ROUGH ROAD Sam Dekker (15) is fouled by Nebraska’s Shavon Shields during the Badgers’ game against the Cornhuskers on Sunday. Wisconsin edged Nebraska, 47-41, and have started action with a 2-0 record. PHOTO BY AP/NATI HARNIK IN FOCUS IN FOCUS UP FOR GRABS Jackie Gulczynski (35) and Minnesota’s Sari Noga fight for a during the women’s game on Sunday at the Kohl Center. Gulczynski tallied 19 points in the con- test, including going 3-for-5 behind the arc, but the Badgers couldn’t hang on, losing to the Gophers, 60-55. PHOTO BY GREG ANDERSON THROWBACK STYLE Men’s hockey captain John Ramage models the commemorative jersey that the Badgers will wear at the OfficeMax Hockey City Classic on Feb. 17. The alternate uniforms are reproductions of those worn by Wisconsin’s 1931-32 team. PHOTO BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO IN FOCUS

JANUARY 10, 2013 CONTENTS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 23

» MAN WITH A PLAN DEPARTMENTS His coaching career may have gotten off to an inauspicious start, but Gary Andersen’s path to 12 LUCAS AT LARGE 24 Madison has helped shape a plan for success at UW. by Mike Lucas 14 BEHIND THE DESK by 16 THE VOICE « RIGHT NOW by Matt Lepay 34 Kelly Sheffield has always kept his 18 BY THE NUMBERS focus on what was in front of Facts and figures on UW

him, an approach of embrac- 20 5 THINGS TO WATCH ing the present that now has Where to catch the Badgers him in control of UW’s future. on TV and the web 22 BADGERS GIVE BACK Wrestler Brad Nardick » BUCKLE UP 42 INSIDE SPORTS The Badgers have 42 Basketball, Hockey, battled their way to Wrestling a 2-0 Big Ten start, but the road only gets tougher as Wisconsin 52 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Derailing the Boilermakers dives into a very deep league.

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Friends help Frederick prep for next step isconsin center Travis “I would have certainly come is to take what I can do and use it in Frederick leaned on back to school if (the degree) was the NFL.’’ Wsome former teammates out of reach,’’ said Frederick, who As a youngster, Frederick ― John Moffitt, Bill Nagy, Peter graduated from Big Foot High dreamed about being a professional Konz and Kevin Zeitler ― while School at mid-term and enrolled at football player. weighing the plusses and minuses the UW in January of 2009. “But I had a teacher in the fourth of declaring for the NFL draft. His clock has been ticking ever or fifth grade that kind of squashed “I was able to get a sense of what since then. Cognizant that a player that dream,’’ he recalled. “I was told the process is like and what it takes has only so much time to capitalize that I would never play football in to get from Point A to Point B,’’ said on a football career; only so many the NFL. It was the best thing for Frederick, who has opted to skip snaps in him, why not get compen- me. his final year of eligibility with the sated? “And it was always something Badgers. “That’s one way of looking at it,’’ that stuck in the back of my head “It was not necessarily informa- Frederick said. as I focused on academics and the tion about making the decision, To this end, Frederick has re- opportunities seemed to grow and but more about what the NFL is tained a former Badgers offensive grow. like and what you have to do to put lineman, Joe Panos, as his agent. “In high school, I just wanted to yourself in a position to succeed. Panos, a UW icon, also represents play in college. And once I was in “They all said similar things Zeitler, a first-round pick of the college, you start thinking about about it being very much a job. Bengals in last year’s draft. that dream and hoping that you can Some said stay in school as long as Frederick left this week for Los perform at a high enough level to you can and take advantage of what Angeles, where he will train in get there.’’ you have here. Some said they re- advance of the scouting combine. Throughout this past season, ally enjoy playing in the NFL. What are the odds that he could Dan Voltz, a freshman redshirt, “It was actually good for me to wind up playing guard instead of was Frederick’s understudy. “Dan hear both sides: what was good center, like Konz in Atlanta? is a tremendous person and he has about the NFL or what was bad “That’s certainly a possibility,’’ grown a lot as a player in the last about it; what was good about stay- Frederick said. “Coach (Bob) Bos- year,’’ Frederick said. ing or what was bad about staying. tad (who’s now at Tampa Bay) al- He also suggested that if Voltz That factors into your decision.’’ ways said I was going to play guard. “takes as big of steps as he did from His parents and girlfriend played I think what helps me is the ability when he walked in here to where he a significant role in the process, too. to play both.’’ is now, between now to next sea- “They were very supportive ei- Frederick has refrained from son, he’s going to be a tremendous ther way,’’ he said. “And they did a speculating on what round he player.’’ good job of playing devil’s advocate, might be taken. Wherever he lands, Frederick which helped me play out situations But he pronounced himself ready promised that he would take a piece in my head.’’ to play in the NFL thanks to every- of Wisconsin with him as far as the Frederick, a computer engineer- thing that he has experienced at “relationships that I build through ing major from Sharon, Wis., will Wisconsin. the last four years. It’s the people complete his undergrad degree by “I’m ready because of the great I’m really going to miss.’’ taking his remaining credits off support that I’ve been given,’’ he These are some of the same campus; a major consideration in said. “That has made me a better people who groomed him to take his decision-making process. player, and what’s best for me now this next step.

