like other night since June 14, Budmayr “They have a special bond that is Otiswho was.”briefly paused before conclud was thinking of his friend. “The neat unbreakable. They have a passion Having earlier assured everyone thing about Otis that I will carry for what they do and the brother- that “Otis Green will be forever with me the rest of my life,” he said, hood they share is so real and so missed but never forgotten in the “is just how much value that he put genuine.” Badger football family,” there was into every relationship that he had.” He then talked about how “Otis another message that Budmayr A warm thought on a frigid De- had a passion for football that delivered with sincerity. cember night. was so obvious in the way he ap- Seated outside the banquet proached work each and every day. room in Gordon Commons some 45

12 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

BEHIND THE DESK BY BARRY ALVAREZ // UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Selflessness of student-athletes impressive ’ve been very pleased with our players a week, there is a waiting get approved and something that Badgers Give Back initiative list to see who gets to go every Fri- is feasible. And from the public’s Iand how we have organized day. It’s something our guys really standpoint, there is one person to our community service efforts. It’s look forward to every week. contact instead of trying to track one thing that we try to emphasize The biggest thing our Badgers down individual sports and calling with our coaches and student-ath- Give Back program has done is multiple people and maybe getting letes because our community has make it easier on all sides for us frustrated when they meet a dead been so supportive of us. to handle requests. There’s a point end. We are able to do things, grow person to get things done and What impresses me about our our program and compete at a high Kayla Gross has done a tremen- student-athletes throughout the level, because of the unbelievable dous job organizing everything. various teams is that the majority support we receive, much of it I was walking into the men’s of our kids get involved. It’s not from within Madison and the sur- basketball game on Saturday and just Team A or Team B or this one rounding areas. It’s just the right a person stopped me and told me group of players. It’s a contagious thing to do, to give back to our that some of our student-athletes thing. community in whatever ways we had spent some time with his Now, some kids go above and can. beyond. Chris Borland is pretty There are a number of different special that way. The fact that Chris ways that can manifest itself. It can WHAT IMPRESSES ME ABOUT is a marquee player and gives more be educational at an elementary OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES of his time than anyone else speaks school or library. It can be hu- THROUGHOUT THE VARIOUS volume for the type of kid he is. manitarian, like visiting a hospital When I was coaching, Cecil TEAMS IS THAT THE MAJORITY Martin stood out because he was cancer or organizing a food drive. OF OUR KIDS GET INVOLVED. a guy that came from nothing but Orto seeit can a youngster simply be that’s interacting fighting IT’S A CONTAGIOUS THING. was always happy, always looking with kids at the YMCA or through to help someone else and extended Big Brothers, Big Sisters, kids that himself in any way that he could. need a little support and guidance. grandson and he wanted to know But much like our student-ath- Our student-athletes are really if there could be a follow-up. The letes now, we had so many players involved in a variety of efforts. way we are set up now, I can just that went out of their way to give When I was the football coach, give him Kayla’s information. She back that it’s hard to single out we started getting involved with has a record of the original visit guys. the children’s hospital on campus. and can try to line up something The person who approached me Initially someone asked if I would with same team. last Saturday was not out of the come over and visit the hospital Also, now there’s a clearing- ordinary. There’s always some- and talk to some of the kids. I house on both ends. Our student- body contacting me that has had a brought some of our players with athletes know that if they have an positive contact with our student- me and from then on, the players event that contacts them or that athletes, whether they take the did it on their own every Friday, they want to be a part of, they can time to email me or it’s someone I which is a huge credit to them. It take it to Kayla and she can run see out in public. has grown to where I know now, it through the proper channels to It’s something that makes me because we have to limit it to eight make sure it’s something we can very proud every time I hear it.

14 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 Selflessness of student-athletes impressive THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY // VOICE OF THE BADGERS Even at 12-0, Badgers looking to be better K, I thought the Wisconsin As impressive as the streak was gers have knocked down 196 men’s basketball team had a 20 years ago ― and remember throws, while opponents have AT- Ochance to be good, but I will that team ended a 47-year NCAA TEMPTED just 166. admit that the team’s 12-0 start has tournament drought ― to me this Last year’s team shot just 63 per- me a bit surprised. season’s start is even better. cent from the foul line. It’s at nearly The victory last Saturday against Bo Ryan’s bunch has navigated 74 percent so far this season. Eastern Kentucky established the a very challenging schedule. Right As Bo often says, it is amazing school’s modern-era record, previ- away the Badgers faced St. John’s, how good an offense looks when ously held by Stu Jackson’s Badgers Florida and Green Bay. The Cancun the shots are going down. of the 1993-94 season. That group, Challenge was just that, as St. Louis To this point in the season, the led by players such as Michael and West Virginia provided stiff - Finley, Tracy Webster and Rashard competition. ing the ball. The scoring balance is To say the least, the Virginia impressive.Badgers have True been freshmen terrific atNigel shar games, breaking the 100-point game was a grinder, and the annual Hayes and Bronson Koenig have markGriffith, four rolled times. through its first 11 battle with Marquette is never easy. Actually, the Badgers opened But, so far, the Badgers are un- Frank Kaminsky has to be one of with consecutive games in triple beaten, and they have accomplished theproven nation’s they mostbelong improved on the floor. players, digits. They started with a 106-84 their record in a variety of ways. and the return of Josh Gasser has thumping of Milwaukee. That was While they are averaging just two helped in areas that will not show some payback for the Panthers more possessions per game than up in a box score. beating Wisconsin the year before last season, it sure seems as though The fact is every player has had at the UW Field House. the Badgers are playing faster. Game two was in Los Angeles, Perhaps that is because the ball is who are redshirting. To say the where the Badgers rolled Loyola going through the basket at a much least,a significant they have role, made including for some those very Marymount, 103-67. That was the better clip. Last year’s team shot competitive practices. same evening as the Wisconsin- I have been throwing out a lot Michigan State football game in present squad is hitting 47 percent of compliments so far, but I think Tokyo. Maybe you remember ― ofjust its 42 shots. percent from the floor. The the best part of this team is that it there was a Rose Bowl bid at stake A major difference is at the free knows it can continue to get better. for Barry Alvarez’s squad. throw line. A staple of many of Bo Talent, work ethic and the will- As the second half of the hoops Ryan’s best teams ― at Wiscon- ingness to keep learning. That is a tilt was progressing, even Stu sin, Platteville or anywhere else good combination, and it is making wanted updates from Japan, so we ― is the ability to make more free the Badgers a very enjoyable team helped him as best we could. It throws than their opponents at- to watch. turned out to be a very good night tempt. It makes fans very eager for the for Badgers fans. At the 12-game mark, the Bad- games to resume on Dec. 28.

16 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 Even at 12-0, Badgers looking to be better BY THE NUMBERS BADGERS GIVE BACK EDITION

Number of hours UW student-athletes 4,871 have volunteered since May 2013 Number of hours football has volunteered ― the most hours of any men's team 1,385 Number of hours women's crew has volun- 1,051 teered ― the most hours of any women's team Number of classrooms participating in UW Athletics' new WiscFit program 15 Number of student-athlete appearances 157 since May 2013 Number of student-athletes who have volunteered more than 10 hours since May 2013 140

18 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

5 THINGS TO WATCH THE BEST OF YOUTUBE.COM/WISCONSINBADGERS LUCKY AND GOOD! Badger forward Tyler Barnes led UW’s offensive explosion with a sweet between-the-legs goal in Wisconsin’s 7-1 win over 1 Penn State on Dec. 6. Wisconsin swept the Nittany Lions at the Kohl Center and closed out the first half of the season with a pair of wins over Colorado College the following weekend.

DANCE, DANCE, RUNNING BACK STYLE! James White and Melvin Gordon combined for 27 touch- downs this fall and that meant a lot of touchdown dances! 2 Watch and learn as the high-stepping duo and their fans demonstrate the U Dub Step.

