CONTENTS APRIL 20, 2016 ■ VOLUME 6, ISSUE 36

FEATURE STORY BRIAN MASON

STARTING FIVE Wisconsin’s defense should exit the spring with a wealth of depth at inside and outside line- backer. So, how do the Badgers make the pieces fit with only four starting spots to go around?

FEATURES WOMEN’S ROWING IN [FOCUS] FILLING A NEED The week's best photos

UW rowing coach Bebe Bryans helps BY THE NUMBERS victims of domestic abuse by taking Facts and figures on UW in members of the family that could otherwise be overlooked. WHAT TO WATCH Where to catch the Badgers

LUCAS AT LARGE ASK THE BADGERS Teammates’ celeb look-alikes

FLIP THE SCRIPT BADGERING Mikey Abrahamson (M. Golf) By “flipping” some meetings this spring, the Badgers found a valuable new perspective on their positions INSIDE FOOTBALL from the other side of the hall. Badgers complete ’18 slate

INSIDE -SCROLLSOFTBALL FOR MORE- Seniors showing the way Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

VIEW ALL ISSUES

Brian Lucas Director of Athletic Communications

Julia Hujet Editor/Designer

Brian Mason Managing Editor

Mike Lucas Senior Writer

Andy Baggot Writer

Matt Lepay Columnist

Chris Hall, Jerry Mao Video Production

Amy Eager Advertising

Drew Pittner-Smith Distribution

Contributors Paul Capobianco, Tam Flarup, Kelli Grashel, A.J. Harrison, Brandon Harrison, Patrick Herb, Diane Nordstrom

Photography David Stluka, Neil Ament, Greg Anderson, Bob Campbell, Max Siker, Cal Sport Media, Icon Sportswire

Cover Photo: David Stluka

Problems or Accessibility Issues? [email protected]

© 2016 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM Flipping staff offers new perspectives BRIAN MASON

Joe Rudolph

magine wide receivers Rob trying to defeat a down block.” meetings and I was picking up Wheelwright, Jazz Peavy, Reg- Imagine defensive linemen stuff (from his assistants) and I Igie Love and George Rushing Chikwe Obasih, Conor Sheehy, thought, ‘That’s a great way to sitting in a meeting room with Olive Sagapolu, Alec James and teach.’ So I had the coaches flip defensive backs coach Jim Leon- Jeremy Patterson sitting in a and they got some good energy.” hard, who’s telling them, “This is meeting room with offensive line That led Rudolph to taking a what hurts us and gives our guys coach Joe Rudolph, who’s telling seat with the D-line in Breckter- trouble.” them, “This is what we’re trying field’s room. Imagine defensive backs So- to do with this combo.” “When Joe was in my meet- journ Shelton, Derrick Tindal, Leo Imagine that? Offensive players ing,” Breckterfield said, “I’d ref- Musso and Arrington Farrar sit- meeting with defensive coaches. erenced him, showed a play and ting in a meeting room with wide Defensive players meeting with turned to him, ‘Joe, what are you receivers coach Ted Gilmore, offensive coaches. Wisconsin telling this guy …” who’s telling them, “This is what head coach Paul Chryst imag- Breckterfield returned the favor we’re trying to accomplish if we ined “flipping” his staff for a day by sitting in with the O-line. take this certain split.” ― “I always wanted to do that” ― “And when Nokes was in my Imagine offensive linemen and acted on that desire prior to meeting,” said Rudolph, “I’d ask Ryan Ramczyk, Jon Dietsen, Mi- the midway point in spring prac- him, ‘Can you talk about these chael Deiter, Beau Benzschawel tice. two-on-two games and what and Jacob Maxwell sitting in a “One of your goals is to grow you’re trying to do.’ And he got meeting room with defensive line your football knowledge,” he up and spoke about that.” coach Inoke Breckterfield, who’s directly said of March-April foot- That got Chryst to thinking, telling them, “This is how we’re ball. “I started going to different “Maybe we should do this with

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 1 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

the players?” Wheelwright loved the interac- And so it came about that the “WE TELL OUR GUYS TO tion. So did Peavy, who listened receivers met with Leonhard, HAVE A PLAN. SO IF YOU intently to Leonhard breaking down coverages and leverages the DBs with Gilmore, the O-line UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY’RE with Breckterfield, the D-line with predicated on down-and-dis- TRYING TO DO, WHAT THEY’RE Rudolph, the running backs with tance. In this case, Peavy was Justin Wilcox, the linebackers TRYING TO TAKE AWAY, YOU HAVE schooled on how the corner with John Settle and so forth and A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF might shade a receiver inside or so on ― exposing the position WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.” outside depending on the third- groups to a different perspective down situation. and voice. “They (QBs) asked about “In our receiver room, we’re al- “Coach’s whole theory is that depth and how important it is,” ways talking about what the DBs it’s good for them to hear what Wheelwright said. “He (Leon- are doing ― how they’re trying to we’re teaching on the other side hard) touched on getting that attack this and that,” Peavy said. of the ball,” Gilmore said. “We tell extra few steps. If the route is “To be in their position room and our guys to have a plan. So if you 16 yards, make sure you get 16, have their position coach telling understand what they’re trying because an extra two steps can us what they’re doing in certain to do, what they’re trying to take change the whole defense. If you situations, it just gives you a away, you have a better under- cut things short, it’s easier for the chance to play a little faster.” standing of what you need to do. defensive player.” Wheelwright and Peavy were “For example, those guys (the defensive backs) were curious about what I was teaching from a release standpoint; ‘If you run this route, what are you trying to accomplish?’ They had some great questions and all of them stem from releases. Why is he releasing this way to get here?” Shelton, the most experienced player in the secondary, had a specific inquiry for Gilmore. “There was one route that I was struggling with,” Shelton said. “We call it a ‘Hero’ ― it’s an in-and-out route. He (Gilmore) showed us what the quarterback and receiver are thinking when they’re going against us and it kind of changed my perspective a little bit on how I have to play it.” The quarterbacks also sat in BRIAN MASON with the wide receivers and had Ted Gilmore questions for Leonhard, too.

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 2 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

well-versed on Leonhard’s 10- going to find a way,” Leonhard “We learned how to play running year playing career in the NFL, said. “Whether it was in the back through the eyes of a line- so they were especially attentive run game or the pass game, he backer. We learned their tech- when Leonhard talked about was going to fight you― literally nique and what they want to do. some of the elite receivers that sometimes ― but he had that “It was real beneficial actually he had faced during games or edge to him and when you have having Coach Wilcox make an practices while toiling for the that as a player you’re going to outline for us and go through it Bills, the Ravens, the Jets, the succeed … you’re not backing point by point on what the line- Broncos and the Browns. down.” backers are looking at pre-snap “There’s an illusion of what Gilmore was an assistant for ― whether it’s our eyes or it’s our makes a guy (wide receiver) three seasons with the Oak- posture or it’s our stance, if we’re special as far as what you see on land Raiders, so he could also stacked over the tackle or more TV,” Leonhard told them. “But draw from his pro experience on over the guard, a lot of stuff like when you’re competing against how receivers set up DBs. “He that.” them, day-in and day-out, year- showed us some film of NFL Linebacker T.J. Edwards, by in and year-out, you get a better guys,” Shelton said, “and their the same token, picked up tips sense of why a guy was at a top tendencies with arm or shoulder from Settle, an ex-NFL assistant. level and why he was able to stay movements when they’re about “I thought it was cool just to there.” to break their route off.” see what the running backs were Steve Smith, a 15-year veteran The insider access was price- looking for,” Edwards said. “We, and three-time All-Pro, was one less, tailback Dare Ogunbowale as linebackers, have a general of Leonhard’s examples. confirmed. idea of what they’re trying to do. “He’s so competitive and he’s “It was awesome,” he said. But it was really good to hear it BRIAN MASON