12 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Looking back, and ahead, on Miami trip hey had a reunion of the last They’re not real flashy. But What he’s doing is what I antici- Notre Dame team to win a they’re tough and they’ve got a pated. I told that to anyone who Tnational championship the helluva group of athletes out there would listen. night before the BCS champion- running around. Nick Saban really I remember talking to Bill ship game in Miami. The place was recruits well. Polian, the former Colts executive packed. They’ve won three of the last four who is now working for ESPN, at I would guess 25 to 30 players years, which is unbelievable in this last year’s national championship showed up from the unbeaten ’88 day and age with as many guys as game. team. It was really fun to get back Saban loses to the NFL. It all starts He was telling me that he together again. I got a chance to with recruiting, too. thought Russell could have a great visit with Lou Holtz, Tony Rice and The reaction to Gary Andersen career in Canada. the Three Amigos. was very positive in Miami. That I said, ‘Bill, he can have a great Those were my three lineback- career in this league. He’s special.’’ ers: Frank Stams, Wes Pritchett It’s been fun to watch Russell and Michael Stonebreaker. As a I sent [Wilson] a and J.J. Watt and some of our other defense, we didn’t put up with text the other day guys in the playoffs. nonsense from anybody. And it all and wished him luck If it weren’t for them, I don’t started with them. know how much I would watch. If it was a big game, an intense, in his game and I got What has been neat for me is four-quarter game, those guys one right back. that I still stay in contact with Rus- weren’t going to let you get beat. It read, ‘‘Coach, sell. Lou used to call them toe-to-toe I sent him a text the other day heavyweight fights where you’re go- loved seeing you on and wished him luck in his game ing to find out who’s going to flinch. the sidelines. Wished and I got one right back. Our guys didn’t flinch. I could have played It read, ‘‘Coach, loved seeing you Neither did Alabama on Monday for you.’’ You don’t on the sidelines. Wished I could night. have played for you.’’ Oh, man, that was brutal. That know how good that You don’t know how good that was a no-contest from the begin- makes me feel. makes me feel. ning. Russell is doing in the NFL what Oregon would have been a more he was doing here for us at Wis- interesting matchup with their was from the guys at ESPN who consin. He’s converting third down speed and how they play. follow such things to the guys from after third down. He’s so accurate I don’t think Notre Dame played the West who are more familiar and he anticipates so well and his very well. They didn’t run the ball with Gary. feet always keep him alive. and they didn’t tackle. All of the football people who You’ve got those big palookas They picked the wrong possible were down there raved about the playing defensive end, and they’re time to play poorly. hire. Everybody appreciates that trying to contain him and he’s run- Alabama is a very well-coached, he’s a no-nonsense guy who has a ning around ― giving ground ― but and that’s on both sides of the ball presence. I kept hearing that over his eyes are always downfield. and special teams. They’re very and over again. Just think about all the people sound and efficient in everything I also kept hearing about Russell who wrote him off because of his they do. Wilson. height.

