THE OFFICIAL ONLINE MAGAZINE OF WISCONSIN ATHLETICS

JULY 13, 2011 • VOL. 1 NO. 25 Varsity is published weekly by: Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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Director of Athletic Communications Brian Lucas | Email

Editor - Varsity Brian Mason | Email

Lead Writer Mike Lucas | Email

Columnist Matt Lepay

Contributors Karl Anderson, Paul Capobianco, Charlie Healy, Patrick Herb, Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom

Photography David Stluka, Neil Ament, Bob Campbell, Paul Capobianco, Brian Mason The red sea Problems or Accessibility Issues? Email: [email protected] Badgers fans packed the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 as UW made its first appearance in the Grandaddy of Them All since 2000. See more of the year’s best photos beginning © 2011 Board of Regents of the on page 36. University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. IN THIS ISSUE

Mike Lucas’ Page 4 4 Badgering 12 Leaving a Mark 30-34 Fourth title in hand, head coach Mark Behind the Desk with Barry Alvarez 6 Looking Out for Number One 16-27 Johnson is happy on the ice in Madison Wins over No. 1 Ohio State through the eyes By The Numbers 8-10 of and Jordan Taylor Images of a Season 36-63 PAGE 4 BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM McIntosh’s latest quest a true mountain to climb As a self-made All-American was a cool experience. What I offensive tackle, and a first-round liked about it, and it’s cliché, but draft choice, Chris McIntosh got it was a journey instead of an into the habit of “scaling moun- event.’’ tains’’ — a figure of speech — to McIntosh, who lives outside of realize all of his goals and dreams. Hartford, has been training for If everything goes according to about six months. That has en- plan, McIntosh will now actually tailed lugging a 60-pound back- climb a mountain; no ordinary pack up a local ski hill a few hours mountain, mind you, but majes- each morning, three days a week. tic Mount Rainier, which rises to “It has given me something to 14,411 feet above sea level. focus on,’’ said McIntosh. “When “Tuesday is the magic day,’’ I was playing football, it was easy McIntosh said. — you’d focus on the next oppo- That’s when McIntosh and his nent or game. eight-man team are scheduled “What I found after I retired is band, I’m a dad and I’m a busi- weight. to reach the summit of Mount not having a specific goal or date ness owner. All those things “After I retired, I started to pay Rainier, the tallest mountain on my calendar which made it require concentration. But when more attention to exercise and in the Cascade Range; some 50 really hard to drag myself into the I’m out there, I have four straight nutrition,’’ he said. “I love to cook miles southeast of Seattle, Wash. gym for a workout.’’ days to focus on one thing.’’ and I started to cook with healthy This is Round 2 for McIntosh, Mount Rainier has had his McIntosh, 34, has generally ingredients and it kind of snow- who attempted the climb with a undivided attention. kept busy with his businesses. He balled to where I am now.’’ smaller group last summer. “There are not a lot of things owns the Be Fitness and Wellness It’s where he wants to be on “It was the first week of June that can replicate those four days Center in Delafield and Body Ba- Tuesday that really matters. Last and it turned out to be still winter we’re climbing the mountain,’’ he six, a health and wellness nutri- year’s team never got the chance on that mountain,’’ he said. “We said. “There’s essentially no con- tional supplement company. to top off their climb the right made it to 10,000 feet and we tact — no phone, no email. When he was playing for the way. “We had a Wisconsin flag got caught in two different heavy “It requires that you’re focused Seattle Seahawks, McIntosh with a Motion W,’’ he said. snow storms. on what you’re doing because was 328 pounds at his heaviest. He’s trained a long time for a “After having about three feet there’s a pretty significant down- Today, he weighs 243, the result second chance at that summit, of snow dumped on us, we were side if you’re not paying attention. of McIntosh devoting himself to and photo op. chased off the mountain. But it “When I’m home, I’m a hus- a “living’’ weight, not a playing

BEHIND THE DESK BY BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Rose Bowl winners have toughness in common was delighted to hear that one opened my eyes. Iof our Badger — They blitzed him one time and Brooks Bollinger — is joining the the linebacker hit him square in profession as the head coach at the mouth. But he knew where Hill-Murray High School. What’s the throw was going and hit the the best advice I could give out-cut on a 12-yard pass that Brooks? kept the chains moving. Go with your heart. The next week, without anyone Brooks knows coaching. He’s knowing, we started him at Ohio been around a lot of different State and he lit it up. coaches in the pros and he has Someone once asked me if , who recently joined the evaluated them. He knows good there were common traits be- staff of the Seattle coaches and bad coaches. He tween our Rose Bowl quarter- Seahawaks, is one knows what works and what backs. of three former doesn’t. Darrell Bevell, Mike Samuel Badger QBs that won the Rose Bowl He’s always been outspoken, and Brooks Bollinger were all and have gone on to too. If Brooks didn’t agree with a scrutinized and criticized at careers in coach- coach — whether it was how you various times. But they were all ing. were practicing or how you were tough competitors; tough-minded calling plays — he was quick to football players. linebackers spoke volumes. He game so well. Bev was a gym rat make suggestions. Before the start of two-a-days, competed and he made the other just like Brooks. Brooks Bollinger was a coach we always had the players answer guys around him compete. It’s gratifying to me that all on the field. He was born in the some questions. One of them It’s funny, of the three -- Bevell, three are coaching today: Darrell huddle. He’s very emotional and was, “If you had to walk down a Samuel and Bollinger -- I didn’t is in the NFL with the Seahawks, smart. dark alley, which guy on this team see Sammy as a coach. I knew he Sammy is coaching quarterbacks He has a great personality; the would you take with you?’’ could be a coach and I could see at a high school in Philly and kids will like him and follow him. I’ll never forget that a majority why he would be a good coach. Brooks is a head coach in St. Paul. He’s a natural leader. of the guys on the ’98 team picked But I didn’t envision him as a I really enjoyed coaching each I loved his type of : Sammy. coach. one of them. And I’m proud they he was a runner and passer. I re- That they would pick a There was no doubt that Dar- wanted to be coaches because I member the first time we put him 210-pound quarterback over rell was going to be a coach; no know what kind of people they in a game in ’99 against Michigan big offensive linemen, strapping question that he was going in that are. They’re good for the profes- and he made plays that really defensive linemen and tough direction because he knew the sion. 36 MPG* 2011 CHEV Y CRUZE Cruze is filled with performance, safety and technology features you won't believe come in a compact. l 42 MPG on ECO** l 10 standard air bags l 5 passenger seating l 10 year 100,000 mile warranty

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The National W Club held a reunion for the 1990 NCAA champion men’s hockey team last fall.