WELCOME HOME, JR! Badgers fans were on their feet when Captain Jane Renee “JR” 3 Lund surprised her daughter, Bella, with an early return from Afghanistan in front of 80,000 fans at Camp Randall.

OTTAWA, TORONTO, STEVE NASH, CANADIAN? Can you name the capital of Canada? How about the largest city? Sam Dekker quizzed his teammates about their destina- 4 tion as they embarked on a preseason trip to Canada on Aug. 20. The Badgers played five exhibition games during their barnstorming tour across our neighbors to the north.

IT’S A GOAL! OH MY GOODNESS, IT’S A GOAL! 5 With time running out, Wisconsin’s Nick Jones used a low cross to find Tomislav Zadro, who scored as the final second ticked away. Minutes later, Zadro was involved in the decisive goal, delivering a ball to the box that teammate Jacob Brindle headed in. Play-By-Play: Cole Altman, Josh Brandu

20 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

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ASK THE BADGERS QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is the most rewarding community service activity you have been involved with? MORGAN PAIGE // SENIOR // WOMEN’S BASKETBALL “I participated in a Helping Hands project where Athletes in Action helped clean, refinish and ready a widow’s house to help her move. It was a great way to give back in the Madison community.”

MICHELLE MUELLER // SENIOR // SOFTBALL “Well, I think they all have been rewarding in some ’ way or another, but volunteering out at the Heart- ’ land Farm Sanctuary. We got the chance to get our hands dirty and work with young kids around the farm! It was a neat and smelly day.”

JOSH GASSER // JUNIOR // MEN’S BASKETBALL “Getting a chance to visit the children’s hospital is always a rewarding experience. A lot of the kids are going through some really hard times and just to see their faces light up and smile can really make your day.”

MADISON PACKER // SENIOR // WOMEN’S HOCKEY “The most rewarding event I have been a part of was definitely being on the patio with the children’s hospital kids at a football game. There were kids in wheelchairs, little kids with cancer and they were so full of life. It was a humbling experience and was re- markable to see so many kids in negative circumstances with such positive attitudes and outlooks on life. It taught me a lot about myself, and made me realize how much I have to be grateful for. Those kids truly are the most courageous individuals I have ever met, and it is inspiring to see them enjoy life the way they do with all the battles the have to fight when they wake up each morning.”

22 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

BADGERING RYAN TAYLOR The redshirt freshman from Fayette County, Ohio, currently ranks No. 14 as the Badgers’ starter at 125 lbs. Taylor opened his UW campaign with an impressive 8-0 record before suffering a pair of losses to top-10 opponents, including No. 1 Jesse Delgado of Illinois. Taylor won three straight state titles at 120 lbs. at St. Paris Graham High School, helping the Falcons to four consecutive Ohio state titles during his high school career. How would you evaluate your first season with UW so far? “It’s been a good experience. Wrestling-wise, there’s a lot of things I need to work on. It’s new balancing school and wrestling. In high school there really wasn’t too much of a balance because school wasn’t the caliber as it is here. I just have to be a lot more organized every day, make sure I get everything done when I’m supposed to and make sure I get the training done that I need to.” The team is off to a 2-0 start in the Big Ten. What’s the key to keep that going?

of stuff to work on, personally, to make myself more consistent, working on little quirky things that I do sometimes “Ithat think I shouldn’t. the main Basicallything is we just need the tosame be morething consistentfor everybody as a else.team, We’re which going has definitelyto tighten started things upto happen.as the season I’ve got goes a lot on. We’ll get better. It’s a process.” How about the excitement level in the first Big Ten dual (UW came from behind to win 19-18)?

like they wanted to, including me. And a couple other guys lost matches that they shouldn’t have, just weren’t solid “Iwith think their it gave technique. the team It’s a biglot ofthat confidence we can take coming hits andinto still the comesecond back half and of the win season, as a team because with allnot the everybody other guys wrestled wres-

Whattling solid. have We your just two need losses to make taught sure we’reyou? firing on all cylinders.” “That comes back to the little quirky things that I’m doing. Both matches I really didn’t give myself a chance to basi- cally wrestle at all. I went out there, I got caught against Illinois and during UNI I left my arm up a little bit, which is something I get yelled at every day for. But I’m working on it. I think it’s good for me, all in all. It’s not March right now. March is when I need to have everything straightened out, and I have a long time to do that.”

QUICK Q'S WITH RYAN Favorite music? Country Favorite hangout spot? Wrestling lounge Favorite hobby? Hunting Favorite sport to watch? Wrestling Favorite athlete growing up? Dan Gable Funniest wrestler on the team? Alex Yde

24 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

NO LIGHTS TOO BRIGHT NO LIGHTS TOO BRIGHT Led by a freshman playing beyond her years in All-American Lauren Carlini, the Badgers are basking in the glow of the biggest stage — and they're not done yet

BY MIKE LUCAS UWBADGERS.COM

• isconsin volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield dog mentality and the 12th-seeded Badgers, one of picked an appropriate movie to show his the lowest seeds to ever advance to the NCAA na- Wplayers during the three-hour bus ride to Champaign, Ill., for last weekend’s NCAA regional A year ago, Michigan was unseeded and made it to tional semifinals― inwhere women’s the Wolverines volleyball. were elimi- It was just the right psychological touch for Shef- nated by Texas, the eventual national champion and semifinals and finals. Wisconsin’sthe semifinals opponent on Thursday at KeyArena in for-television movie, “Survive and Advance” star- Seattle. ringfield, the whose late Jimchoice Valvano was an and ESPN the “Cardiac“30 for 30” Pack.” made- In 2011, Florida State was the No. 12 seed and March will mark the 30th anniversary of NC ― where the Seminoles State’s improbable run to the 1983 national cham- were beaten by UCLA, the No. 9 seed. The Bruins pionship in men’s college basketball; a run that ab- wentmade on it to win the the semifinals NCAA crown that season. solutely no one saw coming. In 2009, Hawaii, the No. 12 seed, lost in the semi- The No. 6-seeded Wolf Pack entered the tourna- unseeded Santa Clara fell to Nebraska in the semis. were able to silence their critics by finals to Penn State, the eventual champ. In 2005, ment with 10 losses, the most in the field. Yet they games, overtimes included. findingAfter abeating way to a winNo. 1all seed of the (Virgin close-

seed (Georgia) in the national semi- ia) in the regional final and a No. 4 whose average margin of victory was 18finals, points. they drew mighty Houston, The Cougars, the consensus No. 1, featured Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon and adopted the handle of “Phi Slamma Jamma” because of its high-wire act and dunkers; notably Drexler. But it was a Lorenzo Charles dunk ― off an air ball from teammate Der- ek Whittenberg ― that sent Valvano into a frenzy and lifted NC State to a memorable 52-50 win over Houston. “I had heard about Jim Valvano, but I had not seen it (the movie) be- fore, it was awesome,” said Wiscon- sin’s 18-year-old freshman setter, Lauren Carlini, who was the MVP of the Champaign Regional. “No one expected him to get to the place where he was and the fact that his team bonded together and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this and beat the odds’ showed that anything can “I think we’re playing the best volley- happen.” ball of the year right now,” Carlini said. Carlini couldn’t help but connect “Everyone is having fun and we’re going the dots between NC State’s under- out there thinking, ‘Let’s lay it all on the table. We don’t have anything to lose.”’