Jim Leonhard

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 3 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

straight from Coach Settle. It just scrimmage are no different than gave us a better understanding anywhere else. “It’s a chess “IF THE GUYS KNOW THAT WE’RE of what they’re trying to accom- match,” said Obasih. “I liked ALL IN IT FOR THEIR DEVELOP- plish.” hearing how he (Rudolph) mo- MENT AND THEIR GROWTH, NO Every player seemed to come tivated his guys and what their MATTER WHICH SIDE OF THE BALL away from the experience more mindset is before they go into ev- RUDOLPH SAID, in tune with their teammates. ery single play. Hearing it from his THEY’RE ON,” “It was really insightful,” said point of view is pretty beneficial.” “IT SHOWS WHAT A TEAM AND A linebacker Jack Cichy. “The After Breckterfield’s presenta- PROGRAM IS ALL ABOUT.” running backs are kind of like tion, Benzschawel said, “It gives our arch-nemesis. We’re trying you a whole better understanding Why are they doing this? to read what they’re doing and of what the defense is doing and “If the guys know that we’re all they’re doing the same exact what they’re going to bring as far in it for their development and thing to us. So it’s funny to see as pressures. It helps us pick up their growth, no matter which how they take their progressions on those little keys that can get side of the ball they’re on,” Ru- and definitely helpful to kind of us better. You know why they’re dolph said, “it shows what a get inside their mind.” doing it.” team and a program is all about. The matchups on the line of That hit on a bigger picture. If they know that ― this is what we’re teaching ― it brings them back to, ‘What do I need to do to be successful?’” This informational exchange opened some eyes and minds ― along with the dialogue. Between coach and coach. Between coach and player. Be- tween player and player. “If Jimmy (Leonhard) can open up the lines of communication,” Chryst said, “and, all of a sud- den, Rob Wheelwright or Jazz Peavy are going up and talking to him ― or the ’backers are talking to Set (Settle) ― it just helps you as a team. “It’s not why we did it, but it’s a good residual. You’re spending time with people that you don’t normally spend as much time with. You love the competition part (offense vs. defense). But, BRIAN MASON in the end, we all want the same Paul Chryst thing ― we want to get better. I’d absolutely do this again.” ■

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 4 OF 4 ASK THE BADGERS

IN HONOR OF ‘NATIONAL LOOK-ALIKE DAY,’ ARE THERE ANY FAMOUS LOOK-ALIKES? ON YOUR TEAM? EVAN HALPOP DAVID STLUKA JOHN FISHER ERIC MILLER

SYDNEY McKIBBON TOM BARLOW MARIA AVGERINOS VITTO BROWN Junior ■ Women’s Hockey Junior ■ Men’s Soccer Junior ■ Women’s Tennis Junior ■ Men’s Basketball Oakville, Ontario St. Louis, Mo. Elmhurst, Ill. Bowling Green, Ohio

“Sarah Nurse defi- “Abdul Kooistra “Lauren Burich and “Playing the look- nitely looks like kind of looks like Ariana Grande are alike game is big Beyoncé. Nurse just J. Cole. Abdul says twins ― same po- with our team. conveys the same that girls tell him nytail, same facial We’re constantly attitude as Beyon- he looks like J. Cole construction and comparing people, cé and she’s a very pretty frequently same sass. Not to and now we know confident person. It because of his skin mention both are exactly what Jordan also helps that she tone and his hair ridiculously talented Hill will look like 35 is Beyoncé’s num- style. It helps that in their respective years from now ― ber one fan.” Abdul also likes to trades.” actor Reg E. Cathey. rap a little bit, too.” Spot on.” BADGERING DAVID STLUKA MIKEY ABRAHAMSON

Michael Abrahamson, or ‘Mikey’ as he’s known to his teammates, hails ALL ABOUT MIKEY from Chicago. The sophomore has become a regular travel player for the Class: Sophomore Badgers this season after playing 12 rounds as a freshman. He is fourth Height: 6-0 on the team in scoring at 75.74 strokes per round and set career-best Hometown: Chicago, Illinois marks for 18-, 36- and 54-hole scoring with a team-leading effort at High School: Loyola Academy the prestigious Erin Hills Intercollegiate in October. Abrahamson also Go to full bio » finished third at UW’s own Badger Invitational in September. He and the Badgers compete this weekend at the Big Ten championship at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Indiana. QUICK Qs WITH MIKEY In 20 years, what would you like to be doing? If you could play any other sport at UW… “Something golf related because it is what I am most passion- “Basketball.” ate about.” Pre-round music? What is your biggest golf accomplishment? “I don’t listen to music pre-round.” “Placing third at the 2016 Badger Invitational was a turning point in my golf game.” Favorite golfer? “Boo Weekly.” What professional golfer does your game mirror the most? “Geoff Ogilvy. We both have long arms and a similar swing.” Fantasy job? “Professional golfer.” What does the team do to train between the fall and spring seasons? Most famous person you’ve met? “Lots of speed training and the occasional trip down south to “(Teammate) Jordan Hahn.” play off grass.” Best place to be stuck waiting? What can’t you leave without for a golf trip? “The golf course.” “My Merit Club golf hat. It’s my favorite hat.” ■ DAVID STLUKA OUTSIDERS ALREADY HAVE PROJECTED WISCONSIN’S LINEBACKERS TO BE THE BIG TEN’S BEST GROUP AND, WITH FIVE STRONG CANDIDATES FOR FOUR STARTING SLOTS, THE OPTIMISM IS UNDERSTANDABLE. BUT THE HYPE HASN’T CREATED COMPLACENCY AMONG THE BADGERS; IF ANYTHING, IT’S DRIVING COMPETITION. NO MATTER WHO ENDS UP GETTING MORE, UW’S COACHES BELIEVE THE BATTLE FOR REPS WILL BE A BOOST TO THE ENTIRE GROUP THIS FALL.

isconsin head coach Paul Chryst was given of them ― a linebacker. a sentence or two ― 10 words or less ― What’s the first thing that comes to mind with … Wto describe each of his “core” linebackers: Biegel. “Really energetic. He’s crazy. The Stormin’ T.J. Watt, Chris Orr, T.J. Edwards, Jack Cichy and Mormon,” Jacobs said. Vince Biegel. Cichy. “A lot of energy. Always moving and on the What’s the first thing that comes to mind with … go. Pretty athletic.” Watt. “Talented, and he works,” Chryst said. Edwards. “Very good ball skills. Always where the Orr. “Smart and competitive.” ball is and making interceptions.” Edwards. “Love seeing his growth. He’s a football Orr. “Very instinctive player. Always where the ball player.” is and making tackles.” Cichy. “Really smart, instinctive and finds ways to Watt. “Freak athlete like his brother (J.J.). Has de- make plays.” veloped a lot.” Biegel. “The heartbeat. Competitive.” While playing linebacker, Jacobs admitted that his Chryst had a follow-up comment, a caveat. perspective was much different in that he was com- “All of them are competitive,” he stressed. “But I peting for playing time with each of them and was love Vince’s approach.” focused more on his game than theirs. The same exercise was presented to senior full- “Now you see the progress they’ve made,” he said, back Leon Jacobs, who up until this spring was one “and I appreciate what they’re doing more.”

Vince Biegel DAVID STLUKA

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 2 OF 8 BRIAN MASON

Chris Orr T.J. Edwards

“WHEN IT GETS TO BE CRUNCH TIME ON THE FIELD, YOU DON’T WANT TO LET DOWN THE GUY NEXT TO YOU. THAT’S AS IMPORTANT AS ANYTHING, AND I DEFINITELY SEE THAT AMONGST THESE GUYS.”