The National W Club is the nation’s largest letterwinners organization with 2,200 The W Club organizes and hosts active, dues-paying members. In the spirit of “Where Are They Now?” here’s a around 25 former letterwinner look at the W Club, By The Numbers: events each year in the state of 25 Wisconsin. These events include golf outings, banquets, reunions and alumni The National W Club hosts four The number of weekends. “Celebrate the Legacy” reunions each living letterwin- fall to welcome letterwinners back to ners stands The number of 4 campus. This year, men’s crew (Sept. 8,600 at 8,600 (in- male student- 1), football (Sept. 10), women’s tennis (Sept. cluding 2,400 that currently live in the state of athletes that 23-24) and men’s golf (Oct. 14-15) will all be Wisconsin). 8,700 have earned a invited back to Madison. letter at UW, all-time, numbers 8,700. The W Club sponsors 10 events All-time, each year for current UW stu- The UW athletic a total of dent-athletes, ranging from the program has 11,100 10 Buckingham Awards show and handed out a 11,100 student- letter jacket presentations to the Diversity BBQ 2,400 total of 2,400 athletes have earned a letter at Wisconsin. and Career Night. letters to female student-athletes in its history WE’RE HOLDING THE BEST SEATS FOR YOU

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NOW WHERE ARE THEY NOW? HEART OF A CHAMPION His career as a professional runner in the past, 1985 NCAA cross country champion Tim Hacker’s focus is now on the cardiovascular research he conducts at his alma mater

BY MIKE LUCAS

n coming to terms with his transition from high school to college as a University of Wisconsin freshman, Tim Hacker had far more questions than answers about Ihis future as a student-athlete. Academically, he said, “I was scared; my expectations were that school would be very difficult and I felt like I wasn’t very well prepared.’’ Athletically, he said, “Again, I was a little worried. I was wondering why someone was giving me a full scholarship. At the time I didn’t really understand how good I was.’’ Those fears are a thing of the past today for Dr. Tim Hacker, a senior scientist in the UW School of Medicine and Director of the Cardiovascular Physiology Core Laboratory on the UW-Madison campus.

NOW Tim Hacker operates on a mouse as part of his research at the UW Cardiovascular Physiology Core Laboratory ROSS LADUE PHOTO WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

This would be the same Tim Hacker, the In taking the individual crown at the 1985 NCAA Championship, Hacker also lifted UW to its second NCAA team title in four years first line of whose curriculum vitae reads: “Professional runner, 1986-2000.’’ This sible. Not then, at least; not when he was stand the process’’ when he arrived on would be the same Hacker who won the still looking to find direction as a student campus. As a result, it took him a little bit 1985 NCAA cross country championship — beyond his interest in the sciences. longer to figure it out. propelling the Badgers to the team title, as As a UW junior, Hacker took a biochem- “I just had a vague idea that I wanted well — and was a nine-time All-American istry class, and he was hooked. “I abso- to learn more,’’ he said. “At that point, at Wisconsin. lutely loved it,’’ he said, “and that sort of you start to talk about limits, and then I So how did Hacker get from Point A set me on course (as an undergrad). That thought more and more about limits to hu- (Anxieties) to Point B (Biochemistry and really got me excited for the first time. man performance.’’ Beyond)? This was intriguing on a scientific and And what puts a bigger smile on his face biochemical level, as well as an athletic now that he has become so accomplished? “I just had a vague idea that level. “That’s what started to change my When he’s introduced as Dr. Tim Hack- I wanted to learn more,’’ focus; I really wanted to find out what ulti- er, scientist? Or Tim Hacker, All-Ameri- Hacker said. “At that point, mately would limit me,’’ he said. can? Not much would be the correct answer; “Scientist now; my ego has changed,’’ you start to talk about lim- not much has limited Hacker. “To end up said Hacker, 48, who has a B.S. in bio- its, and then I thought more here,’’ he said of his current standing, “I go chemistry and his master’s degree and Ph. and more about limits to to work every day now and I can’t believe I D. in exercise physiology. “I’d really like to get to do what I do.’’ be recognized as an intellectual.’’ human performance.’’ It’s not so much what he’s doing today Yet, he’s quick to note that running has as it is his vision for tomorrow that reso- been at the root of his success by citing the “There were four or five professors — in- nates. process in which “you push boundaries’’ cluding Hector DeLuca —who were amaz- “We’re working on a number of different as an athlete and if “you work hard, good ing teachers. They were passionate and it things with stem cells, heart failures and things will happen.’’ got me going. I loved the idea of what was arrhythmias,’’ said Dr. Hacker. “I feel like Eventually, ideally, that is the case. happening inside of me. those problems are solvable in the next 15 What is the application to a scientist? “As an athlete, I really wanted to under- to 20 years. Hacker said, “I try to keep working hard stand what was going on to improve my “There will be therapies that we’re work- by thinking of ideas and reading one more performances and whether I could ma- ing on now that will be used in the clinic; article and trying one more thing; not leav- nipulate those in some way to help me as in fact, some of the things will be used long ing anything uncovered.’’ an athlete.’’ before then.’’ Coming out of Menomnee Falls North In retrospect, Hacker admitted that “I Hacker acknowledged that some people High School, none of this seemed plau- was pretty naïve and really didn’t under- have been intimidated by his academic TIM HACKER

In taking the individual crown at the 1985 NCAA Championship, Hacker also lifted UW to its second NCAA team title in four years THEN

profile. So he has been informed. But he doesn’t see himself in the same light. “I still look at myself as a very blue col- lar kind of person,’’ he said. “I’m better at working hard than working smart. I don’t think I’ve ever had any great ideas. “I have a lot of good ideas and I’m will- ing to work hard to implement those -- the science I do is incremental; it fills in gaps; it brings things along slowly.’’ Who impresses Hacker? “The Jamie Thompsons of the world,’’ he said. Thompson is a pioneer and leader in stem cell research. “I would love to make the big leap for- ward in science,’’ Hacker said. “But I feel like I’m not smart enough to do that. But I’ll keep trying.’’ Looking back, Hacker had a plan in bal- ancing academics and athletics at Wiscon- sin. More than anything, he had structure in his life which punctuated the value of organization and discipline. “I realized I didn’t have any time to waste,’’ he said. “Running is a little bit easier than some other sports because you’re really limited how much time you can spend running.’’ As a freshman, Hacker won a Big Ten cross country championship belying his early insecurities. That told him how good he was as a runner, and how good he WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