28 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 Penn State and Washington will square off in The Huskers then lost to Washington in the final. “No one expects us to win,” said Carlini, who hailsthis year’s from otherAurora, semifinal Ill. “That’s match kind in of Seattle. the mental- ity our team has. So let’s got out there and show them how hard we play and how intense we are. “I think we’re playing the best volleyball of the year right now. Everyone is having fun and we’re going out there thinking, ‘Let’s lay it all on the ta- ble. We don’t have anything to lose.”’ knows that he has a “hungry” team. “ThisSheffield group wouldn’t is playing have with it any a otherchip on way. their He shoulder because they feel disrespected,” he said. “They’ve felt that way for awhile, that people on the outside haven’t taken them real seriously. “You can tell that’s really driving them … but we’ve kind of been doing what we’ve been doing for most of the year. We’re a team that just keeps getting better and better.” cited another famous underdog: the 1980 U.S. OlympicIn addition hockey to teamthe NC that State beat example, the Soviet Sheffield Union and won the gold medal in Lake Placid, N.Y. The best team doesn’t necessarily always win championships in tournament formats, he agreed. But the teams that are playing together ― playing their best ― at the right time of the year often do. - cause we don’t have the gaudy record that some of “Ourthese team other is talented,”teams do Sheffield (in Seattle), said. it“Just would be probably be a mistake to underestimate us.” the players. “When we tell our players to dream big,”Sheffield he said, has “it’s never not justwavered for them, in his it’s message for all toof us.”

“It’s the top of the mountain in our profession,” he said.Has “A Sheffield lot of us visualizeddream about winning being an on NCAA top.” title? of Carlinitimes,” hasshe definitelysaid. “I’d liethought in bed about at night it since and picshe- turefirst whatbegan it playing would bethe like.” sport. “Oh yeah, hundreds When was the last time she pictured winning a

“Might have been last night,” she said shyly. “It wasnational last night.”championship?

• • • • 29 - man in school history to be named an All-American.Wednesday, becoming the first fresh

Carlini said, “I have to be one of the vo- calDetailing leaders on the the specifics court and of I her have role, to

going downhill; I have to weather the storm.be the calming figure when things are “It takes a lot of self-control and things like that as a freshman because the setter and the quarterback of the team can’t be freaking out or else ev- eryone else is going to freak out, too.” Carlini has always been comfortable taking on a leadership role even among older, more experienced players. “I al- ways played up, at least a level or two, throughout my club career,” she said. The early results weren’t always the Carlini was bestowed second-team most gratifying, though. All-America honors on Wednesday, “I made mistakes when I was younger becoming the first freshman in school and I wasn’t always the best teammate,” history to be named an All-American. she admitted. “I’ve learned my lessons throughout the years and I’ve adapted and made changes. t seemed like only yesterday that Carlini showed “I used to yell at people a lot ― I was up at Wisconsin with unrivaled credentials, at really aggressive. Back then, I would get on people, Ileast for this program. She was, after all, the No. 1 ‘C’mon get it together.’ But that’s not what every- high school recruit in the nation. body needs. Much was expected of her; so much so that it “Maybe some people need to get yelled at every once in awhile. Other people need a pat on the back. minded freshmen. But that was not the case with That takes time. It doesn’t come overnight. It’s a lot Carlini,might overwhelm who has always some embraced less confident, the expectations. less tough- of adjusting, trying things out, trial and error.” “I just came in with the mentality that I have What Carlini had not counted on was an injury, a to hold a leadership role,” she said, “and I have to partially torn hamstring. “It was kind of disappoint- be one of the jump-starters on the team who gets ing,” she said of being sidelined for four matches at things going and who excites the team. Carlini had plenty of company in the training the start of the season, “and definitely frustrating.” to learn how (to handle things). You have to oper- room because of a rash of injuries. ate“At within first, thewhenever team and a freshman with what comes your in,personality you have “We were at a point where we were losing a body needs to be on and off the court. “There’s that little transition that you have to jested. “I don’t know how many practices we had to every 23 minutes or something like that,” Sheffield make. During the preseason, I kind of knew my role cancel because we didn’t have bodies.” already and, ever since then, it has been pretty so- But the Badgers kept grinding and weathered the storm. Solid is an understatement when it comes to “I think the big turning point was after we beat Carlini’slidified.” play as the Badgers’ starting setter. She Michigan State and Minnesota back to back,” Carlini was bestowed second-team All-America honors on said of 3-1 victories over the No. 5 Spartans and No.

30 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 7 Gophers in late October. “He thinks of anything possible to get our com- “I think that’s when the team realized, ‘This is real … we can do some damage.’ After that, we kicked it into gear. We’ve had some losses, but I don’t think petitive juices flowing,” Carlini said. “He knows that we’ve had a bad loss, per se.” willwe have be ato sleepless be that team night that or fightstwo infor Seattle everything.” before - then.Carlini The isLonghorns hoping to bear take some the fight physical to Texas. similarities There fore a 3-2 loss at Nebraska in early October. to that “Phi Slamma Jamma” Houston team. “TheseSheffield guys learned love big something stages, man,” about he his said. team “You’re be “Their outside hitters are probably touching 11 playing in front of almost 9,000 feet and that’s not an exaggera- fans and I’m sitting there watch- ing them come out of the locker “HE THINKS OF ANYTHING POS- really big (at the net) and very room and you see the look in SIBLE TO GET OUR COMPETITIVE physical.”tion,” Sheffield said. “They’re their eyes …” JUICES FLOWING,” CARLINI SAID Sizing up the draw, he said, “Perfect. It’s what we want.” that shouted out one thing: “All OF SHEFFIELD. “HE KNOWS THAT This is real, it’s on now. right,It was it’s the on now.”look, Sheffield said, WE HAVE TO BE THAT TEAM THAT “The moment,” he said, “is Citing the maturing competi- never too big for those teams tive spirit of his players as the FIGHTS FOR EVERYTHING.” - dence and swagger about them said, “It didn’t matter who we played … these guys and they’re able to execute.”that win it all. There’s a confi haven’tseason backed played down out, to Sheffield anything.” Or anybody. Texas has won 27 of 29 matches and obviously - looms as the favorite. But the makeup of this UW ence, it’s a belief in yourself and each other.” team was best expressed by Carlini, who won’t turn TheTo Sheffield’s Badgers may thinking, lead the he country said, “It’s in notsuch experi intan- 19 until late February. gibles, he added proudly. “I like challenges,” she said.

WATCH: BADGERS DESCEND ON SEATTLE

31 SPECIAL FEATURE A GIFT FOR GIVING DAVID STLUKA DAVID A GIFT FOR GIVING Best known for flying to the football and bringing the big hits, Chris Borland's work off the field is more subtle — but no less impactful

BY MIKE LUCAS UWBADGERS.COM

• ayla Gross’ favorite snapshot of Chris Bor- Gross, the UW Community Relations Coordinator, land within the past year has nothing to do has seen Borland in a different light than the thou- Kwith his completed pass off a fake punt at sands who have been entertained by his play on Sat- Arizona State or his bone-jarring tackles of Carlos urdays at Camp Randall Stadium. Hyde at Ohio State. “And there’s one story,” she said, “that will always While appreciating his all-around skills and cre- stick out for me.” dentials as the Defensive Player of the Year in the This past summer, Borland took part in Pat and Big Ten, Gross has a picture in mind of Borland that Barry Richter’s Easter Seals golf tournament in the shows a gentler side of the Wisconsin linebacker. Wisconsin Dells; the highlight of which for the golf- “It’s the way he presents himself, the way he car- ers was visiting kids at Camp Wawbeek. ries himself,” she said. “He’s just so far beyond what “Two little girls came up to Chris right away,” you would expect the normal 22-year old kid to be. Gross recounted. “One had Down syndrome and the “I’m that age and I just look at him sometimes in other had a mental disability. They had given all of awe.” the kids a hat for the student-athletes to sign. “One of the little girls didn’t have her hat, so she was obviously sad. Chris was wearing his Big Ten championship hat (from 2012) and without hesitat- ing, he took it off, signed it and gave it to her. (“Now you do have a hat,” he said reassuringly.) “The two little girls, they were 10 or 11, walked arm-in-arm with Chris ― one of my favorite pic- tures ― and they took him to their social space where they introduced him to their stuffed animals. “They fell in love with him ― people do every- where we take Chris.”