14 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS

Badgers adjust while waiting for thaw es, some of the numbers get “How are we going to have to only conference where scoring has your attention, and not in a get better?” Ryan asks. “Shoot it been difficult. Take a look at last Yvery good way. a little bit better. Finish stronger weekend’s Big East scores, and • 38 percent shooting around the basket. Get some con- you will see some games in the 40s • 20 percent from 3-point range fidence back at the line, and 50s. It happens, and while the • 41 percent from the free throw which I think can happen.” winning teams are aware there is line For those wondering ― yes, this work to do on the offensive end, I Playing in what many consider team spends ample time in prac- doubt many of them are offering the toughest league in America, tice at the free throw line. They up apologizes for failing to score and the Badgers’ early statistics will continue to do that. Even if the 50 points, but still getting out of might appear to be the ingredients team percentage was closer to 80 the arena with a victory. for an 0-2 start. than 40, the Badgers would spend As for the free throw shooting, Instead, Wisconsin’s record is keep in mind that, last year, Ryan just the opposite in the Big Ten Evans shot 72 percent from the play. “I have been line. There is documented evidence No, the games against Penn extremely proud of that he can knock down his throws. State and Nebraska were not He hit his final foul shots in Sun- pretty. Not exactly a “work of art,” our players in past day’s win. Maybe that can start to as Jared Berggren deadpanned af- years,” said Ryan. get him on the right track. ter Sunday’s game in Lincoln. Who “When we have hit He has been willing to make fun cares? The Badgers found a way to of himself, and he also knows that win, and once again, found a way tough snags, or hit when in doubt, opposing teams to win on the road. shooting slumps, will start hacking him at crunch In Bo Ryan’s time as Wiscon- that guys have been time. Evans will continue to work sin’s head coach, the Badgers have able to work them- on his shooting touch, and hope- had more road success in Big Ten fully that percentage will start play than any other team in the selves through it.” heading in the right direction. league. In the meantime, his head coach How did they add to that total at stresses that it is a good idea to Nebraska? a lot of time at the line. That is how embrace the challenge. “We did it with tough defense,” they go about practice. They try to “I kind of think it’s exciting for a said Ryan. “We got on the glass. be consistent in everything they person to work through a problem We took care of the ball.” do. like this,” Ryan said. “I think it will The Badgers really have taken “I have been extremely proud help (Evans) in the long run over- care of the ball. They are guilty of of our players in past years,” said come a lot of other things.” just 10 turnovers in the first two Ryan. “When we have hit tough So far this team has overcome conference games. In that regard, snags, or hit shooting slumps, that the inability to shoot very straight. at least they are giving themselves guys have been able to work them- Defense, rebounding and protect- a chance to score. The low scoring selves through it.” ing the ball have helped the Bad- totals have little if anything to do “We always have to keep in gers to a 2-0 start. If and when the with sloppy play. They simply are mind that other teams have to do shots drop on a more regular basis, missing a ton of shots ― but they it too.” perhaps this team has a chance to are winning anyway. Clearly, the Big Ten is not the become a bit more dangerous.

16 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS BY THE NUMBERS

MEN’S HOCKEY Since Wisconsin last played Minnesota State on Nov. 24, the teams have combined to go 14-1-3, with the Badgers going 5-0-3 during the stretch. They meet again this weekend in Mankato, Minn. 14 WOMEN’S9 HOCKEY The women’s hockey team owns a nine-game home winning streak in LaBahn Arena, spanning back to Oct. 19.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Following a three- performance against Nebraska, senior Jared Berggren moved into a tie with Kurt Portman 2.1 for fourth in career blocks in Wisconsin history. Berggren is averaging a Big Ten-best 2.1 blocks per game.