“I really wanted to find out what ultimately would limit me,’’ Hacker said of what drove him academically. “To end up here, I go to work every day now and I can’t believe I get to do what I do.’’

could become with growth and maturity. he said. Hacker realized most of his goals while That was Hacker’s goal. On sending a competing at the UW, including a record- consistent message, he said, “Anytime I setting time in the 1,500 meters. But his lined up, I wanted people to know that post-graduate career fell short of where he I was going to be a force and they just had hoped it would take him. couldn’t write me off.’’ What was missing was a spot on the This fall, Hacker will have another goal Olympic team. He finished fifth at the U.S. -- encouraging his son, Sam, who will be Olympic Trials in 1984, failing to qualify. running for the Badgers. Sam Hacker, “I was literally a yard away,’’ he said. “I who prepped at Madison West, will race really wanted to be an Olympian but it for UW coach Mick Byrne in cross country wasn’t in the cards.’’ and track. Why was that so important? Dr. Tim Hacker, the scientist, addressed

Hacker, pictured at an alumni run “If you have a PH.D., that’s a standard the gene pool and maximum oxygen con- as part of the 2009 Wisconsin adidas people obtain,’’ Hacker said. “If you’re an sumption -- “Or the measure of how big Invitational cross country meet, still Olympian that’s a standard people obtain your engine is,’’ he said -- and spoke on keeps tabs on UW’s running programs. His son, Sam, will join the Badgers as a … if you’re an Olympian you’re always an how it’s not a very heritable trait. freshman this fall. Olympian.’’ Tim Hacker, the proud All-American One of the runners Hacker always ad- and father, said, “I’m really excited for mired was Steve Scott, one of the greatest him. He’s thought for a long time this is U.S. milers. “He was so consistent, I never where he wants to go (the UW) and he remembered seeing him have a bad race,’’ made it happen.’’

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

QUARTERBACK CLUB Three signal-callers from diverse backgrounds share a common thread running through the history of Wisconsin football; all three quarterbacked the Badgers to Rose Bowl titles. Now, all three carry on their careers as coaches, as well. BEVELL, SAMUEL, BOLLINGER

BY MIKE LUCAS inding a common thread between Darrell Bevell, Mike Samuel and Brooks Bollinger is more challenging if you dwell on where Fthey were from rather than what they became or where they are now. QUARTERBACK CLUB Geography aside – Bevell was from Scottsdale, Ariz., Samuel from Three signal-callers from diverse backgrounds share a common thread running through the history of Wisconsin football; Philadelphia, Pa., Bollinger from Grand Forks, N.D. – their competitive all three quarterbacked the Badgers to Rose Bowl titles. Now, all three carry on their careers as coaches, as well. resumes were very different going into their defining seasons. WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

In 1993, Bevell was a sophomore who “As a quarterback, you doesn’t have to be pretty; it doesn’t have to went 5-5 in his 10 starts the year before. be Peyton Manning-style. He was 23 and the only married player on have to be able to lead your “Somehow, whatever your abilities the team. A transfer from Northern Ari- team to wins – by whatever are, whatever the intangibles are, you lead zona, he had spent two years on a Mormon means that may be. them to wins.’’ mission in Cleveland. Samuel capsualized it from his per- In 1998, Samuel was a fifth-year se- I was able to do that, Mike spective in ‘98. nior and two-year starter who had guided “When people put their mind to some- the Badgers to a 16-10 record overall and was able to do that, Brooks thing, you can achieve success and great postseason appearances in the Copper and was able to do that. things,’’ he said. “We had a focus and a Outback bowls. He was also 23 and un- drive and there was nothing that was going commonly strong for his position group, We were all able to deter us from our goals. benching 355 pounds. “Anything is possible when you believe In 1999, Bollinger was a redshirt fresh- to find a way to win. in yourself.’’ man who had been named the Scout Team Bevell, Samuel and Bollinger each have Player of the Year for his work in practice Somehow, whatever your Big Ten/Rose Bowl rings as reminders of simulating the opposing quarterback for abilities are, whatever the what their teams accomplished. the No. 1 defense. He was 18 and listed as intangibles are, you lead Speaking for Bevell and Bollinger, the backup to senior Scott Kavanagh. Samuel said, “There’s not a whole lot of What they became was historic. Bevell, them to wins.’’ occasion to wear the ring. But if there’s a Samuel and Bollinger led their respective fire in my house, it’s one of the things I’m teams to the Big Ten championship and going for first.’’ victories in the Rose Bowl; the only quar- — Darrell Bevell Where are they now? Where you would terbacks in school history to do so. expect them to be – in the coaching profes- What was the common thread in their sion. success? have to be able to lead your team to wins – Darrell Bevell, 41, is the offensive co- “We were all on really good football by whatever means that may be. ordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. teams,’’ Bollinger said. “The common thing “Sometimes that’s handing it off to the Mike Samuel, 36, is the quarterback between all those teams was very strong running back; sometimes you’re going to coach at Father Judge High School in leadership and a great core of tough, have to throw it. Either way, you’re going Philadelphia. physical football players.’’ to have to be able to guide your team to Brooks Bollinger, 31, is the head coach Bevell took it one step farther. victories. at Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood, “It’s kind of cliché but a lot of times, “I was able to do that, Mike was able Minn. ‘So goes the quarterback, so goes the to do that, Brooks was able to do that. Each followed their instincts, and team,’’’ he said. “As a quarterback, you We were all able to find a way to win. It heart.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