little girl at Camp Wawbeek and how the Big Ten championshipBorland smiled hat uponthat she reflecting was wearing on that “was excited too big for her but she wore it the rest of the day” he said. As much of an impression as Borland has left on countless children through his volunteer work and their interaction ― he’s the team leader in commu- nity service hours ― they have also left a mark. “It does leave an impression on you,” he said. “It’s hard to put into words but I think it has helped me a lot ― it’s not why I do it ― but it has given me great perspective and helped me mature. “We’ve got a lot of people blowing smoke and tell- ing us how great we are sometimes. Not that I ever bought into it, but this is just a reminder of how much else is going on outside of football.” The Easter Seals event resonated with Borland. It hit close to home; Kettering, Ohio, a Dayton suburb. “It was kind of reminiscent of my experience with “They fell in love with him,” Gross said the Polar Bears in high school,” he said. of the kids at Camp Wawbeek. “People do everywhere we take Chris.” The Polar Bears were special needs children, mostly with Down syndrome. Borland, who attend- ed Archbishop Alter High School, came in contact

34 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 “I just think it's important,” Borland said of his charitable activism. “You see how much it affects them− just the little bit that you do for them ... It's important to tle bit that you do for them ― whether it’s a toy on better the lives around you, if you can.” Christmas or a good warm meal. It’s important to better the lives around you, if you can.” It was reinforced at home by Jeff and Zebbie Bor- with the kids through a youth basketball league. land, who raised seven children, six boys. Chris Bor- “Me and my buddies would kind of help coach- land said his parents “always took time to stress the slash-watch the kids when they had their games,” he importance of giving back to people.” said. “It was probably the most powerful experience Borland’s involvement would take another step I had up to that point in my life. when he arrived on the UW campus. As a freshman, “It was just all pretty moving. The kids had great he took part in the trips to the American Family Chil- spirit and they loved playing basketball with their dren’s Hospital on Fridays of home football games. friends. This was really the only format for them to “That was eye-opening,” he said. “I don’t think I do it. It was all special.” respected how much we are looked up to as a foot- Prior to his Polar Bears exposure, Borland had ball player until I saw how it affected those kids by gotten involved as a seventh grader with canned just saying hello.” food drives for the homeless or families in need. He Some new doors opened for Borland by just say- also helped pass out Thanksgiving Day turkeys. ing hello to Kayla Gross, a UW journalism school “I just think it’s important,” he said of his chari- graduate. The community relations coordinator po- table activism. “I’ve had a pretty fortunate life. I’ve sition was created in September of 2012. never really needed anything and I’ve met some “She’s pretty outgoing; her personality suits her kids and known some people who do. job very well,” he said. “It’s easy to get involved be- “You see how much it affects them ― just the lit- cause she works so hard; she’s so proactive and en-

35 thusiastic. All you have to do is tag along.” Gross or a staff member will accompany the stu- hrough the “Make-a-Wish” Wisconsin Founda- dent-athletes on every community service appear- tion, the football team• • •got • involved with Darien ance that they make, and they will log the time spent TMoran, a 14-year-old Madison boy with histio- there and keep track of their hours. cytosis, a rare autoimmune condition. As such, Borland and others have made a commit- Moran’s wish was granted: a Badgers-themed ment to “Badgers Give Back,” which Gross described bedroom makeover. as, “Our community outreach program driven in “It was kind of a two-day thing in the spring,” Bor- large part by our student-athletes. “They really dictate a lot of what we do, we was all the labor when the guys were doing all the wouldn’t volunteer work for 1,000 hours if it wasn’t hardland said.work “Ion wasn’t the new involved room. in the first day, which something our student-athletes are passionate “I was there the second day when we revealed it about, something they really care about. to him and it was awesome. It was just really a small “All 23 sports are involved,” Gross emphasized. gesture (the room makeover). But to know how “Our student-athletes are tremendous across the much he was thankful was meaningful.” board. They’re probably the most time-strapped After the project was completed, Gross said, “I kind of left it up to the guys and the level of engagement more charitably-driven then they are. that they wanted to have with Darien. Chris wanted students“I just onthink this they’re campus, tremendous but you don’t role find models students of his phone number and kept in touch.” this university. As an alum, they make me proud to Gross has since heard from the youngster’s aunt, wear my ‘W.”’ who told her, “His (Darien’s) grades have turned It all falls in line with a Helen Keller quotation that around and I know that’s because Chris is the voice in his ear; he’s really had a positive impact.” “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so When it was suggested Borland had gone “above much.”Gross keeps over her office desk: and beyond” in developing a relationship with Darien

WATCH: BADGERS BRING UPLIFTING ATHLETES TO MADISON

36 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 “OH, GOODNESS, HE’S ONE-OF-A- KIND, HE’S TRULY EXTRAORDINARY,” GROSS SAID OF BORLAND. “I RECEIVE COMPLIMENTS ALL THE TIME FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST BLOWN AWAY BY THE KIND OF GUY HE IS.”

Moran ― they continue to text ― Gross agreed and said, “Darien sees Chris as a big brother.” Borland went to one of his football games in the fall. “And he’s now wrestling and doing well in school, it’s good to see,” Borland said. “He has had a great outlook and spirit through it all.” the type of guy that he is ― despite all of the thingsWhat he’s else dealt does with Borland at his age see? ― “JustI’ve got to asee lot of respect for him,” he said. “I look up to him in a lot of ways.” It was a telling statement about Borland and who he is ― Chris Borland, the team MVP “Just to see the type of guy that he is − ― despite all of the things he's dealt with at his age − I've got a lot of respect for him,” Borland said of Moran. against confiding all odds. that he looks up to Darien Moran because“Oh, goodness, of the good he’s one-of-a-kind, fight that he’s he’s fighting truly extraordinary,” Gross said of Borland. “I re- ceive compliments all the time from people round nine o’clock every Thursday morn- who are just blown away by the kind of guy he is.” ing, Jodi Moll can sense the excitement level Moran’s disease, Landerhans Cell Histiocytosis X, A has been a rallying point for the UW chapter of Up- graders at Stoner Prairie Elementary School in Ve- rona. building among her first, second and third college football players on multiple campuses. - liftingEach Athletes, chapter a is national dedicated nonprofit to raising organization awareness of and research funds for a rare disease. At Northwest- Even“Is Chris though coming Borland today? has What made time a isweekly Chris comone- ern, it’s Niemann-Pick Type C. At Illinois, it’s Acous- houring? Is appearance Chris here yet?”in Moll’s classroom every Thurs- tic Neuroma. At Ohio State, it’s CMT. day since September, they don’t want to take any- At Penn State, the founding chapter in 2003, it’s thing for granted, least of all Borland’s visits. kidney cancer. “They’re watching for him and they’re so excited Borland credited UW teammate Jeff Lewis with when he comes in the door,” said Moll, the wife of being instrumental in establishing the Madison UW football athletic trainer Michael Moll. “He’s one chapter. He also singled out another teammate, Kyle of them and the kids love him. They love him.” Zuleger, for being a driving force behind it. Borland was looking for more structure on his “Jeff and Kyle have done an awesome job,” he said. community service calendar because “often times “I get too much credit for it.” those things are sporadic; you’d get a call 10 hours