■ ■ ■ ■ linebackers compete. iegel, Watt, Cichy, Edwards, Cichy and Orr are “Competition,” he emphasized, “raises the level of at the core of the Wisconsin linebacker corps. everybody’s play. B “We have a chance,” said assistant coach “It’s human nature if you’re not getting pushed by Tim Tibesar, “to have a real special group at that somebody ― next to you or behind you or in front of position.” you (on the depth chart) ― you have the tendency Tibesar coaches the outside linebackers: Biegel to fall off … and Watt. Cichy also has played on the edge. “… unless you’re a real special competitive per- First-year defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox has son.” the inside ’backers: Edwards, Orr and Cichy. All of these linebackers are, he acknowledged. But “I don’t know if we have a personality yet as a they don’t take anything for granted. whole unit,” Tibesar said. “Right now, they certain- “If you have someone driving,” Tibesar said, “and ly have their own personalities and bring their own trying to take your spot, someone who can actually flair, which is fun to see. push you, it makes you a better player and make “Each of the guys are a little bit different; they all them a better player.” have their own strengths and weaknesses.” In this case, the chemistry is not only good but Wilcox didn’t want to make a comparison with the important for the success of the unit. linebackers at his previous stop, USC. But, he said, “Any team that I’ve ever been on that has been “The way they push each other and push their team- successful and won championships has been close mates is exciting and energizing to be around.” off the field,” Tibesar said. “When it gets to be crunch That competitiveness has made a favorable first time on the field, you don’t want to let down the guy impression on Wilcox. next to you. That’s as important as anything, and I “Even within their positions it’s competitive,” he definitely see that amongst these guys.” said. “You’ll hear Vince and Jack going at it and So does Chryst. competing with each other even though they don’t “They all respect what the other guys brings and play the same spot. But they push each other.” they all think they can bring something different,” From this standpoint, Tibesar loves watching the he said.

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 3 OF 8 Orr is a Texan. Edwards is from the Land of Lin- Watt is not only a converted tight but he’s a former coln. Biegel, Cichy and Watt are Cheeseheads. high school quarterback from Pewaukee. That was “They’re all different enough,” Chryst allowed. news to one of his UW teammates, Sojourn Shelton, “There is some personality there and they also feel a senior cornerback. confident to be who they are. They all have that mu- Shelton was even more surprised to learn that Ed- tual respect for each other.” wards was also a prep QB in Lake Villa, Illinois. In This fall, Edwards and Orr will be living together. fact, Watt and Edwards were both first-team all-con- They will be joined by backup linebacker Zack Baun ference quarterbacks before getting to UW. and placekicker Rafael Gaglianone, who has roomed “Wow, I didn’t know that about T.J.,” said a star- with Edwards since their freshman year. tled Shelton. “He played quarterback? That’s kind “Chris and I will be with Jack all the time,” Ed- of funny. I’m definitely going to have to talk to him wards promised. about that. I’m going to laugh at the kid.” Cichy will be living with linebacker Garrett Dooley, Which kid, which T.J.? Edwards? Watt? Who was tight end Troy Fumagalli, safety Joe Ferguson and he talking about? former offensive lineman Matt Miller. “I usually don’t call Watt, T.J.,” Shelton explained. “We love being around each other,” continued Ed- “I call him Mega-Watt or whatever comes to mind in wards, “and helping each other out.” the moment. They’re very different players but intri- Watt and Edwards are at the forefront of the Break- cate to this defense. fast Club. “T.J. Edwards is the laid-back one. He’s in his own “After each workout, we grab breakfast together little world, doing his thing, calling the defense, mak- and hang out in the locker room on the couches and ing plays. He’s the smooth guy. have a good time,” Watt said of the eggs and “T.J. Watt is a total monster. I’m excited to be on sausage tradition among the linebackers. the field with him because he’s making so many “We’re just trying to have fun togeth- plays. When the season comes around, we’ll er and jell because obviously Joe is be unleashing him. He’s the secret weapon.” gone and we have some new core Biegel, Cichy, Edwards, Orr and Watt make guys. We know if we’re good on and up quite a defensive arsenal, he agreed. off the field, we’re going to be good on “Overall, those five guys are tremendous and Saturdays.” amazing and they make this ship roll,” Shel- Joe is Joe Schobert, the ton said. “Their personalities are all All-American outside line- different but they bring so much backer that has graduat- to the table for the defense. ed. Watt, who played in “Understanding we have so specialty packages last many playmakers (at lineback- year, has taken over for er), we can truly be ourselves, Schobert, who led trust in the defense, trust in the team in TFLs the calls and understand and sacks. that we’re all going to “Joe was a fan- make plays and play tastic player. But with chemistry. someone has to “What can’t we fill that void and do? What can’t that’s me,” Watt DAVID STLUKA we accomplish? said. “I’m my own I’m excited for person and trying to this season. I’m play as well or better than Joe. excited for us.” “That’s obviously a tough ■ ■ ■ ■ task.” Jack Cichy

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 4 OF 8 mong the core linebackers, Biegel is the only “I haven’t had an interception in my career and senior; a fifth-year senior from Wisconsin Rap- that’s a goal for me now.” Aids. Because of a foot injury, he redshirted as Takeaways have been a Wilcox emphasis through- a freshman. out the spring. He has made his point, too. Last season, Biegel was second to Schobert in “That’s been one of the biggest focuses,” Biegel TFLs (14) and sacks (8). said, “getting the communication down and get- “There are definitely ups and downs to the sea- ting comfortable with each other ― finding out who son,” Biegel said, “and players have hot streaks and Coach Wilcox is and him finding out who we are.” cold streaks. I started off the season cold and fin- Biegel is going through the same discovery pro- ished hot.” cess with Watt while learning each other’s tenden- In the final home game, he had a career-high 14 cies. “We’re forming our own dynamic duo, if you tackles against Northwestern. In the regular season will,” Biegel said. finale, he tied for the team high with six tackles at After two injury plagued seasons, Watt finally got Minnesota, including a couple of TFLs. on the field in 2015 and didn’t disappoint. On pass- “You have to play to your strengths,” he said. ing downs, he was a wild card ― often lining up over “That’s kind of what I learned.” the center in a two-point stance. Biegel got feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Recognizing the pitfalls of “thinking too much” on Board before returning for his fifth year. Their mes- defense, he learned, “Sometimes you just have to let sage should have more bearing on his makeup than it loose and have the mentality that you’re going to any slight from all-conference team voters. make a play.” “I’ve been improving my strength and coverage After taking advantage of his first healthy off-sea- skills,” he said. “I also have a better understanding son ― at the same position, no less ― Watt came of the defense; what I need to expect and routes that into the spring with the goal of “playing my butt off I can anticipate. and earning the respect of my teammates.”