DARRELL BEVELL coach. “The most important thing was to ing at Wisconsin. The trust he showed in After NFL tryouts with the Miami Dol- work hard and do the best job that I could me was huge.’’ phins and Oakland Raiders, Bevell came to while I had that job.’’ That friendship and/or trust factor was the realization that his playing days were Bevell’s greatest ally in the business has best illustrated when be- over. It was time to get a job; especially always been Brad Childress, the former came the head coach of the Minnesota Vi- since his wife Tammy was five months Badger offensive coordinator. Their rela- kings and picked Bevell to be his offensive pregnant with the couple’s first child. tionship dates back to Northern Arizona. coordinator in 2006. The eventual Brett “There were only so many doors that Favre signing was linked in large part to were open,’’ said Bevell, who was hired Favre’s familiarity with Bevell. to coach the quarterbacks, the running “There were a lot of ups and downs backs, the tight ends and the wide receiv- along the way, but I spent six years with ers for the Westmar University Eagles in Brett in Green Bay and Minnesota,’’ Bevell Le Mars, Iowa, the “Ice Cream Capital of said. “And I learned a lot the World.’’ Bevell worked as about our offense and He was also the passing game coordina- offensive coordi- what it can do. When you nator under tor for the NAIA school which was located Vikings head have someone of Brett’s in the northwest corner of Iowa about coach Brad Chil- caliber, you know what seven hours from Madison. The operative dress, who called you can and can’t ask of the plays when word being “was.’’ Westmar University Bevell was the your quarterback. doesn’t exist today. It closed in 1997. Badgers’ QB. “It was awesome when “I still remember my time there,’’ Bevell said, “by Blue Bunny Ice Cream.’’ Following one season at Westmar, he “I love the game of football so much that I don’t think I was a grad assistant at Iowa State and wide could ever get too far away from it,’’ Bevell said. receiver coach at Connecticut before join- ing the Packers in 2000 as an offensive It was Childress who sold Barry Alvarez on I finally got to call the plays for him. And assistant/quality control coach. During his taking a gamble on Bevell. And it was Chil- it was great to have that year like we did in six seasons in Green Bay, he came under dress who called plays for Bevell in ’93. 2009 which was the best year of his ca- the wing of Mike Sherman and Tom Ross- Outside of his dad – Jim Bevell, a long- reer. That kind of showed that we clicked ley. time high school coach in Arizona – Chil- and we thought the same way and I could “I never worried about the next job,’’ dress has had the biggest influence on his get him to do some things that would help said Bevell whose friendship with Brett Fa- football career. “Coach Childress has been make him successful. vre began to take shape in 2003 when he a great ambassador for me,’’ he said. “He “The thing that will separate him from was promoted to the Packers quarterback really took a lot of chances on me, includ- all others is the youthful enthusiasm when DARRELL BEVELL

THEN he played. That’s what people enjoyed the most about Brett. He always looked like he was having a good time.’’ After the Childress firing, Bevell was not retained but it didn’t take him long to find work. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll was looking to do some different things with his offense and hired Bevell as his coordi- nator. Even though the lockout has led to a disjointed off-season, Bevell has stayed upbeat. “I’m breaking free a little bit and it means a lot to me,’’ he said of his new as- signment with the Seahawks. “Coach Chil- dress gave me that chance to be a coordi- nator and I proved a little bit what I can do. And now I’m excited to have another opportunity under coach Carroll, who has been awesome. “It has been tough with the lockout; particularly since we haven’t had time to spend with our players – knowing that they’re going to have to learn some new things and implement a new offense with different terminology. It’s definitely a challenge for teams with new coaches and coordinators.’’ Despite the inevitable professional impediments, coaching has always been in his DNA. After Bevell took that first job at long-since defunct Westmar, he confided, “I love the game of football so much that I don’t think I could ever get too far away from it.’’ WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

THEN

MIKE SAMUEL “Teaching is different every day and it’s kids; you’re making a difference. You wake Armed with his undergraduate degree in a lot like coaching,’’ said Samuel who has up every day and you’re happy to go into history, Mike Samuel wasn’t sure what he been a social studies teacher, grades six the classroom. I’m extremely fortunate to wanted to do with it when he left the UW. through eight, at New Foundations Char- work for a great school. But after serving as a substitute teacher, he ter School in Philadelphia. “I’m also fortunate to be teaching kids became hooked. “As a teacher, you’re inspiring young who want to learn. There’s just that magic MIKE SAMUEL

THEN

of seeing the light bulb going off in their and the intensity to do whatever it took,’’ heads. That’s why it has been such a great Samuel recalled. “That’s why he was so experience for me.’’ successful. This fall, Samuel will begin teaching his- “There was nothing that was going to tory at the 10th grade level. “It was time to stop him from being a leader and perform- switch it up a little bit,’’ he said, adding, “I ing. He was unbelievably coachable. He will be teaching some of the same kids that listened. He wanted to learn. He was just I taught in middle school.’’ great.’’ Since leaving college, Samuel has also Four years ago, Samuel left Penn Char- been involved in coaching. When he re- ter to coach quarterbacks at Father Judge turned to Philadelphia, he caught on as an High School. assistant coach with his alma mater, Penn “I love football; I love being involved Charter High School. with the players and the build-up to the Samuel’s name was synonymous with game,’’ Samuel said. “I enjoy the whole success. As a prep quarterback, he set a aspect of being around the kids and staff city record for career touchdowns and led and competing at a certain level.’’ Penn Charter to a 28-5 record and three Samuel has had no interest in apply- league titles. ing for college coaching jobs. “That’s such The first player that Samuel helped a sacrifice of time and commitment,’’ he mentor was Matt Ryan, another three-year said. “I have a lot of respect for those guys, starter. During his senior year, the 6-5, but it’s not in the cards for me.’’ 205-pound Ryan led Penn Charter to an Samuel is doing what he wants to be 8-1 mark and the Inter-Ac League title. doing. He’s teaching, coaching and living “The fundamentals that I learned from the sporting life in Philly through the city’s Mike are a big reason for my success in team. Life is good and about to get better. high school and at Boston College,’’ Ryan He’s getting married in October. has said of Samuel. “I was extremely for- tunate to have such sound, fundamental instruction at such a critical time of learn- “I love football; I love being involved with the players and ing the QB position.’’ the build-up to the game,’’ Samuel said. “I enjoy the whole Ryan is now a budding star in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. aspect of being around the kids and staff and competing “The one thing that you could tell Matt at a certain level.’’ had as a young quarterback was the drive WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