• • • • before, or a day before, ‘Hey, can you do this?”’ 37 DAVID STLUKA DAVID

mornings, since he didn’t have any classes. “He has a left his impression on a whole “IStoner just wantedPrairie wassomething a perfect I could fit. So do was on Thursdaya weekly bunch of little kids throughout the com- basis,” he said. “It was something that was not only munity,” Andersen said of Borland, “count- scheduled but it was for an entire semester so I could build relationships.” less fans, countless people of all ages.” It’s typical of how Borland gets so engaged with what he’s doing. “I wanted to get more in-depth with them (the children),” he said, “more than just an au- “They’ll be sad,” she said. “I’m sure there will be tograph session or just saying hello.” tears.” You can count UW coach Gary Andersen among too. Take it from Jodi Moll. those who have been emotionally touched by Bor- “SometimesHe has definitely the kids come will across read that to him way and to thehe’ll kids, lis- land during the 12 months they have been around ten,” she said. “Sometimes he’s practicing different each other since Andersen was hired. math concepts with them, different math skills. The That came through loud and clear Saturday night other day, he read a story to the class.” when Andersen presented Borland with the Most - Valuable Player trophy at the team banquet. There ible,” said Moll. “He likes kids; it’s obvious.” was surely no suspense in the announcement. InBorland turn, kids is willing and adults, to do ofanything. all ages, “He’s like him. very flex “Unbelievable football player, unbelievable lead- “Our principal asked if Chris would mind stop- er,” he said. “He has a left his impression on a whole ping in and saying hi to some other kids around the bunch of little kids throughout the community; building,” Moll said. “That was a big thing. The kids countless fans, countless people of all ages.” all wore their Badger-wear that day. Andersen admitted that Borland “prepares like no “Chris stopped in every single classroom around one I’ve ever been around.” the building and signed autographs. I still have par- That also led Andersen to say in the next breath, ents coming up to me and saying, ‘Wow, what a class “That’s a tremendous challenge for everybody sit- act for him to do that.”’ ting here, including myself, an old man, 49 years old, Borland didn’t leave the school until well past who’s been doing this job for a long time. 11:30 that morning. “I can look to Chris and the way he prepares and I - can learn something ... everyone in this room should dents. Thursday will be his final visit with Moll’s stu 38 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 learn from this kid, on and off the field.”

UW trio starts Uplifting Athletes chapter Darien Moran's battle with rare illness inspires football players Borland, Lewis and Zuleger

ouchdowns will mean more than just win- nied by one special guest ― ning to both Wisconsin and South Carolina T Moran. The event Both teams will be competing to see which fan- raised more than $1,000 for the Histiocytosis X base canwhen collect they thetake most the field donations on New to Years Uplifting Day. ThisFoundation. comes as no surprise because our fans al- “Our chapter has grown a lot in its first year. “Our Lift-For-Life event this summer was a great Athletes in honor of their chosen cause. ways rally behind a great cause,” Borland said. For the Badgers, that cause is finding a cure for perilsLangerhans of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Cell Histiocytosis X. X while example. Our chapter could not be on the track The Badgers first came into contact with the it is without all the generous support. We’re very bedroom into a Badgers-themed space in partner- takegrateful.” down Histiocytosis X while they take down helping to transform 14-year-old Darien Moran’s Now the Badgers are asking for fans help to- - down the Badgers score during the Capital One secutiveship with daily Make-A-Wish regimens Wisconsin of chemotherapy in May 2013. every the Gamecocks. Fans can donatehere. for every touch At the time, Moran was undergoing three con “Hopefully fans join in on the touchdown Bowl starting Friday, Dec. 20 28 days for the second time in a year. Moran was first diagnosed with the disease in the summer pledge and see how easy, fun, and exciting being of 2011 after experiencing leg and hip pain that- involved can be,” said Zuleger. “Our goal is that doctors first attributed to a sports-related injury. this last event can help close out a successful first wasAfter sidelined receiving again the diagnosis, with a tumor Darien on beat his theskull dis a year and launch the chapter into the new― year.”that of ease only to have it return six months later. Darien Regardless of what the new year brings, one "To be honest, I was kind of dumbfounded at fan’s support will remain constant hisfew ability months to beforeact like the a normal Badgers’ 14-year-old arrival. despite lotDarien and Moran.we should all rally around him and let him all that he's been through," said UW senior safety “Darien is a great kid who has been through a - know that he’s not alone with this rare disease KyleInspired Zuleger. by "It the made young me boy,step Zulegerback and reevalu and that, collectively, we’re going to fight back,” andate what's teammates going Chris on in Borlandmy life, what'sand Jeff important." Lewis said. Lewis decided to use their platform as football players to raise awareness of -

Moran's disease and funding for re- search. Partnering with the national- legenon-profit football organization teams with Upliftingrare diseases Ath toletes, raise an them organization as a national that aligns priority col through research, outreach, education

event in support of the cause on July and advocacy, the team hosted its first Over the course of the day, the team took23 at partCamp in Randall an intense Stadium. weight lifting and conditioning regimen accompa-

40 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

SPECIAL FEATURE BUILDING A STRONG BOND

UW Athletics' long-standing partnership with American Family Children's Hospital continues to grow, provide opportunities for Badgers and children in need

hen you ask Wisconsin student-athletes ment of the pint-sized fan staring up at his 6-foot- what their favorite community service 4-inch frame. Wactivity is, you will quickly notice a recur- It was a sight repeated again and again the Fri- ring theme: time spent with patients at the Ameri- day before every UW football home game when can Family Children’s Hospital. Wozniak and seven of his teammates would visit For more than 20 years, UW student-athletes the American Family Children’s Hospital. When the have been gracing the halls of the children’s hos- team members arrive at the hospital, they are split pital and welcoming its patients to UW Athletics events. It is a partnership that is better than ever the hospital. They deliver signed game programs in 2013. This year, the Badgers combined with the tointo the groups patients and and visit engage rooms them on the in mainconversations floors of hospital to introduce several new programs to ben- about the upcoming game, where the patients are from and what is usually the players’ favorite talk- From creating artwork on canvas with paint- ing point ― the child’s toys. efit patients. “Visiting the hospital isn’t something we need to end zone of Camp Randall Stadium during football do or a chore for us to make the football team look games,filled syringes interactions to enjoying between Jump UW Around student-athletes from the good … we go simply because we want to be there,” and American Family Children’s Hospital patients we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to expe- rienceWozniak the said. special “We relationships enjoy making we the develop.” kids smile and benefit all involved.Hospital Visits t’s quite a sight to behold. UW football player Brian Wozniak attempting to stuff his extremely fromAccording the visit toas well. Julie Auenson, child life services Ilarge hands into rubber hospital gloves while manager“Being in at a thehospital hospital, is not patients a normal benefit environment,” greatly draped in a yellow gown, face covered in surgical Auenson said. “So having visitors come in that can, even for a little while, take away the thoughts of ties of his gown, he enters the room to the excite- what is happening medically is something that is mask. With his jersey number visible between the 43 really great about our partnership with the ath- letic department.” John Flad, chair of the American Family Children’s Hospital board, refers to the visit from the UW Foot- ball players as nothing short of miraculous. “THEY MAKE THE CHILDREN FEEL SPECIAL “At the American Family Children’s Hospital we’re AND THAT LASTS SO MUCH LONGER THAN fond of saying that ‘miracles happen every day,’ and that is not cliché,” Flad said. “We’re referring, of THE ACTUAL VISIT” AHOLA SAID. “IT’S AN course, to the great work the doctors, nurses and EXCITING, POSITIVE THING THAT REALLY staff do with our critically-ill kids. But there is an- other miracle that happens at the children’s hospi- HELPS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF HEALING tal every Friday before Badger football home games. AND WELL-BEING FOR THE KIDS.” That’s the day the Badgers come and visit our kids. The visits from the Badgers truly lifts their spirits and puts a welcome smile on their faces. feeling.” “Candidly, it’s just what the doctor ordered.” Nurse manager Laura Ahola can see the impact of The football team is not the only UW program the student-athlete visits on her patients long after that visits the hospital; it’s a department-wide af- the group has returned to the stadium. fair. Last year, 14 different teams visited the hospital “They make the children feel special and that a total of 34 times. lasts so much longer than the actual visit,” Ahola - said. “When I go into patients’ rooms they’ll say, munity and kids in any way possible,” said men’s `Did you see my picture?’, `Did you see that so-and- basketball“I definitely player cherish Duje Dukan.being able “But to to help be able the tocom go so was here and they signed my shirt?’ It’s an ex- to the children’s hospital and see some kids smile citing, positive thing that really helps to promote a simply because we stopped by was an indescribable sense of healing and well-being for the kids.”