▼ TAP TO WATCH - Building Badgers: Wilcox wants physical identity

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 5 OF 8 elevation of their play has been awesome.” As a redshirt freshman, Ed- wards led the Badgers in tackles with 84, five more than Schob- ert. He had an auspicious de- but with 12 against Alabama RICHARD DUNBAR: in the opener and a high of 16 “MARK MY WORDS, DALLAS JEANTY against Purdue. “I think last year I was trying WILL SOMEDAY BE A POSITIVE to do too much,” Edwards sur- FIGURE IN AMERICA.” prisingly confided. “I was trying to think about everything that could happen instead of just playing and doing my job. “This spring, I have a better understanding of what’s going on, so I can play freely with no worries. We worked a lot during the off-season on our hands and footwork and it’s helping a lot.” Edwards has taken to heart what Wilcox has been preach- ing. “It’s play fast, play free and know what you’re doing,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing Coach Wilcox talks about.” While increasing his speed and improving his agility ― fall- DAVID STLUKA ing in line with playing fast- er ― Cichy has also added 10 T.J. Watt pounds since last season. At 227, he can be stronger at the “WHAT CAN’T WE DO? WHAT CAN’T WE ACCOMPLISH?” SHELTON point of attack. ASKED. “I’M EXCITED FOR THIS SEASON. I’M EXCITED FOR US.” “I’ve been working on taking on blocks and defeating them,” Along with maturing as a run-stopper and said Cichy, a redshirt junior from Somerset, “instead pass-rusher, Watt said, “I’m feeling a lot more com- of trying to skirt around them or olé-ing them.” fortable dropping in space (on coverage assign- Biegel tagged Cichy with the “Three-Sack Jack” ments) and reading the quarterback.” moniker after Cichy burst on to the national scene The 6-foot-5, 244-pound Watt, a junior, has with a natural sack trick ― back-to-back-to-back warmed to the competitive demands as a starter. sacks in the Holiday Bowl win over USC. “We have a lot of guys who love to compete,” he Cichy also had two sacks and three TFLs among said, “and it’s making us better as a team.” his 10 tackles against Northwestern. On the practice Look no further than the inside linebackers ― Ed- field or in the meeting room, Cichy has had good wards, Cichy and Orr. “You have three guys who can models in Edwards and Orr. play ball and you have two spots,” Biegel said. “The “T.J. is very good with defeating blocks and blow-

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 6 OF 8 ing things up,” he said. “Chris is very knowledgeable of his spring goals. “I didn’t feel it was a weakness. about the game. He has a great football IQ. But it was something that I needed to improve on “I’ve tried to take a little bit from both of them and the most. apply it to my game.” “You win if you get the quarterback to change his Last September, Orr took over for the injured Ja- feet or if you get in his face and he brings his eyes cobs and started six consecutive games alongside down to look at you. You don’t have to get a sack if of Edwards before an injury put him on the sideline. you get him to bring his eyes off his receivers.” Cichy started the last four games of the regular sea- Getting the quarterback out of his comfort zone is son. just part of his job. “I’m not saying I was “A linebacker,” Orr timid last year,” said “IT’S A VERY INSTINCTIVE POSITION. said, “has to be some- Orr, who had 14 tackles SOMETIMES, EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BREAK body who’s going to against Troy, “but I was DOWN AND YOU JUST HAVE TO FIND THE BALL. fight. He doesn’t have more into the mindset, to be the biggest or ‘OK, you’re a true fresh- THAT’S SOMETHING WITHIN YOUR GUT.” fastest. But you can’t man, just play your role.’ play linebacker without “This year, it’s more so about making big plays. I’m being smart and having football knowledge. It’s a taking more shots when I see them now. I got a lot very instinctive position. Sometimes, everything is stronger and a lot quicker (during the off-season). going to break down and you just have to find the My first step got a lot faster. ball. “Pass rushing has been my focal point,” he said “That’s something within your gut.”

Justin Wilcox BRIAN MASON

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 7 OF 8 DAVID STLUKA

■ ■ ■ ■ a fierce ’backer at BYU. “You’ve got to be kind of … rowing up, Cichy had two posters on his bed- what’s the word I’m looking for …” room wall. One was of Tiger Woods. The other Biegel was trying to define a linebacker’s mentality. Gwas of his father, Steve Cichy, a former defen- “In order to be a linebacker,” he started over, sive back at Notre Dame. “you’ve got to be …” Likewise, Orr had a poster of his dad, Terry Orr, Stumped again. who played nine years in the NFL, eight with the “You’ve got to be a (bleep),” he finally blurted out Washington Redskins as a tight end. He also had ― filling in the blank with five-letter word. printout pictures of Earl Campbell and Mike Single- “You have to know your assignments and align- tary. ments,” Biegel went on. “Because you’re in the thick Today, you will find diplomas/college degrees of things, you’re going to be taking on guys who are, adorning a wall in the Orr home. Terry Orr and his at times, 60 and 70 pounds bigger than you. wife, Rita, are accounted for. So are their oldest sons, “So, you have to be ready to put your nose on the Terrance, a prep coach; and Zachary. ball and take on blocks and not be afraid. You have The latter Orr will be entering his third season as to be the leader of the defense. You’re the heart and a linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens. Nick Orr, a soul of the D. third-year receiver at TCU, and Chris Orr have their “And we’ve got guys, inside and outside, who fill backs to the wall, so to speak. that role.” Watt didn’t have any posters in his room. Who Whether they’re the Big Ten’s best unit, or one of needs one when J.J. Watt is your older bro? the best, is really not their concern, not yet. Edwards, a huge Chicago Bears fan, had a Brian “It’s definitely a pride thing,” Watt conceded. “But Urlacher poster. like Chris has said, ‘We’re not hanging that on our Biegel, a huge Green Bay Packers fan, had an Ur- wall. We’re not all happy and cheery about that right lacher poster, too. now.’ “He was a linebacker and I’m a linebacker at “We’re here to work and get better and prove it ― heart,” rationalized Biegel, whose dad, Rocky, was at the end of the season.”

MEN IN THE MIDDLE: LINEBACKERS AIM TO BE BEST IN THE BIG TEN PAGE 8 OF 8

ebe Bryans was at her yoga class five years mals ― my family ― if I was in an abusive situation ago when she read something that changed and had animals, I wouldn’t leave if I couldn’t bring Bher life in an extraordinary way. them with me,” Bryan said. “I’d stay.” She happened across a studio newsletter high- That reflects current research which shows up to lighting the work of Megan Senatori, the co-found- 48 percent of victims delay leaving an abusive re- er of a non-profit, all-volunteer organization called lationship out of fear of what would happen to their Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims. animals in their absence. Since most shelters for the Bryans, the Wisconsin women’s rowing coach, abused aren’t equipped to take in pets even in an read how SAAV works with the Dane County Hu- emergency, many victims choose suffering over sal- mane Society and the Domestic Abuse Intervention vation. Service to provide safe, temporary homes for ani- Which is why SAAV is so important and why partic- mals caught up in abusive households. ipants like Bryans are so vital to the cause. Bryans thought about her beloved four-legged fam- Bryans is one of the roughly 50 foster home vol- ily members, Australian Cattle Dogs named Maddie unteers utilized by SAAV, but her involvement in the and Callie, and her history of working with the Hu- cause runs deeper than that. She donates Badgers mane Society long before she ever made Madison tickets to the DCHS and is involved with community her home in 2004. outreach by way of interviews for print and TV sto- Bryans thought about her role as a guide for young ries. She’s been a SAAV volunteer since 2011. women ― her desire to teach them, empower them “She’s a rock star,” Senatori said. and help them harness their self-esteem ― and she “The thing that’s hard about our program is you’ve became inspired. got to love these little guys for up to 90 days ― that’s “I read this article and it was like an epiphany,” the foster period ― and then you’ve got to give them she said. “I don’t have a lot of time to volunteer. I away. don’t have a lot of money to give. But I can do this.” “The (volunteer caregiver) has to be patient and Thus an exercise in fulfillment, enlightenment and loving and accepting and kind and diligent. She fos- caring began. ters all of those qualities. She’s one of our favorite “I know as a woman, the way I feel about my ani- foster homes.”

AN OPEN DOOR: BEBE BRYANS OFFERS A HELPING HAND (AND PAW) PAGE 2 OF 5 “SHE’S A ROLE MODEL IN THE COMMUNITY,” SENATORI“ SAID. “SHE HAS REALLY EMBRACED THIS CAUSE, TOO. THAT HAS HELPED RAISE AN AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY.”