WRESTLING UW wrestler Tyler Graff moved down a weight class and up in the rankings. After posting an 11-2 record at 141 lbs., the junior from Loveland, Colo., dropped down to 133 lbs. for the Midlands Championships. He posted a 6-1 record and a third place finish, earning him a No. 3 ranking in the InterMat college rankings. Graff is a two-time All-American at 133 lbs., earning the honor in 2010 and 2011. 133 18 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 133 5 THINGS TO WATCH JAN. 10 - 16

FRIDAY 1/11 • 7:30 PM • AmericaOneSports.com

A great night for hockey • Men’s hockey at Minnesota State It’s a great night for hockey when the Badgers travel to Minnesota State to face off with the Mavericks. Wiscon- sin looks to avenge a pair of home losses to MSU and continue its unbeaten streak. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen online at AmericaOneSports.com. 1 SATURDAY 1/12 • 1:15 PM • BTN Home court advantage • Men’s basketball vs. No. 12 Illinois Wisconsin returns home to the Kohl Center to host No. 12 Illinois in a Saturday afternoon matchup. The game against the Fighting Illini opens a stretch of tough games for the Badgers as nine of their next 11 opponents are ranked. Fans can watch all of the action live on BTN at 1:15 p.m.

SUNDAY 1/13 • Noon • FOX 2 Badgers in the playoffs • Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons The NFL playoffs feature another Badger vs. Badger matchup as Seattle’s Russell Wilson, John Moffitt and Chris Maragos face Atlanta’s Peter Konz in a battle for the right to continue the season. Kickoff is slated for noon, live on FOX.

SUNDAY 1/13 • 1 PM • BTN 3 B1G road test • Women’s basketball at Michigan The Badgers travel to Michigan for a Big Ten road test when they face the Wolverines at the Crisler Center. The game will air live on BTN at 1 p.m.

TUESDAY 1/15 • 8 PM • ESPN 4 Toughest test yet • Men’s basketball at No. 5 Indiana Wisconsin leaves the friendly confines of the Kohl Center for a trip to Bloomington to face the Hoosiers. It will be the Badgers’ biggest road test of the season when they tip off against No. 5 Indiana at 8 p.m. ESPN will provide coverage of the marquee matchup. 520 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 2 4 BADGERS GIVE BACK ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: BRAD NARDICK

ommunity service is a priority for many Bad- to think five is enough). gers, but perhaps none more so than wrestler More importantly, I don’t want to take credit for any- C Brad Nardick. The senior from Northbrook, Ill., thing that other people deserve just as much credit for. leads all UW student-athletes in hours volunteered, There are a handful of people that I am surrounded by having completed more than 15 hours of community at Wisconsin that have really shown me the importance service since September. of using the position that we are in as student-athletes In addition to volunteering on his own, Nardick has and making the most of it. helped to organize several volunteer activities for his There are some great guys on our team that make it team, including a trip to the American Family Chil- a priority to give back and try to have an impact. We dren’s Hospital and the William S. Middleton Memo- have had a lot of momentum this year when it comes to rial Veteran’s Hospital in Madison. getting involved in the community, mainly because of Volunteering is an important component to the the great leadership in our program. overall experience wrestlers have at Wisconsin and is Connor Medbery is someone that all of our team- an act of giving that head coach Barry Davis encour- mates look to and respect. He works his tail off, and I ages. have no doubt he will be a national champion one day, “It is important for our guys to go out and perform but he’s also someone who is selfless when it comes to community service work,” Davis said. “It makes them helping people who need it. Jackson Hein and Scott understand the importance of giving to others; it rep- Liegel are the same way. They are tough as nails, but resents our department, our team and our university. they also have a great perspective on using their time at “I think everyone should do community service Wisconsin to have a positive impact on others. because it makes them appreciate what they have here Ben Cox, Dylan Ickowski, Tom Kelliher and Timmy at Wisconsin as a student-athlete,” continued Davis. McCall are all guys that have made a huge effort to vol- “It is good to see Brad doing that. It builds character unteer this year and have played a big role in making and a better world.” community service not only a priority, but also a great Here, in his own words, Nardick shares of his team bonding experience. experiences volunteering in the Madison community, I take a lot of pride in being able to say I’m on a team why he feels it’s important and the lessons he’s learned with such great people. It would be wrong for me to while giving back: take credit for my volunteer work without acknowledg- When I was asked to write this column, I was a little ing their influence and enthusiasm. hesitant at first for a few reasons; the first being that I Heading into my last year as a student-athlete at am not a professional writer (you will come to realize Wisconsin, I knew that I wanted to make the most of that shortly) so I was and am still a little worried that the opportunity since this would be the last time that any professors see who read this may decide I need to I had a chance to represent the Badgers on or off the spend a couple more years in school (my parents seem mat. One thing that has become clearer to me over the