44 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 Wish Upon A Badger Shave to Shave merican Family Children’s Hospital patient had to shave all of my hair off too,” senior tight Daniel Christian has always loved playing “ end Jacob Pedersen heard over the din of a ra- Asports. Last May, however, the 9-year-old I zor. It was uttered by his pint-sized barber, a was sidelined when he was diagnosed with leuke- childhood cancer patient from the American Family mia. Children’s Hospital. “It’s been a tough year from him taking a break Pedersen and nine of his teammates ― LB Ethan from the sports he loves playing,” said his mother, Armstrong, WR Lance Baretz, OL Kyle Costigan, WR Katy Christian. Connor Cummins, OL Ryan Groy, WR Chase Ham- In conjunction with the Wish Upon A Badger mond, DE Ethan Hemer, LB Conor O’Neill and TE campaign, the men’s soccer team invited Daniel for Eric Steffes ― all lost their locks in support of child- an adventure at the McClimon Complex that would hood cancer research and awareness on Oct. 3 so make his break from playing easier to bear. that phrases such as those will never be uttered - again. ison to practice where he received a signed team “It was extremely rewarding and humbling,” jerseyThe teamand soccer first invited ball. The the third-graderhighlight of hisfrom experi Mad- Hemer said. “It was one of those things that, while it ence occurred at the soccer game against Michigan seems really small at the time, I saw afterwards how State, when Daniel was introduced during the start- big of an impact it made. I was really happy that I ing lineup and served as an honorary captain. “He’s been welcomed with open arms by the different sports teams,” Katy said. “It’s great for him to be able to look forward to these types of events. It’s great motivation for him.” The UW athletic department began fans facing serious illness several years agofulfilling with the the wishes “Wish ofUpon young A BadgersBadger” program after being inspired by the Make-A-Wish campaign. In cooperation with the American Family Children’s Hospital, children are given the opportunity to go behind the scenes with their favorite team, meeting the players and coaches, tour- ing the facilities and spending time at a practice. A number of different sports have participated, including men’s bas- ketball, women’s tennis, football and softball. “It’s a chance for us to create a series of special moments for a child and their “It’s a chance for us to create a series of time,” said UW senior associate athletic special moments for a child and their fam- directorfamily who Justin are Doherty.going through “It’s something a difficult ily who are going through a difficult time,” Doherty said of Wish Upon A Badger. that our athletes and coaches have re- ally embraced.”

45 “It’s really special to be able to give back to Caleb’s Pitch kids that have gone through so much,” Arm- any of the Badgers’ opponents would rel- strong said. “It was also really inspiring to get Mwith paint at a UW student-athlete. Since an opportunity to spend time with them and Septemberish ofthe this opportunity year, patients to squirt at syringesthe American filled Family Children’s Hospital have that opportunity get to know them and learn something from monthly through the new Caleb’s Pitch program, a them and how they have handled things.” collaborative effort between UW Athletics and the American Family Children’s Hospital.

could brighten the kids’ day just for a little bit.” serves to create memorable experiences for chil- The student-athletes put their hair in the hands drenCaleb’s battling Pitch serious is a illnesses. nonprofit The organization program pairs that of patients from the hospital who shaved off sev- collegiate student-athletes with patients from chil- eral inches of beloved mane in little more than an dren’s hospitals in an effort to combine two things hour. Few lost most than senior Ethan Armstrong, many kids love ― sports and arts and crafts. who was happy to shed his beloved locks for a good The student-athletes help the children create art- cause. - “It’s really special to be able to give back to kids portunity not only provides the patients a chance to that have gone through so much,” Armstrong said. trywork their on handcanvas at withart but paint-filled also gives syringes. them a chance The op to “It was also really inspiring to get an opportunity to spend time with them and get to know them and while the children squirt the paint. learn something from them and how they have han- “fire”The at Wisconsin the student-athletes wrestling team as they is known hold the more canvas for dled things.” their moves on the mat than for their artistic eye,

46 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 but that didn’t stop the Badgers from trying to prove “It is a way for them to forget about why they are themselves with a canvas and some paint. here for a while.” The wrestlers got the chance show their artistic Medbery said the experience even offered some - extra motivation for the Badgers. pating team in the new collaboration that brought “There was one kid that used to be a wrestler,” Caleb’sside on PitchOct. 16 to when Madison. they served as the first partici Medbery said. “It was inspiring to see a kid who The wrestlers had a blast holding the canvases up wasn’t necessarily any different than I was growing for the patients, and even became walking art when up, but is in a tough situation. the kids missed their target. Connor Medbery, a red- “These kids are normal kids living their lives un- shirt sophomore, was one of the wrestlers who had der tough circumstances, and it was great to see the opportunity to participate in Caleb’s Pitch. them smile.” “It was an experience to say the least,” Medbery Caleb’s Pitch was founded in remembrance of Ca- said of being sprayed with paint. “But it was funny, leb Jacobbe, who passed away at 8 years old after a and it was good to see some kids who are in a tough valiant battle with cancer. The organization honors situation with a smile on their faces for a little bit.” one of Jacobbe’s favorite activities, syringe art. Auenson was thrilled to have the wrestlers visit “A big part of what we are doing is trying to bring and thinks the program is a great way to take the positive experiences to kids in the hospital today, children’s minds off of their illnesses. regardless of what they are there for,” said Caleb’s “I think it is a really nice way to bring these ath- Pitch founder Tim Jacobbe. “Caleb was a huge sports letes here to do a fun activity with the kids,” she said. “It is fun to combine the athletes with an activity so did in the hospital and his love of athletics, that the kids can have fun and play. wouldfan. I figured be perfect.” if we could combine the fun things he

“I think it is a really nice way to bring these athletes here to do a fun activity with the kids,” Auenson said. “It is fun to combine the athletes with an activity so the kids can have fun and play.”

47 SPECIAL FEATURE

BADGERS DRIVE CHARITABLE EFFORTS Student-athlete groups SAAC, SAESO help set direction for UW's community service ne of the basic ideas behind the Badgers student-athlete experience is community service. Give Back program is that it be driven by “Community service and outreach is one of the Ostudent-athletes and represent their desire main pillars of SAAC,” said swimmer Katie Delaney, to serve others. the SAAC Community Outreach Chair. “We facilitate So far, so good. and participate in events that allow us to give back Not only have the Badgers volunteered 4,900 to the Madison community and our fans. Supporting hours since May 2013, two student-athlete orga- those who support us is extremely important to us.” nizations also have a long standing presence in the The Red & White Hunger Fight is the most ex- community when it comes to giving back ― the Stu- tensive community service undertaking completed dent-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and Student- by SAAC. The initiative was started in 2008 by for- Athletes Equally Supporting Others (SAESO). mer women's soccer player Michelle Dalton, who The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is com- brought the idea of a campus-wide food drive to posed of representatives from each of the 23 ath- UW-Madison after organizing similar efforts in high letic teams at UW that serve as liaisons between the school. student-athlete population and coaches, adminis- Since its debut, the Red & White Hunger Fight has trators, the NCAA and other related entities. It aims collected more than 13.7 tons of food and more than to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete of South Central Wisconsin. The Community Action welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete im- Coalition$4,443 to uses benefit the thedonated Community food to provide Action Coalition Thanks- age. giving meals to families across Dane County. One important component of enhancing the total More than 200 student-athletes from all 23 UW