Bryans, who is single, has made her Near West Side home a ref- uge to multiple dogs and cats for SAAV. Her longest stint spanned three months. The shortest was two weeks. “It’s sort of like camp,” she ex- plained. “These animals come to me ― they have a home to go back to ― but I’m going to take really good care of them for the couple of months that’s needed.” All bonded nicely with Maddie, 16, and Callie, 10, who have a gift for being adaptable as well as lov- able. It doesn’t matter that Maddie is a centenarian in human years and Callie is deaf. “They’re really good dogs and they grew up in a pack, so it’s no big deal,” Bryans said. ▲ PHOTOS: Swipe to change ■ Tap to pause/play According to Senatori, applica- tions to be foster caretakers have to be approved the Humane Society.” by SAAV as well as the Dane County Humane So- It could be a dog or cat. It could be a horse, gerbil ciety. Once that’s done, volunteers must participate or a ferret. It could be fish, turtle or snake. in two orientation sessions that include insights into “The word goes out to the foster homes and who- domestic violence. ever can take that animal does,” Bryans explained. Since SAAV became established in 2003, Senatori “Usually the animal’s placed within 24 hours, if not said more than 200 animals have been placed in faster.” temporary housing with five cases currently active. If the match becomes unwieldy for any reason Bryans said the mechanics of the confidential op- ― let’s say the foster animal doesn’t mesh with the eration are “brilliant.” It typically starts with a call owner’s ― then a change can be made. from someone in distress. Safety and discretion are the hallmarks of the pro- “When anyone contacts DAIS, one of first questions cess. is, ‘Do you have an animal that you’re worried about?’” “I never know who the owner is. The owner nev- Bryans said. “If they say yes, they’re put in contact er knows who I am,” Bryans said. “The people at with the Humane Society to take the next step. the Humane Society and DAIS don’t know. No one “When it’s finally time for them to actually leave knows where that animal is except Megan at SAAV their (abusive) situation, they already have the pa- and the coordinator at the Humane Society. perwork in place. They can just drop their animal at “So we’re safe and the animal is safe and the vic-

AN OPEN DOOR: BEBE BRYANS OFFERS A HELPING HAND (AND PAW) PAGE 3 OF 5 ▲ TAP TO WATCH - Bebe Bryans Weekly Presser: Rowing and rattlesnakes tim is safe. It’s a very comfortable situation for every- ics of his care, including favorite toys, blanket and body.” eating habits. Bryans keeps a scrapbook of all her temporary “When she dropped him off she left him with noth- visitors. She takes pictures of those under her care ing,” Bryans recalled. “That is how drastic her situ- and forwards them along with regular updates to the ation was. She had to bail quickly. owner via SAAV. “That, to me, made me really that much more in- “I have to turn off the locator to my phone so that vested because I could put myself in that situation.” there’s no record of where they are,” Bryans said Bryans calls SAAV a “brilliant organization” for the ominously. way it unifies and serves a growing need. Of course, Bryans wonders about the unknown Senatori said having someone like Bryans involved family and how its members are getting along with- is critical. out their cherished pet. “She’s a role model in the community,” Senatori “All the time,” she said. “Every day.” said. “She has really embraced this cause, too. That That thought keeps Bryans focused on the task. has helped raise an awareness in the community.” “My job is to keep this animal happy,” she said. It’s amazing how much blind trust is involved in “They’re going to be well taken care of and mom ― this exercise. The victim must have it with the volun- or dad ― knows that’s happening. They don’t have teer. The volunteer must have it with their pets. The to worry about it.” animals must have it with their caretaker. Senatori has been to Bryans’ home and seen her “It’s such a great alternative to the options,” Bry- in action. ans said. “She’s super loving and on top of it and chill about It’s not uncommon for Bryans’ dogs to join her in it,” Senatori said. “She’s just very welcoming and the motor launch for UW practices like ones leading patient.” up to this week’s regatta on Devil’s Lake in Baraboo. Bryans said one case in particular, her first, galva- Both animals wear lifejackets and enjoy being part nized her commitment to the cause. of the action. When she went to pick the dog up she was given The Badgers are ranked 12th nationally head- a three-page letter from the owner about the specif- ing into the Big Ten Conference/Big 12 Conference

AN OPEN DOOR: BEBE BRYANS OFFERS A HELPING HAND (AND PAW) PAGE 4 OF 5 Challenge that includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota Bryans maintains she’s not into cats, but that and Oklahoma. hasn’t prevented her from twice boarding a feline. “Dealing with animals is a lot like dealing with “If you’re a service-oriented person then you can kids,” Bryans said. “If you’re just steady and con- do it,” she said. “It’s just what I do.” sistent and have a certain level of expectation that Every case requires some level of adjustment. is ongoing and there isn’t a lot of ups and downs “The last dog that I had was a handful,” Bryans thrown in, it’s probably going to work.” said. “She was young. Fairly large, and was just not Bryans grew up in San Francisco and coached at necessarily that well trained. She was a handful.” Georgetown and Michigan State before making her But her dogs, especially 16-year-old Maddie, set way to UW. Her openweight the tone by being patient boats have qualified for the and welcoming. NCAA championships eight “I’M HELPING SOMEONE THAT COULD BE ME. “She’s the barometer be- straight years and 10 of the IT’S SOMETHING THAT I CAN DO THAT cause the world revolves last 11. Her current edition “ around her now,” Bryans HELPS SOMEBODY ELSE.” might be her best. said. “As long as she’s fine.” “This team is special,” Bryans will never meet Bryans said. the families she’s helped, so what’s the benefit? In the midst of being the first women’s rowing “I’m helping someone that could be me,” she said. coach at Michigan State, Bryans said she began fos- “I’m helping someone. That’s all. I can. tering dogs for the Humane Society of Lansing. Her “It’s something that I can do that helps somebody commitment to the cause grew from there. else. That’s it.” The only limitation Bryans has is that she can’t Bryans has the same philosophy about coaching. take in an animal during the UW season because of “I like to win,” she said. “I’m the most competitive the travel involved. She said her last boarding epi- person I know. But I want these women to learn how sode came over the winter. great they can be. That’s why I do what I do. Bryans insists that anyone can volunteer for this “This is sort of different, but I’m able to touch operation. someone I will never know. It has nothing to do with “You just have to be a caring person,” she said. “It’s me. It’s all about this animal and its person being in not rocket science. It’s not a year-long commitment.’ a better place.” MATTHEW MITCHELL

AN OPEN DOOR: BEBE BRYANS OFFERS A HELPING HAND (AND PAW) PAGE 5 OF 5 DAVID STLUKA

Among awards and songs, Unsung Heroes stand out at Buckinghams Below-the-radar Badgers moved by awards selected by their coaches and peers BY ANDY BAGGOT ■ UWBADGERS.COM INSIDER

t’s hard to imagine there are many schools that ing 23 sports because there was heavy traffic and embrace unsung student-athletes quite like Wis- loud ovations inside the stylish downtown theater. Iconsin. It’s where you saw men and women step out of It’s a place where walk-ons are held in high regard. their student-athlete character to play dueling pia- It’s a place where scholarship-less programs not nos, rock a guitar solo and offer a powerful, moving only exist, they thrive. presentation of original poetry. It’s a place where individual talent is typically de- It’s where you saw solo dance performance, team- veloped, patiently and proudly, rather than acquired mates play a violin and guitar duet and friends sing ready-made. a song written in their own hand. It’s a place where the unheralded like Merritt Den- It’s where young adults stepped outside their com- ham and Tyson Miehe are singled out by their peers fort zone in the name of confidence and entertain- and moved to tears in the process. ment. Some of the most battle-tested individuals in There was so much to like about the eighth-annual their chosen sport paced uncomfortably backstage Buckinghams, a showcase of excellence by and for as they waited to be introduced. UW student-athletes that was held Tuesday night at “Nerve-wracking,” said one. the Overture Center. It’s where you found UW Director of Athletics Bar- The presentation, organized and choreographed ry Alvarez and all his senior staff. by the Office of Student-Athlete Development, was It’s where you found coaches who’ve been around one part variety show, one part awards ceremony, since the 1990s, like Chris Clark with men’s row- one part fashion extravaganza. ing and Barry Davis with wrestling, sitting among the It’s become an event no one wants to miss appar- newbies like men’s basketball coach Greg Gard and ently, least of all the UW student-athletes represent- freshly-hired assistant Joe Krabbenhoft.