22 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 BADGERS GIVE BACK ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: BRAD NARDICK

past five years is that, as much as you put into your being hurt were the worst possible things that could sport, the outcome is not always what you want it to be. happen, but after volunteering at different places in Throughout my career I have had to deal with cir- Madison and spending time with people who may be cumstances that have taught me a lot about humility sick, homeless or have lost their family, I have gotten to and perseverance. Through all of the injuries and losses see what a real challenge looks like. that I have dealt with over the years, the one thing I The lessons I have learned through doing commu- have realized is that you can’t always control what hap- nity service are every bit as valuable to me as the ones pens to you, you can only control how you react to it ― Coach Davis has taught me in the wrestling room. The something that the guys on our team would refer to as biggest thing I will take away from my experiences is “playing with the cards you’re dealt.” the outlook that, no matter how tough things can be, Learning that lesson happens at different times for whether in sports or in life, staying positive in the face everybody. For me, it happened while volunteering of a tough time is the most important thing someone throughout my time as a student-athlete. The athletic can do. department has done an amazing job of providing vol- This lesson was reinforced for me this summer unteer opportunities for the athletes at UW. when I was lucky enough to meet a kid named Jordan Some of those opportunities have had a big impact Vanstrom. Jordan is someone who will always stand on me. out to me when looking back at the volunteer work I In the beginning of the year, our team visited the have done. Jordan was diagnosed with a tumor in his American Family Children’s Hospital and the experi- brain when he was 12 years old. To fight his disease, ence has really stuck with me. The fact that a group of Jordan has had to undergo many chemotherapy and college athletes can walk into a room where a young kid radiation treatments this past year. Through it all, he is going through intensive treatments and put a smile stayed so positive despite the tough fight he had ahead on that kid’s face is amazing to me. As our team went of him. from room to room in the hospital, I was just amazed at Last month, a couple of my teammates and I visited how happy and positive all of the kids always were. Jordan at the Ronald McDonald House after he fin- The funny thing about community service is that I ished his last appointment at the children’s hospital. To think everybody who volunteers probably gets more out sit next to a kid who just beat cancer was a really amaz- of it than the people we are trying to help. On the days ing experience. To him we are supposed to be these big, when I have to go to practice and I may be a little beat tough heroes, but to me he has more guts and grit than up or cutting some weight, thinking about how positive I can even imagine. He has taught me a lot about hav- those kids are in the face of huge challenges is some- ing the right outlook when things get hard. thing that really inspires me. Jordan wasn’t dealt a great hand at 12 years old, but Volunteering really helps put in perspective what he sure played with the cards he was dealt ― and he real challenges are in life. I used to think that losing or won.