48 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 teams participated in this year’s drive that brought along when several student-athletes dropped off the in 4,866 pounds of food. cards and interacted with the seniors over dinner. “Our teams would not be nearly as successful in “It was such a rewarding experience visiting Capi- athletics or academics without our fans. The fans tol Lakes Senior Center,” said SAESO president and are also a key to the success of Red & White Hunger women’s track athlete Abbie Weigel. “Bucky was a Fight,” Delaney said. “By donating online, through huge hit and the residents were extremely thankful our door-to-door efforts, at volleyball games and to for the cards we made. Everyone had a great time the bins around campus, fans were instrumental in and we hope to do it again in the future.” helping us reach our goal of making sure that every - family in southern Wisconsin has plenty to eat this siders community service an integral component of winter.” developingThe Office well-rounded of Student-Athlete student-athletes. Development Not cononly The Red & White Hunger Fight is not the SAAC’s does it teach them life skills, it also provides them only charitable initiative of the holiday season, how- with a network they can call upon long after their ever. They also host an annual Toys for Tots drive at days as a student-athlete are over. a Badgers event every fall. “We feel it is important for our student-athletes Toys for Tots is a philanthropic effort of the U.S. to give back to the communities that support them,” Marine Corps Reserve. The program collects new, said student-athlete development assistant Andre’ unwrapped toys from October through December to Harris. “Furthermore, as part of the full student- distribute to local disadvantaged youth as Christmas athlete experience, community service is one of gifts. the vital aspects of personal growth we want our More than 30 UW student-athletes lined the en- trances of the Kohl Center to collect donations at Student-Athlete Development.” this year’s drive at a men’s hockey game on Dec. student-athletes to engage in as part of the Office of 7. The drive brought in a total of $3,348 and 92 toys. “It’s such a great organization because it gives back to so many people,” said women’s hockey player Alex Rigsby, who was put in charge of the event with teammates Kelly Jaminski and Madi- son Packer. “It was so rewarding because we were able to collect so much money and so many

Christmas.” toysIn foraddition these tochildren SAAC, student-athletesto really benefit alsothem en at- hance their experience through involvement with Student-Athletes Equally Supporting Oth- ers (SAESO). SAESO strives to bring together student-athletes of different cultures, ethnici- ties, lifestyles, and belief systems to enhance their experience on the UW campus by providing events, forums, and programming which encour- ages social interaction between student-athletes, the student body and the Madison community at large. One such interaction was delivering Thanks- giving cards to residents at the Capitol Lakes Senior Center on Nov. 26. Bucky Badger tagged

49 SPECIAL FEATURE

FRIENDS ACROSS GENERATIONS Wisconsin women's hockey team build relationships with residents at Capitol Lakes Senior Center

ecember 10 was a special day for Genny. the seniors waited after the game to congratulate Surrounded by her fellow residents at the their friends on the win and say hello before head- DCapitol Lakes Senior Center, she sat quietly, ing back to the senior center. It was a day the seniors enjoying a piece of cake and anxiously awaiting the are still talking about, said Capitol Lakes Senior arrival of her new friends. Center staffer Lydia Mulvihill, one of many joyful in- Just after 6 p.m. they arrived, dressed in Badger teractions with the hockey team. red, ready for a party. It may have been nearing the "The hockey players bring a wonderful energy hectic time that comes at end of a semester, but it and a night that’s sure to be full of laughter," said was one event Wisconsin women’s hockey players Lydia Mulvihill, a staff member at Capitol Lakes. Brittany Ammerman and Katy Josephs would not "We are so happy to have them as a part of our com- miss ― Genny’s 90th birthday party. munity." Ammerman and Josephs have been developing a As Genny said at her birthday party, “I’ve never friendship with Genny and her fellow residents at been happier to have friends like them.” the Captiol Lakes Senior Center since Septem- ber. Every Tuesday, members of the team visit with the residents, learning their histories and playing games of UNO. "Visiting the senior home has become a weekly ritual that we look forward and thor- oughly enjoy," junior forward Brittany Am- merman said. "Visiting on a weekly basis has allowed us to develop a sense of family be- tween us and some of the women." On Dec. 8, 12 members of the team’s new- ly-formed “family” were welcomed to LaBahn Arena to watch the team’s takedown of Bemi- dji State. “We were all so excited, so pumped when we saw them,” said Ammerman. “Coach Jackie (Friesen) was cracking up at us.” The seniors were treated to an exciting game, during which Madison Packer scored

center favorites Ammerman and Katy Josephs eachthe first contributed hat trick ingoals. LaBahn Arena and senior “It was great to have them come to our game and support us,” Josephs said. “I think they had a lot of fun and it was really exciting for some of them. It’s nice to know that they care enough about us to come cheer us on.” Seated in chairs on the LaBahn concourse,

50 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

SPECIAL FEATURE

WISCFIT INSPIRES HEALTHY CHOICES Badgers' new outreach effort aims to encourage healthy eating and exercise habits for local children isconsin senior wide receiver Jared Ab- setting attainable goals for the year ― two bench- brederis knows the importance of healthy mark goals and one ultimate goal. When a class- Weating and nutrition. room reaches its goal, UW Athletics will reward it The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Abbrederis says he re- lies on healthy eating to keep him at the top of his achievement. game, which generally means catching passes in the with“Setting a visit small, from achievableBucky Badger goals and is certificatesan important of end zone. part of achieving your overall goals,” Abbrederis “What you put in your body is what you’re going said. “It will be fun to help the students celebrate to get out of it,” Abbrederis said. “You’re not going to when they achieve their goals.” have the energy to excel at your sport if you’re not The program has already been implemented in eating right. If you eat nutritious food, you’re going to be a lot more successful.” short months since its debut. Since October, Abbrederis and his fellow UW stu- fifteen classrooms across Dane County in the few dent-athletes have been sharing that message with the Badgers can also see the program as a chance to schools across Dane County in conjunction with betterBeyond prepare the opportunity themselves tofor influence careers inlocal health youth, or UW Athletics’ new WiscFit program that aims to en- courage healthy eating and exercise habits amongst rightexercise-related in with what fields. I want to do in the future,” said To kick off a class’ participation in the program, Katie“As Delaney, a dietetics a junior major, on the the WiscFit women’s program swimming fits UWyouth student-athletes in grades five through visit the seven. classroom to speak and diving team. “The program will help me get with students about the importance of healthy eat- more hands-on experience teaching kids about nu- ing and exercise and engage with them in an exer- trition and helping them set tangible goals for eat- cise-based activity. They also assist the classroom in ing better and being more active.”

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54 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BADGERMBB SCHEDULE (12-0, 0-0) LAST WEEK Dec. 7 Milwaukee W, 78-52 Dec. 14 Eastern Kentucky W, 86-61 COMING UP Dec. 28 Prairie View A&M 1 p.m. Jan. 2 at Northwestern 6 p.m.