BROOKS BOLLINGER want to chase jobs in other zip codes. thing in the financial world?’ She’d say, ‘I Brooks Bollinger’s career as a backup “So here I am,’’ Bollinger related, “hav- don’t know.’ quarterback in the NFL – which also in- ing lunch or coffee with various people in “I’d mention, ‘Hey, what about some- cluded 10 starts and spanned six seasons the professional world – and it kind of ran thing in medical supply?’ She’d say, ‘I don’t with the Jets, the Vikings and the Cowboys the gamut – trying to figure out what the know.’ – took an unexpected turn when he was heck I wanted to do.’’ “I’d mention, ‘Hey, what about some- cut by the after their final thing with insurance sales?’ She’d say, ‘I preseason game in 2009. don’t know.’ The Florida Tuskers of the United Foot- “And then I said, ‘I got a call from Hill- ball League then gave Bollinger the chance Murray High School to talk about the head to be a full-time starter and he responded coaching job.’ by taking the team to the championship “She said, ‘Take it.’’’ game while leading the fledgling league in Natalie Bollinger (nee Roedler) knows most statistical categories. By a fan’s vote, Books Bollinger; she knows the extent of he was the UFL’s regular season MVP. her husband’s passion for football. “She’s Bollinger went back for a second year absolutely fired up,’’ he said. with the Tuskers. But unlike his rookie What did Rob Bollinger have to say season, he couldn’t avoid injuries which about his son becoming a coach? represented the beginning of the end – the “He said it’s going to be a lot of work and end of his playing career. he tried to prepare me for the idea that it’s “The hits were taking more of a toll on not going to be easy,’’ Brooks recounted. my body and the little injuries were linger- “I kind of feel like I’ve been “But he was excited and supportive like he ing longer,’’ he said. “My kids were getting a coach for a long time,’’ always is. older and it was getting harder to be away “He’s helped me out with some things from my family for an extended period. said Bollinger. “I feel like I here and there – structurally and from a There were a number of reasons but it was think like a coach. And I just game-planning standpoint – and it has blatantly obvious that it was time …’’ figured this is what I really been fun to have these types of conversa- It was time to find something else to do. tions with him. Being a coach’s kid – his dad Rob wanted to do.’’ “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. coached for 20 years, including three stints My philosophy is to keep things simple at North Dakota – it was only natural to That led to a string of conversations and put these kids in a position where they think about coaching. But he didn’t want with his wife, Natalie, a former UW soccer can go out on the field and use their ath- to uproot his family from the St. Paul area. player. letic ability. That eliminated options because he didn’t “I’d mention, ‘Hey, what about some- “I’m not trying to put a product out BROOKS BOLLINGER

THEN there that makes me look like a coaching guru or anything like that. I just want to teach them the fundamentals that I know and let them go out and play fast.’’ At one point this summer, Bevell and Bollinger had lunch together in Minne- apolis. “I think Brooks really has a firm grasp of what he wants to do,’’ Bevell said. What did Bollinger pick up from Bevell? “He talked about the difference in the levels of coaching,’’ he said, “and how you really have to be positive at the high school level and understand that the most important part of your job is making sure those kids learn the basics of the game. “Darrell is someone that I respect as a coach. And he also talked about the im- portance of making sure the kids have a passion for the game and fun playing it, so they have a great experience. That’s my aim, although I know there’s a lot of things I need to learn as we go forward.’’ Bollinger is taking over for Vince Con- way, who coached Hill-Murray for 32 years. Last season, the Pioneers were 6-5. Their 2011 opener will be Sept. 2 against St. Paul Johnson. “I kind of feel like I’ve been a coach for a long time,’’ said Bollinger, who has no previous coaching experience. “I feel like I think like a coach. And I just figured this is what I really wanted to do.’’ A common thread between Bevell, Samuel and Bollinger.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MAKING TRACKS TOGETHER Kevin and Lizzy Stemke began their relationship as Badgers and have continued the journey as professional athletes, coaches and — most importantly — husband and wife

BY MIKE LUCAS

evin Stemke and Lizzy Fitzgerald went into marriage with a “game plan’’ befitting a couple of All- American athletes; Kevin was a punter in football and Lizzy was a setter in volleyball. K “The conversation from the beginning,’’ Lizzy said, “was always that we both wanted to fulfill our athletic careers to the fullest. We knew we would be married and together forever. “But we only had a small window in our athletic careers to play, so we needed to get all of it out of our system before we hung it up and started our lives together. We were both on the same page.’’ After punting for two Rose Bowl teams, breaking his own school record and winning the inaugural Ray Guy award, Stemke bounced from club to club for five years as an NFL punter. His tour of duty included stops in Green Bay, Oakland, Miami, Washington and St. Louis. After being named the Big Ten Player of the Year as a senior, and leading the Badgers to a 112-23 record (highlighted by a trip to the NCAA finals), Fitzgerald spent two years with the U.S. national team and two more years playing professionally in Puerto Rico and France.

THEN Lizzy Fitzgerald was an All-American in volleyball at UW, a feat her husband, Kevin Stemke, replicated in football WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MAKING TRACKS TOGETHER Kevin and Lizzy Stemke began their relationship as Badgers and have continued the journey as professional athletes, coaches and — most importantly — husband and wife

BY MIKE LUCAS evin Stemke and Lizzy Fitzgerald went into marriage with a “game plan’’ befitting a couple of All- American athletes; Kevin was a punter in football and Lizzy was a setter in volleyball. K “The conversation from the beginning,’’ Lizzy said, “was always that we both wanted to fulfill our athletic careers to the fullest. We knew we would be married and together forever. “But we only had a small window in our athletic careers to play, so we needed to get all of it out of our system before we hung it up and started our lives together. We were both on the same page.’’ After punting for two Rose Bowl teams, breaking his own school record and winning the inaugural Ray Guy award, Stemke bounced from club to club for five years as an NFL punter. His tour of duty included stops in Green Bay, Oakland, Miami, Washington and St. Louis. After being named the Big Ten Player of the Year as a senior, and leading the Badgers to a 112-23 record (highlighted by a trip to the NCAA finals), Fitzgerald spent two years with the U.S. national team and two more years playing professionally in Puerto Rico and France.

Lizzy Fitzgerald was an All-American in volleyball at UW, a feat her husband, Kevin Stemke, replicated in football THEN WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

NOW Lizzy Stemke is embarking on her first season as head coach at Georgia after stints as an assistant at North Carolina and Nebraska.