23 PLAN OF ACTION DAVID STLUKA PLAN OF ACTION From building a staff to recruiting to getting to know his players, Gary Andersen is tackling the transition

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

ne of Gary Andersen’s most prized tion: “The chief cause of failure and unhappiness possessions has yet to arrive at his is trading what you want most for what you want new mailing address. When it does in the moment. get to Madison, it will hold strong “The point is real simple,’’ Andersen said. “Set a sentimental value for Wisconsin’s goal. I’m a big goal-setter.’’ Ofootball coach. It will be emphasized when he huddles with his The keepsake is an American flag that adorned UW players for the first time on Jan. 22. the casket of his father, a World War II veteran. “Our kids,’’ he said, “will set goals the first day.’’ He already has a spot picked out for the flag in his At that time, Andersen will remind them, office at Camp Randall Stadium. “Don’t lose sight of those goals, because you can “It will be right next to my desk,’’ he said. “It’s get distracted and take the wrong turn if you al- going to be with me every single day.’’ low yourself.’’ Phil Andersen was a member of an infantry Funny he should bring that up. regiment that fought in the Battle of the Bulge. When Andersen took his first coaching job, his Later on, he impacted his son in many ways dad not only thought that he took the wrong turn during his formative years in . but that he was “crazy’’ for having turned onto a “Still does every day of my life,’’ Gary Andersen dead end street from a career perspective. said. “He just taught me to be who I am.’’ Fresh out of the , Andersen There was much to admire about his work ethic was serving as a grad assistant-volunteer coach at and toughness, he added. Ricks Junior College, where he had played, when “His consistency as a dad,’’ he said, “was there he got a call from the father of one of his former every single day.’’ teammates. Andersen subscribes to a time-honored quota- “Wally English got the head job at Southeastern Louisiana,’’ he recounted, “and he called one day “That was my first taste (of coaching),’’ -Ander and said, ‘I’ve got a job for $10,000 for you in Ham- sen said. “I’ll never forget it. Stacey (his wife) and mond, Louisiana (40 miles from Baton Rouge).’’’ I loaded up the car, grabbed a U-Haul and drove Andersen didn’t have to think about it. straight back to Utah from Hammond. “I said, ‘Yeah, I’m ready to go.’’’ “A couple of days later, I told my dad that I was Andersen was one of two assistants. Along with going to keep coaching and he was like, ‘You’re cra- English, who had been entrusted with resurrecting zy.’ He was taken aback by that one.’’ football on campus, they began recruiting players It all falls under the heading of “paying your for a start-up the following season. dues’’ in the profession, Andersen agreed. “We tried to bring back the program, but it didn’t “You’ve got to go through the good and the bad happen,’’ Andersen said. “They pulled the carpet to really understand what it takes,’’ he said. “It cre- out from underneath us before we really got start- ates work ethic, and it’s a special person who wants ed and canceled the program. to coach. Everybody’s drive is a little bit different. “We got the word maybe two or three days before “I’ve been through some great times and I’ve Thanksgiving.’’ been through some very tough times. But Stacey So, they never got beyond the weight room with and I have never once thought that we would do their players; they never got on the field. anything different.’’

26 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 One of those tough times was after Utah fired Andersen led Southern Utah to a 4-7 record ― Ron McBride in 2002. Andersen was the assistant bettering the win total of the three previous sea- head coach, the special teams coordinator and the sons combined, which lifted the program from No. defensive line coach under McBride. 102 in the I-AA power index to No. 36. “That was very hard,’’ said Andersen, who played Given a second chance to join Meyer at Utah, for McBride at Utah after transferring from Ricks. though, he couldn’t turn down the offer. “He was like a second dad to me. As a young coach, “Leaving was very difficult,’’ he admitted. “But I was highly tied into my mentor.’’ they elevated my assistant head coach to head Dismayed by the firing, he didn’t wait around to coach (at Southern Utah) and not one person on see who Utah would hire. Instead, he accepted the the staff was in jeopardy of losing their job. head coaching job at Southern Utah. As it turned “That made it easier, if you will. out, the Utes wound up hiring . “But it was still hard to leave those kids ― just Some feelers were extended to Andersen to see like what I went through at Utah State. if he would like to return as a Meyer assistant. But “Those were the two toughest days … very, very he felt like he needed to live up to his commitment tough days.’’ at Southern Utah and “get it moving’’ forward. Mission accomplished. ● ● ● ●