2016 BUCKINGHAMS HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 1 OF 3 The Buckinghams were designed to shine a then her health became an issue. much-needed light on all that goes on outside the Bryans said Denham had a broken bone in her stadium, arena or weight room. Academics, volun- back and the coach was unsure if she’d ever have teerism and diverse talents are celebrated. Denham available again. Student-athletes of the Year are chosen, one for “I really didn’t think it was something she was go- the men and one for the women. Zak Showalter from ing to be able to come back from,” Bryans said. men’s basketball and Kelsey Card from women’s But Denham did. Despite being limited to biking track and field were the deserving recipients. and physical therapy for the last year she rowed in If that’s the highlight moment, then the Unsung a race vs. Iowa earlier this month and will go again Hero Award presentation isn’t far behind. this weekend when the Badgers host the Big Ten/ Coaches nominate candidates for the Unsung Big 12 Invite at Devil’s Lake in Baraboo. If all goes Hero Award and the winners ― one man and one well, she’ll be back on the water for the Big Ten re- woman ― are decided by vote of their peers. Those gatta next month. factors make it especially meaningful. Last year Denham functioned unselfishly as a Why did women’s rowing coach Bebe Bryans nom- manager for the crew while she tried to return to inate Denham, a senior from Winnetka, Illinois? form. She did so out of respect to those around her. “Because she exemplifies what the award is all “She’s been with the team the whole time support- about,” Bryans said. ing the team,” Bryans said. “She’s a teammate. It Denham is good enough to have stroked the nov- was about her getting better so she could help the ice eight boat to a runner-up finish in the Big Ten team and be part of it. Conference regatta as a freshman in 2012-13, but “She’s awesome. She is our unsung hero.”

▼ PHOTOS: Swipe to change ■ Tap to pause/play

2016 BUCKINGHAMS HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 2 OF 3 DAVID STLUKA

▲ TAP TO WATCH - Award winners humble and proud to rep Wisconsin

An emotional Denham had to take a moment to “He’s a popular kid,” he said. “His excitement and collect her thoughts backstage after the presenta- his enthusiasm for wearing the uniform, his work tion. She was overwhelmed by the honor, which she ethic resonates with a lot of kids. That’s what’s great quickly shared. about him. “It’s a reflection of my teammates and how awe- “He’s just a great, great teammate to a lot of the some they are,” she said. guys and the women also.” Miehe is a redshirt freshman from Darlington who Asked what the award meant to him, Miehe said came to UW after winning three consecutive state he was in the process of trying to measure its gravity. cross country titles from 2011 to ’13. His father, Ar- “There were a lot of deserving people nominated,” nie, was his prep coach and his uncle, Mark, ran for he said. “It’s very humbling.” the Badgers from 1974 to ’77. The Buckinghams represent a rare moment when Why did Mick Byrne, the director of track and UW student-athletes can come together and cele- cross country, nominate Miehe? brate one another. Academic and competition sched- “He works really hard in the classroom and gets ules don’t leave a lot of time for get-togethers like this. really good grades,” Byrne said of a 3.5 grade-point “The kids do a great job,” Byrne said. “They don’t average. “He works hard on the track ― he struggles always get to hang out together.” ― but works hard. When they do, important things are celebrated. “He loves being a Badger ― every bit of it ― and Academics. never bitches or moans or complains. He’s grateful Leadership. for the opportunity. Perseverance. “He’s appreciative of everything we’ve given him. Selflessness. He loves everything about putting on the uniform Friendship. and that’s what I love about the kid.” Of course, the unsung. The talkative Byrne wasn’t finished. “I wouldn’t miss it,” Byrne said.

2016 BUCKINGHAMS HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 3 OF 3 SCROLL Western Kentuckycompletes’18schedule INSIDE FOOTBALL BY ANDYBAGGOT W Bowl andfinished ranked 24th in thefinal Associated Press poll. ball season inwhichitwas 12-2overall,won theMiamiBeach it allwork.” else,” hesaid.“Sometimes youhavetodothesethings tomake to fillyourscheduleandmatchthe opendateswithsomeone scheduling packages,butthisisafirst forhim. of AthleticsBarryAlvarezsaidother schools havecreatedsimilar na in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Dec. 12, 2018. UW Director Dec. 17,2017. will play the Badgers inmen’s basketball at the Kohl Center on at CampRandallStadiumonSept.1,2018.Western Kentucky that willinvolveonefootballandtwomen’s basketballgames. and theyrankamongthetop10in20-win seasonswith43.■ during theirhistory― ketball programsinthenation.They’ve won42conferencetitles really shortlist,”hesaid. game arrangement inlieuasingleguaranteeforfootball. “the pieces didn’tfit.” looking atpossibly playing aneutral site gamein thatslot, but football scheduling for the Badgers, said the school had been Western Kentucky, outofConferenceUSA, is comingoffafoot- “You have becreativeinwhatyou’redoingwithscheduling― The schools will meet again in men’s basketball at Diddle Are- The HilltopperswillfaceWisconsininitsfootballseasonopener UW hasagreedtoathree-gamedealwithWestern Kentucky The Hilltoppershaveoneofthemost successfulmen’s bas- “The inventoryfor other schoolsavailableouttherewas areally, Schmidt saidWestern Kentuckyofficialsproposed thethree- Jeff Schmidt, the UW associate athletic director who oversees Unique schedulingarrangementalsoincludesmen’s basketballseries schedule. common approachtofillingaholeonthe2018football isconsin Athletic Department officials have takenan un- ■ UWBADGERS.COM onlyKansasandKentuckyhavemore ― MEDIA: SOCIAL TAP TOVIEWSCHEDULE

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS STLUKA DAVID SCROLL INSIDE SOFTBALL BY KELLIGRASHEL Seniors provetobetheglue forWisconsin W seen muchplaying time before thisyear andworked her way has been dealingwithforthe pasttwoseasons. Oswaldhadn’t And thisseniorclass hasdonethat. strength despiteoverwhelming obstaclesthrowninfront ofthem. walk-on. Ashley Van Zeelandhasbeeninthelineupallfouryearsasa huge RBI,Taylor-Paige Stewartisthestaronmoundand Macy Oswald,whohasn’tplayeda ton inhercareer, ishaving coming uplikeKatieChristnerhitting homerunsatMinnesota, players,” UWheadcoachYvette Healysaid.“Andthosekidsare freshman yearandtheywenttoNCAAs,butweremorerole their careers;theywereherefortheBigTen championshiptheir heroic effortsoftheBadgers’seniorclass. been alotofrankedwins.” those yearswherewe’vehadalot of toughlossesbutthere’s progress. has beenmorethanbabystepsso I amreallypleasedwiththe said. “Fromwhere wewereinthefalltowherearenow, Ithink career wins. composed leaderontheteam andisnowfifth all-timeatUWfor dition. Stewart faceda toughseason in2015 but has become a Zeeland isa perfect example ofWisconsin’s strong walk-on tra- into the starting lineup through her work in the offseason. Van Christner hashad tofightherwaybackfrominjuries thatshe Heroes tendtobethecharacters in storiesthatfindtheir “I thinkit’s allabouttheseniorsrightnow.” “We haveseniors that haven’t beentheheroesthroughout “It’s hardtogetrankedwinseverandthishasbeen one of “I thinkthisteam is makingsomereallygreatstrides,” Healy greatest thingtocomeoutofthisseasonhasbeenthe some moments of greatness this year. But perhaps the isconsin sawsomehardtimeslastseasonandhasseen Christner, Oswald,StewartandVan Zeelandshininginfinalseason ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA: SOCIAL TAP TOVIEWSCHEDULE