On July 11, 2004, they got married. Be- cause they were still following up on their pro aspirations, the first year “together’’ was an adventure, too, since they really weren’t together very often. After getting cut in August by the Red- skins, Kevin went to France to be with Lizzy. While there, he got a call from St. Louis and returned to the states and signed with the Rams in November. “We saw each other for about two months,’’ Kevin said. “It was a month here and there; it was wild,’’ Lizzy said. In the spring of 2005, the Rams cut Stemke. In June of 2005, North Carolina hired Fitzgerald as an assistant volleyball coach. “When Lizzy got the coaching job,’’ Kevin said, “I had been released and was unemployed and I was looking around thinking, ‘What am I going to do next?’’’ Stemke had prepared for that moment when he would have to walk away from football. “How tough was it?” he posed. “That’s a difficult question, difficult in the sense that it was such a great opportunity to be involved in athletics, playing your sport and making a living doing so. “I think everybody hopes that they can play as long as they can. But that’s also KEVIN AND LIZZY STEMKE

Lizzy Stemke is embarking on her first season as head coach at Georgia after stints as an assistant at North Carolina and Nebraska. ing from her dad, Billy Fitzgerald, a mem- ber of the Tulane and greater New Orleans why you work hard in school. I had a mar- basically the nail in your coffin as it relates Hall of Fame, and a former first-round keting degree and I loved sports. I felt like to your NFL career,’’ he added. draft choice of the Oakland A’s. I’d have some opportunities.’’ But he was OK with that ending because At Isidore Newman High School, That turned out to be the case when of all of the aforementioned circumstanc- Fitzgerald won multiple state titles while Stemke was introduced to Sue Harnett, the es. “And I was really excited to be finally coaching baseball for 34 years and bas- founder and president of Replay Photos. living in the same house with my wife,’’ he ketball for 26. He coached Peyton and Eli Harnett was a former All-American, her- said. Manning, among others. self, in basketball at Duke. He was also excited by the prospect of Lizzy also had two brothers who played “I was the third person she hired,’’ said Lizzy advancing her career in coaching at baseball in the SEC – at Ole Miss and Ten- Stemke, now a vice-president of the com- North Carolina. nessee – and an older sister who played pany based in Durham. “We worked out of her living room for awhile and now we’ve really grown.’’ Replay Sports, a web-based business – “Punting wasn’t the love of my life,’’ Kevin Stemke said. “It which “turns photography into a revenue happened to be something I was good at and I enjoyed generator for a host of brands’’ – has an being a part of a competitive sport. Lizzy loves the sport of impressive client list numbering over 140 college programs -- including UW -- and volleyball. She loves being in the gym. She loves being a NFL teams. coach and I love watching her coach.” Shortly after meeting Harnett, though, Stemke got a phone call from the Raid- ers, who wanted to sign him because of an “Punting wasn’t the love of my life,’’ volleyball and later coached the sport at injury to their punter. It turned out to be Kevin Stemke said. “I didn’t grow up want- Central Florida, among other stops. an offer that he could refuse. ing to be a punter. It happened to be some- “Coaching has always been in my family; “Lizzy had just gotten this great job,’’ he thing I was good at and I enjoyed being a it has definitely been in my blood,’’ Lizzy said. “I had just met the president (Har- part of a competitive sport. said. “I’ve always spent my summers going nett) of our company and I was pretty ex- “Lizzy loves the sport of volleyball. She to camps and clinics. So it was kind of a cited about my job. I said to leave it would loves being in the gym. She loves being a natural transition to make.’’ have to be worth my while.’’ coach and I love watching her coach. I love In this context, as an assistant coach, The Raiders rejected a signing bonus or watching her teach the game and interact Lizzy had no problem transitioning from commitment. Stemke said thanks but no with the players.’’ North Carolina to Nebraska, where she thanks. “When you turn down a team, it’s Lizzy got much of her passion for coach- was reunited with head coach John Cook, WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The word who had recruited her to Wisconsin. “He’s definitely a sounding “John has been a great mentor to me,’’ board for new ideas and Lizzy said. “I played at the highest level in this sport and John has provided fantastic issues that arise in the ath- is exciting. insight into what it takes to run a program letic world. He understands FREE at the highest level.’’ and appreciates everything North Carolina and Nebraska were building blocks and stepping stones for that athletes go through Especially when joined Lizzy Stemke’s career. and he knows the nature of Nobody was more cognizant of that than the job,” Lizzy Stemke said. with these words: Kevin, whose job offered him much needed flexibility. “He’s the perfect comple- “What’s really been neat,’’ he said, “is ment for me as a person that I’ve been able to continue to do what and for my profession.’’ I do as Lizzy has moved from volleyball FASTER coaching positions. I just work out of the house. “He’s definitely a sounding board for “As long as I have my cell phone, the new ideas and issues that arise in the internet and an airport nearby, I can pretty athletic world. He understands and appre- much get all the stuff done that I need to ciates everything that athletes go through INTERNET SPEEDS get done.’’ and he knows the nature of the job.’’ As such, Kevin has been invaluable to “He’s the perfect complement for me as Yet again, we’ve increased speeds for Lizzy during her learning stages in the a person and for my profession.’’ Charter Internet Express and Plus customers. business. Last December, Lizzy Stemke was “He’s been incredibly supportive,’’ she named the head coach of the Georgia Bull- For free. said. “I’ve been able to take fantastic op- dogs. portunities – which are the nature of the And it’s hard to tell who’s more excited, profession – and his job is to the point Lizzy or Kevin. Learn more or sign up at where he can make the moves easily. “We’re committed to a place where we’re “He knows that coaching is my passion. going to try and help them build a pro- charter.com/freefast And he has not only been very supportive gram,’’ he said. – moving where I’ve gone – but he’s been “I’m absolutely thrilled; we can see our- 1-877-958-7102 very emotionally invested in every oppor- selves here for a very long time,’’ she said. tunity that has come along. Sounds like a pretty solid tag team. ©2011 Charter Communications. Free speed increase for Charter Internet Express (going from 8 Mbps to 12 Mbps) and Plus (going from 16 Mbps to 18 Mbps) customers only. Service not available in all areas. Other restrictions may apply. The word FREE is exciting. Especially when joined with these words: FASTER INTERNET SPEEDS Yet again, we’ve increased speeds for Charter Internet Express and Plus customers. For free.