week’s 86-61 loss to UW. “At the offensive end, it felt like they made every shot.” - cient on that Saturday afternoon, shoot- ingThe over Badgers 60 percent. were But particularly that has been effi a

the season. trendUW for is averaging much of the 74.7 first points two monthsper game, of an increase of 9.7 ppg from last season’s 65.0-point average. UW hasn’t averaged 73 points in a season since the 1994-95 team scored 73.0 per game. Wisconsin leads the Big Ten, shooting 40.3 percent from 3-point range. A year ago, the Badgers shot 33.0 percent from Offensive balance has deep. - ference at the foul line, UW has raised Badgers shooting straight itsA free year throw after shooting finishing over last 10in thepercent, con UW offense improved in almost every category from 63.4 to 73.7 percent this season. Offensive Improvement ake a look at ESPN’s RPI 2012-13 2013-14 Eight players have scored in Points 65.0 74.7 balance and unselfishness. Tthe 12-0 Wisconsin Bad- Field Goal Percentage .420 .469 rankings and you’ll find gers perched in the nation’s Nigel Hayes poured in a ca- 3-Pt FG Percentage .330 .403 double figures after freshman No. 1 position. reer-high 17 points last week Free Throw Percentage .689 .737 While it’s only December, against Eastern Kentucky. In the undefeated Badgers have, Milwaukee’s Rob Jeter had a front-row so far, earned the right to sit the team in scoring in a game. seat to see the Badgers’ new offense last atop the mantle. fact, all five starters have led- week, saying, “They’re talented. They’re One of the many reasons the cient at the offensive end and Badgers have been able to post their“They’re defense incrediblyis as disciplined effi The Badgers have a two-week break the most wins of any team in a defense as I’ve ever seen,” topoised, recharge they’re their confident.” batteries, but hopeful- the nation over the RPI top Eastern Kentucky head coach ly they don’t recalibrate their shooting 100 (9), is the team’s offensive Jeff Neubauer said after last scopes.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BADGERWBB SCHEDULE (6-4, 0-0) LAST FOUR Dec. 5 Boston College W, 74-59 Dec. 7 at Marquette W, 62-60 Dec. 10 #23 Gonzaga L, 70-55 Dec. 13 at Washington L, 80-67 COMING UP Dec. 21 Illinois-Chicago 5 p.m. Dec. 30 Green Bay 6 p.m. Jan. 3 at Illinois 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Michigan 6 p.m.

Feb. 8-10, 1980 ● UW hosted the fifth-annual “unoffi- cial” Big Ten tournament. Feb. 27, 1989 ● The Badgers defeated No. 11 Pur- due, 81-67, the first home win over a ranked team. March 18, 1992 ● The first NCAA tournament game was UW held its first women’s basketball played in the Field House. game in 1975. Feb. 12, 1995 ● The Badgers hosted the first sellout for a women’s basketball game when 11,500 fans came to the game vs. Badgers roll back the clock Michigan State. Jan. 11, 1998 at UW Field House ● The final regular-season home game UW back in the Barn for second straight year was played at the Field House, an 80- 66 win over No. 19 Western Kentucky. March 1999 hen Wisconsin hosts FIELD HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS ● The Badgers returned to the Field UIC in the UW Field October 1974 House for two WNIT games. UW de- WHouse on Saturday, ● The first intercollegiate feated Siena, 107-85, on March 14 and it will be just the second regu- women’s basketball prac- Memphis, 92-73, on March 20. lar-season game played in the tices were held. March 22, 2008 historic venue since Jan. 11, Jan. 11, 1975 ● Wisconsin hosted Villanova in a WNIT 1998. ● The first women’s game was game in the Field House. The Barn was home to the played in the Field House, a Dec. 15, 2012 team from 1974-98, where 45-38 win over Green Bay. ● The Badgers defeated Eastern Illinois, UW was 167-110 (.603) over UW was 11-7, 6-2 at home, 76-47, in their first regular-season 23-and-a-half seasons before in its first season under game in the Field House since Jan. 11, moving into the Kohl Center. head coach Marilyn Harris 1998.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BADGERMHOCKEY SCHEDULE (8-5-1, 2-2-0-0) LAST TIME OUT Dec. 13 Colorado College W, 4-1 Dec. 14 Colorado College W, 4-3 OT COMING UP Dec. 27 Alabama Huntsville 7 p.m. Dec. 28 Alabama Huntsville 8 p.m. Jan. 3 Alaska Anchorage 7 p.m. Jan. 4 Alaska Anchorage 7 p.m.

among the Hockey Humanitarian Award

A few years later, Andrew Joudrey was finalists for his work. same award because of his work with the hospital.similarly recognized as a finalist for the It has become an annual tradition for the team since then during the second semester. Groups of the players visit once a week to share a little time and spread cheer to others, but the Badgers get as much out of the visits as anyone.

Hospital for good reason Men’s hockey has been making weekly visits to children’s hospital for more than10 years

ockey is a physical more than 10 years, the Bad- game, with student- gers have been making visits, Hathletes occassionaly dating back to the time UW making trips to the local hos- defenseman Dan Boeser was pital because of an injury or a surgery. in 2002. Beginning in January, the fightingBoeser his helped own cancerorganize battle his men’s hockey team will take teammates' visits to the hos- its turn at the American Fam- pital to meet with some of the ily Children’s Hospital, but young friends he made and for a much better reason. For was eventually recognized

60 // VARSITY December 19, 2013

INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY AJ HARRISON @BADGERWHOCKEY SCHEDULE (14-2-2, 10-2-2-1) COMING UP Jan. 3 at St. Cloud State 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at St. Cloud State 3 p.m. Jan. 11 #4 North Dakota 2 p.m. Jan. 12 #4 North Dakota 3 p.m.

in Calgary, Alberta, as Duggan, Decker and Knight all lit the lamp for the Ameri- cans. Decker’s goal in the second period turned out to be the game-winner, and her two points on the night paced the American squad. Vetter stopped 15 of the 16 shots she faced. The U.S. and Canada square off on Fri- day at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D., in a 7 p.m. contest. The game can be seen live on the NBC Sports Net- work. The two teams will meet again on Dec. 28 in St. Paul, Minn., in a 3 p.m. contest that will also air on NBCSN before wrap- ping up the series on Dec. 30 in Toronto. - nounced during the second intermission of Thethe NHLfinal U.S.Winter Olympic Classic team on willJan. be1, livean U.S. and Canada to face off on NBC. The team, which currently has 23 players on its roster, will be trimmed three times before Olympics to 21 players, three of which will be goal- Six with UW ties look to earn spots on Olympic rosters tenders. Mikkelson is one of 24 Canadian play- - ith less than 50 en’s National Team, as UW al- ada will also trim its roster to 21 players days until the start ums Brianna Decker, Meghan beforeers that the remain Games. in centralization, as Can Wof the 2014 Winter Duggan, Hilary Knight and Jes- In addition to the six players with UW Olympics in Sochi, Russia, the sie Vetter, along with incom- ties, former Wisconsin and Canadian de- United States and Canadian ing freshman Annie Pankows- fensemen Carla Macleod, who won two women’s hockey teams will gold medals with Team Canada, will serve play three times in a span of U.S. squad. Meghan Mikkelson as an assistant coach for the Japanese 12 days as both squads look iski, the make lone up Wisconsin over a fifth alum of the on Olympic team. Team Japan spent a few the Canadian squad. weeks in the U.S. earlier this year play- the Olympic Games. The United States is coming ing exhibition contests against WCHA to Fivefinalize Badgers their rostersare currently before off of an impressive 5-1 tri- schools, including Wisconsin, which shut represented on the U.S. Wom- umph over Canada last week out Team Japan 3-0 on Sept. 23.

62 // VARSITY December 19, 2013 SCHEDULE (14-2-2, 10-2-2-1) THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

WATCH - GARY ANDERSEN: THE FIRST 48 GARY'S THE GUY DECEMBER 20, 2012: Athletic director Barry Alvarez announces Gary Andersen as the 29th football head coach in school history. The 10th head coach to take the reins of the UW pro- gram in the modern era, Andersen became just the second to win his Big Ten debut. The Badgers finished Andersen’s inaugural regular season with a 9-3 record and earned a trip to the Capital One Bowl. HONORING NO. 12 DECEMBER 21, 1983: Theresa Huff’s No. 12 jersey became the only number ever retired in UW women’s basketball history. The 5-11 center played from 1979-83. She finished her four-year career at UW with 30 records, six of which were all-time men’s and women’s records. ALSO STREAKING AT HOME THIS DECEMBER 23, 2004: Men’s basketball crushed UNC Greensboro, 85-53, to win its WEEK: 34th-consecutive home game, a school record. BEYOND THE ARC DECEMBER 23, 2010: Men’s basketball set a school record with 17 3-pointers in an 80-56 win over Coppin State. Jon Leuer hit five to lead the way for UW, while Jordan { Taylor and Tim Jarmusz each added four. 64 // VARSITY December 19, 2013