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS MCLAUGHLIN JACK SCROLL N INSIDE TRACK&FIELD BY A.J.HARRISON they’re thinkingaboutwinningevents.”■ Big Tens ismorecompetitiveandnobody’s thinkingabouttimes, on isgettingthose(NCAA)regionaltimesbecausesometimesthe the board,” Byrne said. “Right now all you have to concentrate second-fastest timeinthe200meters. he rantheschool’s third-fastesttimeinthe60metersand Larry looks to continue his success from the indoor season, when McDonnell InvitationalinFayetteville,Arkansas.JuniorLorenzo Pro. fantastic inthelastcoupleofworkouts.” we lookforwardtoseeinghimrunwellandfast.He’s looked that plays out,” Byrne said. “Mudd is ready to go right now, and senior GabiAnzalone. 800 metersattheSpecTowns Invitational,andfellowfifth-year by fifth-yearseniorAustinMudd,who’s comingoffof a wininthe Palo AltofortheStanfordTwilight onFriday. Thegroupwillbe led 200-1. Card seekstosurpass the2016Olympicsqualifyingstandard of record-holder inthe discuswithamarkof197feet, 4inches, the Olympic Training Centerinnearby ChulaVista.The BigTen discus atthe OTC Throws andVault Competition on Thursday at premier meet for the throwers and wehave tobe there.” have donereally well at themeet,” Byrne said.“It’s become a vitational inlateMarch. as theBadgersopened theoutdoorcampaignwith AztecIn- Saturday. Itmarks theteam’s second triptoSanDiegothisyear, Invitational, hostedbytheUniversity ofSanDiego,onFridayand of thenation’s bestathletes.” group, andeachgroupwillbetested thisweekendagainstsome have to do thatand seek out the bestcompetition for eachevent UW DirectorofTrack and FieldMickByrnesaid.“Sometimesyou Badgers thisweekend. marks, whichmeansadivide-and-conquerapproachforthe those athletesinthebestpositiontorecordNCAAqualifying athletes. “We’re hopingitwillbea great weekendforourteamacross On Saturday, agroupofninesprinterswillcompeteintheJohn Friday’s meetatStanfordwillbecarriedliveonlineviaFloTrack “It’s a new meet at Stanford, so it will be interesting to see how Also in California, a group of UW distance runners will trek to While on the West Coast, senior Kelsey Card also will throw the “We’ve beengoing toTriton forseveralyears nowandourkids Wisconsin’s throwersandfieldeventathletesheadtothe Triton “We’ve gotthreegroupsgoingindifferentspotsthisweekend,” This time of year, it’s all about finding competitions that put Wisconsin lookstoearnNCAAqualifyingmarksasregular seasonwindsdown Badgers preparetotackletrio ofmeets postseason looksalittledifferentforeachofWisconsin’s qualify fortheNCAAchampionships― o mattertheirevent,allBadgersshareacommongoal― ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS butthepathto to to MEDIA: SOCIAL

TAP TOVIEWSCHEDULE

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS BLACK ROBERT INSIDE TENNIS BY IZZY BRINKER AND NATE OEHRLEIN ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS DAVID STLUKA

Seniors, postseason positioning on tap UW’s seniors wrap up regular-season careers with eyes on Big Ten tournament

ith two regular-season matches remaining, there is TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE much at stake for the Wisconsin women’s tennis team. WWinners of two of their last three matches, the Badgers are trying to position themselves for a spot in the Big Ten tourna- ment. In a conference of 14 teams, only 10 qualifying for the league tournament, which comes at the end of the month in East Lan- sing, Michigan. With a mark of 3-6 in league play, the Badgers sit in 12th place in the standings but are just a game out of a tie for sixth place. Wisconsin will get a chance to play its way in with a pair of SCROLL home matches this weekend against Rutgers and Maryland. “We have to win these last two matches to make the Big Ten tournament,” head coach Tina Samara said this week. “That’s sports. That’s pressure. Hopefully we can be on the right side of the matches this weekend.”

First up, the Badgers will host Rutgers on Friday. The Scarlet INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS Knights (6-13, 0-9) come to Madison winless in Big Ten play this MEN’S WOMEN’S season. The match is set to begin at 4 p.m. (CT) at Nielsen Ten- nis Stadium. Wisconsin knocked off the Scarlet Knights, 6-1, in the teams’ first-ever matchup last season. The Badgers conclude their regular season against Maryland (9-10, 5-4) on Sunday. The Terrapins are one of just five Big Ten teams with a winning conference record, however Maryland’s five Big Ten wins have come teams with a combined Big Ten record of 12-35. “I think the team is at a point where they know they should be in the tournament so it’s a little bit different now,” Samara added. “It’s sort of like (Lauren) Chypyha knowing that she should be winning when she’s now ranked top 50 in the country and most of her opponents aren’t; she’s now not the underdog anymore.” First serve vs. Maryland is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Nielsen. Prior to the match, UW will honor its two seniors, Chypyha and Lauren Burich. This season, the duo ranks first and second on the team in Big Ten wins as Burich is an impressive 7-2, while Chypyha has gone 6-3 at the No. 1 position.

MEN SET FOR BIG TEN TOURNEY The No. 53-ranked UW men look to end their regular season on a high note with matches at No. 70 Indiana and No. 59 Purdue this weekend. The Badgers (14-6, 4-5 Big Ten), who are trying to shake off losses in three of their last four matches, are focused on going out on a winning note prior to the Big Ten tournament and a pos- sible NCAA tournament trip. “We’re 14-6 overall, but all six losses are to NCAA-bound teams and four of those are in the top 20 and two are against top-3 teams,” head coach Danny Westerman said. “You never want to say a loss is a good loss, but they’re not bad losses. Our guys are pretty upbeat.” Currently tied for sixth in conference standings with Indiana, but just one game out of fifth place, the Badgers are hoping to improve their spot in the rankings with a pair of wins this week- end. UW has not finished among the top half of the conference standings since 2011. “We’re excited for this weekend and we still have a shot at the fifth seed,” Westerman added. “That would be quite an accom- plishment for this group. Hopefully we’ll have a great week of practice and give it a go this weekend.” Indiana leads the all-time series with Wisconsin, 47-26. The last time the two teams met was in the 2015 season, when the Hoosiers beat the Badgers, 5-2. Wisconsin leads the all-time series with Purdue, 59-20. When the Boilermakers and Badgers last met in 2015, UW claimed a 6-1 victory.