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©2011 Charter Communications. Free speed increase for Charter Internet Express (going from 8 Mbps to 12 Mbps) and Plus (going from 16 Mbps to 18 Mbps) customers only. Service not available in all areas. Other restrictions may apply. WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Hanson being named to the Syracuse Regional All-Tour- nament team after averaging THEN 10.5 points in UW’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, his fourth-straight tourney trip. Age: 28 Resides: New York, N.Y. (3 years) Family: Wife, Julie; dog, Milly Profession: Finance Degree: CLAYTON HANSON MEN’S BASKETBALL (2002-05) Finance, Real Estate (2006)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation “I spent the first 4 1/2 years out of school working for an investment bank while living in Chicago and New York. Earlier this year, I joined an investment firm in New York that invests primarily in public market securities. Outside of work, I try to play hoops when I can, completed my first triathlon last summer and am currently training for the New York City Marathon.”

How does your UW degree help you in your vocation? “The undergraduate business program at Wisconsin definitely helped prepare me for a career in finance. Equally as important is the education I got from Coach Ryan, his staff and my teammates. Coach stresses to his players that we achieve success through hard work and a team approach. I’ve been lucky enough to start my career working with people who share that same philosophy. There is no question that the disciplined approach and time management skills I developed at Wis- consin have been a huge benefit professionally.”

What is your favorite memory of Madison? “The energy and buzz of the city and campus… I’m biased, but to me it is pretty clear that the minute you step foot in Madison you are in the best college town in America.” THEN

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Piper (a five-time U.S. national team member) winning a gold THEN medal for Team USA in the 800-meter freestyle relay at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, breaking a 17-year-old world record in the process. Age: 27 Resides: Knoxville, Tenn. (3 years) Family: Single Profession: Phyisical therapy technician UW Degree: CARLY PIPER WOMEN’S SWIMMING (2002-06) Zoology (2006)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “I stayed in Madison for another year after graduation, then moved to Charlotte to train through 2008 (Olympic Trials) and then moved to Knoxville in September of 2008.”

Why did you choose to work in physical therapy? “I enjoy working with people and I had spent time in the training room for maintenance and when I had injuries at Wisconsin, so (physical therapy) is something I’ve always had stuck in my head.”

What were the highlights of your athletic career? “When we first broke into the top 10 at the NCAAs and when I made it to the Olympics, but really a lot of the team stuff. Things like winning relays at the Big Tens and just being a part of that whole team atmosphere.”

What is your favorite memory of Madison? “The whole city in general, it’s just a great place to live and go to school. There’s so much to do not related to the university but just the feeling of being in that city. You have the university, you have football and all the lakes and all that you can do; just the camaraderie that everyone has there whether you’re in athletics or just enjoying the city.” NOW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Licari being voted winner of THEN the WHA-TV Jim Santulli 7th Man Award by UW fans in 2006 ... or Licari wrestling with a Minnesota State player on the ice when the lights went out at the Kohl Center. Age: 27 Resides: Sun Prairie, Wis. (4 years) Family: Wife, Tammy; son, Isaac; dog, Beaux Profession: Mergers and acquisitions UW Degree: NICK LICARI MEN’S HOCKEY (2002-06) Accounting, Finance (2007)

Tell us about your family: “My wife is Tammy and we actually had a little boy four months ago named Isaac. I have a cold because of him right now (laughing). It’s everything everyone said it would be, but it is interesting. Brian Elliott got married this past Saturday and it was great seeing some of the guys, but I went home at 10:30 p.m. with my wife. I can’t function right now. I’m going on five hours sleep for four months straight, so it’s a little bit of a battle. But it is cool to see his little personality coming out and little things that look like myself or look like my wife.”

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “Other than work (at Baker Tilly in Madison), I’ve done a little coaching. I’ve coached a few AAA traveling teams in the first two or three years. I did it with A.J. Degenhardt for a little while, but then he moved. I did it one year with Kent Davyduke. The last two winters I’ve been an assistant coach at Waunakee High School. I like kids and it is a nice way to give back a little bit, get out on the ice and pass on things that you’ve learned.”

What is your best memory of being a student-athlete at Wisconsin? “Winning the 2006 NCAA championship, of course. Getting together with some of the guys, wheth- er at a wedding or wherever and kind of having mini-reunions is fun to remember the old times.” NOW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Owens’ last-second 3-pointer that capped the greatest NOW comeback in UW history, a dramatic 61-60 win over Tulsa in the 2003 NCAA Tournament. Age: 29 Resides: Missoula, Mont. (3 years) Family: Wife, Carmen Gust Profession: Assistant men’s basketball coach, University of Montana UW Degree: Life Sciences FREDDIE OWENS MEN’S BASKETBALL (2000-04) Communication (2005)

Where do you live and how long have you been there? “I have been living in Missoula, Mont., for the last three years, coaching at the University of Mon- tana.”

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “Since graduating from UW, I played professional basketball in Latvia for a year before returning back to start my coaching career. I started as an assistant coach at Adams State College in Ala- mosa, Colo., then took a graduate assistant position at Iowa State.”

What is your favorite memory of Madison? “My favorite memory of Madison is the awesome atmosphere for sporting events.”

What is your best memory of being a student-athlete at Wisconsin? “My best memory of being a student-athlete was being involved in all the different aspects of cam- pus life.”

THEN WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Bauer (who finished her career as the Badgers’ all-time lead- ing scorer) winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2006 and leading UW to back-to-back NCAA titles in ’06 and ’07. Age: 27 Resides: St. Catherines, Ontario (3 years) Family: THEN Single Profession: Teacher UW Degree: SARA BAUER WOMEN’S HOCKEY (2003-07) Kinesiology (2008)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “I took one year off before going back to school in 2009 for a two-year program at Teachers Col- lege. I finished this spring and received my master’s degree in education. I also played in the (Ca- nadian Women’s Hockey League) for a year for the Burlington team. There are some players from Wisconsin that have played there and it’s the league where a lot of the Olympic players play.”

What were the biggest highlights of your athletic career? “The two championships would be at the top of the list for sure. It was the first time I have ever won any championship for hockey and I’ve played hockey all my life. It was something special and I couldn’t believe we did it back-to-back.”

What is your best memory of being a student-athlete at Wisconsin? “No one particular memory stands out. It’s a special place and there are so many great opportuni- ties. The things we got exposed to day-in and day-out, the way we were treated as athletes and the education. I just enjoyed the whole experience.”

What is your favorite memory of Madison? “It sounds stupid, but I miss my scooter!”

THEN WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Jorgensen’s sweep of the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters titles at the 2009 Big NOW Ten Indoor Championships. She also was a cross country All-American after starting her UW career as a swimmer. Age: 25 Resides: Milwaukee, Wis. (2 years) Family: Single Profession: Accountant / Triathlete UW Degree: GWEN JORGENSEN SWIMMING/TRACK (2004-09) M.A., Accountancy (2009)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “I work part time for Ernst & Young as a CPA tax accountant. I am also a professional triathlete and part of USA Triathlon’s 2012 national team. I am sponsored by Timex and David Hobbs Honda, without whom I wouldn’t be able to pursue my goals. I work out about 20 hours a week and travel around the world for competitions. This year I have been to Spain, Mexico and Australia. Next up I will be going to London, Germany, Switzerland, China, and more for triathlons.”

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far? “I was named USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year last year and also received the 2010 USAT Elite Duathlete of the Year award, which were both great honors in my first year as a triathlete. I also fin- ished second at the World University Games last year. So far this year, I was third at a USA Triathlon elite race in Florida in March and I finished fifth at the ITU World Cup event in Monterrey, Mexico, in May. It’s also been great to come back to Madison and win the Crazylegs Classic the last two years, and I most recently won the Summerfest Rock ‘n’ Sole 10K in Milwaukee last weekend.”

What is your favorite memory of Madison? “Walking through campus with friends while eating Babcock ice cream.” THEN

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Boeser battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma prior to his junior season before becoming a NOW tri-captain and scoring two game-winners (including one in an NCAA tournament win over Ohio State) as a senior. Age: 30 Resides: Lakeville, Minn. (1 1/2 years) Family: Wife, Marisa; sons, Jake, Luke Profession: Entrepreneur UW Degree: DAN BOESER MEN’S HOCKEY (2000-04) Sociology (2004)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “I played hockey with a bunch of teams. I played for Houston and Milwaukee in the AHL, Elmira in the ECHL, Rockford in the UHL — won a championship there in 2007 — and then finished up in Muskegon in the IHL. I’ve lived in Lakeville, Minn., for about the past year and a half after retiring from hockey following four knee surgeries.” THEN What have been some of the highlights of your career? “Outside of hockey, getting married in 2004 and raising our two little boys is exciting. The older one (Jake), especially, is into skating lessons and starting to get into T-ball right now. That is fun to see.”

What is your best memory of being a student-athlete at Wisconsin? “There’s a lot of them. I got to play with a lot of current NHL players. I got to play for some big- time coaches – Jeff Sauer, Mark Johnson and Mike Eaves. It was a unique experience being in the middle of the transition. I got to meet numerous people I’m still in contact with today. A lot of friend- ships were formed. I think our class in particular, that 2004 class, helped start the new tradition. We made it to NCAAs and lost to Maine in overtime to go to the Frozen Four. [Dan scored the game-winning goal over Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA tournament that year to give the Badgers a 1-0 vic- tory.] That was a big turnaround from our junior year with the new coaching staff when our record was below .500.” WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Roh helping UW score its first-ever Big Ten title in the THEN second varsity eight and aid- ing a top-10 NCAA finish in the varsity four in 2008. Age: 25 Resides: Washington, D.C. (2 years) Family: Boyfriend, Adam Profession: Deputy press secretary for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray UW Degree: Political Science and MEGHAN ROH WOMEN’S ROWING (2004-08) Legal Studies (2008)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “Immediately after graduation I started work full-time in Gov. Doyle’s office as the Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff. After about 1 1/2 years I left Wisconsin for D.C. to serve as the Legislative Correspondent in Rep. Ron Kind’s office. I am currently working as his Press Assistant and will soon be starting a new job as Deputy Press Secretary in Senator Patty Murray’s office. Each Saturday, I tutor a neighborhood student in reading as part of my boyfriend Adam’s non-profit, the Grassroots Education Project. In my remaining free time I serve as secretary for the Wisconsin Alumni Association: DC Chapter, keeping me connected to Madison and other DC-area Badgers.”

How did your Wisconsin degree help you in your vocation? “UW-Madison was the perfect school for a political nerd like me. Not only is the Political Science department outstanding, the real-world experiences available being in the state capital only made it that much more valuable. I was also very fortunate to NOW work with the academic staff of the athletic department.”

What is your best memory of being a student-athlete at Wisconsin? “My favorite memory really wasn’t a particular victory or a certain award, but the moment when I realized how much I would miss being a Badger. It was a beautiful football Saturday morning my senior year and we were just about finished with practice. We took off towards Memorial Union and approached a handful of Badger band members walking along the shore, instru- ments in tow. As we passed them, almost as if out of a movie, they stopped and started playing ‘On Wisconsin’ as we rowed past. I sensed my senior boatmates sit up a little taller and row a little tougher, and we crossed the finish line just as the fight song had finished.” WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

You Might Remember... Blomquist as UW’s first-ever NCAA national qualifier, who THEN finished 18th at the 2001 NCAA Championship. A three- time NCAA regional qualifier, she still holds UW’s 72-hole scoring record (296). Age: 33 Resides: Boston, Mass. / Jupiter, Fla. Family: Single Profession: Golf Professional UW Degree: ALLIE BLOMQUIST WOMEN’S GOLF (1997-01) Mathematics (2001)

Catch us up on what you have been doing since graduation: “I turned professional and played in the U.S. Women’s Open at Prairie Dunes, Kan., in 2002, and played on the Futures Tour in 2002-03. I qualified through the LPGA Tour Qualifying School, and played on the LPGA Tour in 2004. I played a little bit on the Women’s Canadian Tour and Futures Tour again in 2005-06, before transitioning into teaching golf. I have really enjoyed teaching golf. I grew up with such great teachers and coaches in high school and college. I learned a lot from them.”

How does your degree help you in your vocation? “The golf swing is all about geometry and physics, so I use it a lot!” (Blomquist was a two-time selection to the Capital One Academic All-America first team, carrying a 3.93 GPA in physics and applied mathematics) NOW What is your favorite memory of Madison? “In September, going to the Farmer’s Market on the Capital Square Saturday morning, and then going to the Badger football game in the afternoon, as long as we didn’t have a tournament!”

What is your best memory of being a student-athlete at Wisconsin? “Hosting the Big Ten championship at University Ridge in 2000.”