SENIOR SALUTE This weekend also marks the final regular-season competitions for Wisconsin’s four seniors, Johnnie Jalalov and Alexander Koko- rev on the men’s team in addition to Burich and Chypyha on the women’s team. A native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Jalalov has piled up 85 com- bined wins over his career. The two-time Academic All-Big Ten pick owns a record of 12-4 in doubles action this spring with partner Chema Carranza. Kokorev, who hails from Dilbeek, Bel- gium, is enjoying the best season of his career with a 16-12 sin- gles record at the No. 2 position. For his career, Kokorev has tallied 87 combined wins over four years. On the women’s side, Chypyha is putting the finishing touches on one of the most decorated careers in UW history. A two-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time Academic All-Big Ten hon- oree, Chypyha ranks fifth on Wisconsin’s all-time wins list with 93 career singles victories. The Toronto, Canada, native’s .684 winning percentage (93-43) also ranks fifth in UW history among players with at least 70 career wins. This season, Chypyha has climbed as high as No. 32 in the ITA rankings after tallying a re- cord of 28-7 this year, a new career high for wins. Burich, a fellow four-year letterwinner is also enjoying the best season of her career, owning a team-best 7-2 singles record during Big Ten play. The Hinsdale, Illinois, native, has registered 68 career singles wins at Wisconsin and another 72 on the dou- bles side, including a team-best 15 wins with partner Kelsey Grambeau this year. ■ SCROLL On whyhewon’treadBoysintheBoat,BoRyan andothertopics,includingrowing INSIDE MEN’SROWING BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO W at 10:50and11a.m. ■ Wisconsin’s most-visitedstatepark. and thethird timeinfive seasons thatthe Badgers willrace at weekend. Forthemen,itwill markthesecond consecutivespring Beavers. the event. UW gotawin thistime inthe varsity eight against the No. 19Oregon State,animprovement overthe lastfewyearsat the StanfordInvite againstNo.4California,16Stanford and end’s racingatDevil’s LakeStateParkinBaraboo,Wisconsin. the bottomofapool, Clarkalsomentionedrowingand this week- Registration (SOAR),toyardwork, 6-foot-11rowers,tohitting Sam DekkerandNigelHayesatStudent OrientationAdvisingand appoint. coaches and football player Dare Ogunbowale some oftherowersfromWisconsin’s currentteams. portunity formediamemberstotryoutthesport,withhelpof community roomatPorterBoathouse,wasfollowedbyanop- has yettofailentertaintheattendingmedia. Racing issettobegin at8:30a.m.,withmen’s racessettorun That leads UW into racing against Marietta atDevil’s Lake this The Badgersposted timesinthemiddle5:40slastweekend at Touching onsuchtopicsas tryingtorecruitFrankKaminsky, Clark closedthenewsconference― This week’s newsconference,setupforthefirsttime inthe Clark entertainsatnewsconference appearances ofmen’s rowingcoachChrisClark,who the mostanticipatedofyear, mainlybecauseofthe isconsin’s annualspringnewsconferencesareamong ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS whichfeaturedeightUW ― and did not dis- MEDIA: SOCIAL TAP TOVIEWSCHEDULE

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS SCROLL INSIDE WOMEN’SROWING BY DANCORCORAN W sites inthecountrywillmorethanmake upforthat. Devil’s Lake,butthespectacleofracingatone premier before.” deserve,” Bryanssaid.“We’ve neverreallygottentothislevel resilient andthey’rerelentlessingetting whattheyknow and fourthvarsity eights. and thenoviceeight tookfirstplaceinfrontofNo.2 Cal’s third 15 Gonzaga, No.16Iowaand No.18NotreDame intheirraces, varsity eight, secondvarsity eightandvarsityfour alldownedNo. UW followed that with wins in allfour of itsraces onSunday. The win front of the No. 1 team in the country in Brown on Saturday. churned out someimpressive results. ing competition at its regattas so far this season, Wisconsin has break attheendof March. last threeweekends inCalifornia,andwenttoFlorida forspring road tripsthelastfewweekends.Wisconsin hasspenttwoofthe weekend, eventhoughhomeis45minutes away.” Florida, alittleIowainbetween,sowe’re happytobehomethis coach BebeBryanssaid.“We’ve beentoCaliforniatwice, nally home. Wisconsin, butforallintentsandpurposes,theBadgersarefi- hosts theBigTen/Big 12ChallengeatDevil’s LakeinBaraboo, ends ontheroad. After fiveweeksonroad,Wisconsinhostsloneregatta ofseasonatDevil’s Lake The fieldofcompetitionwon’tbeas dauntingthisweekendat “This teamistough, they’restrong,happy, and they’re Just this past weekend, Wisconsin’s varsity fourboat scored a But inthefaceof a heavyroadscheduleandsomechalleng - That shorttrektoDevil’s Lakepalesincomparisonto UW’s “We’re justfinishingaprettyhardroadwarriormonth,”head There willstillbelighttravelinvolvedthisweekendwhenUW Home, sweethomeawayfrom home with 12th-ranked UW having spent the last five week- and therehasbeennoshortageoftravelinthatspan, isconsin isinthemidstofsixstraightweeksregattas ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA: SOCIAL TAP TOVIEWSCHEDULE

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS ANDERSON GREG SCROLL Badgers continuetoexcelon theracecourse INSIDE WOMEN’SLIGHTWEIGHTROWING BY SPENCERNATZKE W situations, howdoyourespondtothem?”■ faster thanthem. be up against crews that are probably going to be, off the start, put themintodifferentsituationsallthetime.They’regoingto ones will be openweightwomen. It’s justagreatopportunityto again, againstreallyfastcrews. times andwe’llgettoraceeachboatacouplethisweekend two days,” Mattison said. “This past weekend we raced three team. Oklahoma, alongwithWisconsin’s openweight women’s rowing The BadgerswillcompeteagainstMinnesota,Iowa,Kansasand Double DualonApril23atDevil’s LakeStateParkinBaraboo. tison wants for her young crew, racing in the Big Ten/ Big 12 her classisdefinitelygoingtobeleading thepackonthat.” it simpleandberacers.Sheembodies wherewe’relookingtogo, her excelandjustbearacer. That’s wherewewanttogo― into thesportandpickeditupvery, veryquickly. It’s funtosee get thatracingexperience. there aswell.Primarilyit’s ontheyoungersideandso we haveto a fairamountoffreshmen andsophomores,acouple juniorsin “We have abigseniorclass;wehave11seniors. Butwealsohave 18 members wereunderclassmen. class. Of the boatsthatcompeted on the Charles River, 10 of the the depth of the team to see that.” them. Ithought weraced agreat raceand itwasnice interms of ly pushthem. Butinourvarsity eightwecame inthirdbehind to race,thatweknow ifweputeverythingtogether, can definite- “We have two boats, and some here at home that weren’t able great tohavethe depth,” UWheadcoachDustyMattison said. and No.5MIT. University andaheadofNo.1Stanford, No.4Harvard-Radcliffe gram asecond-placeoverallfinish, behindonlyNo.2Boston event witha6-minute,44.9-second final time. in thirdplacewhilethesecondvarsity eightwonitsgrandfinal eight boatpostedatimeof6minutes,45.2secondstofinish against theothertop-fiveschoolsinnation. Charles RiverLightweightInvitationalinBostontocompete Collegiate poll,theBadgerstraveledeastlastweekendfor “What we’vereallybeenworkingoniswhenyou’reinthose “We’re goingtobetheonly lightweightcrewthere,theother “Two weekendsagoattheKnechtCup,weracedfivetimesover The lightweightswillcontinuetogettheracingexperienceMat- “We haveasophomorewalk-on,KatieRuffalo,whohascome “We are young intermsofacouplethings,”Mattison explained. Wisconsin’s depth of talent spans most notably from class to “In the points we were ahead of (Stanford), so overall that was Wisconsin’s nine-point weekend was enough to earn the pro- Both UW boats qualifiedforthegrand finals, wherethevarsity Experience anddepthhelpthelightweightsstandamong thenation’s best squads inthenation.RankedthirdUSRowing Wisconsin continuestoproveitsplaceamongthetop ith twoweeksofspringcompetitionunderitsbelt,the ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS keep MEDIA: SOCIAL

TAP TOVIEWSCHEDULE

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS CAPOBIANCO JAMES