27 GARY ANDERSEN: THE FIRST 48 HOURS

In the days leading up to Wisconsin’s matchup against Stanford in the Rose Bowl, Andersen and “Trust is a huge thing for a few of his assistants tried to make the most of m e,’’ Andersen said. “I’ll their time in Los Angeles. bring that up many times “It was very educational for us as a staff,’’ he said, “because we could get together in a room and in that meeting. Trust is not watch recruits. We probably spent two days, six to something that you just put seven hours each day, watching tape.’’ Andersen also got to watch the Badgers practice up on a board and say, ‘OK, under interim coach Barry Alvarez. trust me.’ It’s something that “I was able to be around them a little bit,’’ he said builds up through time. It’s a of the players, “to understand how the kids prac- tice and see them physically. In a nutshell, it was a two-way street.” mini-spring ball.’’ In addition to what he said was a “quick evalu- ation of the kids who had been recruited previous to us getting here’’ there was “a lot of information During the game, Andersen stood on the far end in a short period of time. But it was very valuable.’’ of the UW sidelines, away from the benches. Andersen was booked into a separate hotel from “I really can’t state in words the feeling (on game the team. day),’’ he said. “You’re so invested in Wisconsin “My mindset was obviously to stay away,’’ he at that point and wanting them to get a victory so said, “and let the players go play and the coaches badly in that football game. go coach the Rose Bowl. It was all very positive, “At the end of the day, you’re not connected quite but very different.’’ as a coach yet, either. It was very unique.’’

28 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 Now that he’s settling into his Camp Randall of- Andersen said, “from who we are as a program fice, what’s the first order of business? to making sure they understand who we are as “Recruiting and continually maintaining the coaches. young men in the program,’’ said Andersen, who’s “We’ll introduce the assistant coaches to them. also in the process of completing his staff. “Those A lot of them have already met them. But we’ll do are the three major areas of emphasis. that in a formal environment and go through our “All are intertwined because there are so many core values.’’ different pieces to it. We were able to get out and Andersen will reinforce his “belief as a head touch many of those kids, not myself personally, coach’’ and “the belief of all these assistants’’ to but the coaches that were hired at that point.’’ have an open line of communication with the play- When the recruiting window opens up again, ers as a means to start them through the process. Andersen will be making home visits. “Trust is a huge thing for me,’’ he went on. “I’ll “Getting into a kid’s home,’’ he said, “is a big part bring that up many times in that meeting. Trust is of this piece of the puzzle.’’ not something that you just put up on a board and So is addressing the returning players on the say, ‘OK, trust me.’ fourth Tuesday of January. That’s when he will “It’s something that builds up through time. It’s hand out a policy manual which will cover his ba- a two-way street. It’s coach to player and player to sic philosophy on everything from A to Z. coach. It’s the most unique relationship ― other “It walks through a lot of different information,’’ than having a child ― I’ve been around in my life.’’ DAVID STLUKA 29 Unlike last season, when the numbers were down, Andersen on team success: the Badgers will sport a large senior class. “It has to do with a lot of “And the class will have a tremendous voice in a lot of things that we do,’’ said Andersen, who will things. It has to do with form a leadership council that includes representa- toughness. It has to do with tives from each of the classes. “The seniors will sit in the front row from Day faith in each other. It has to One because that’s where they deserve to sit. I be- do with the belief in the guy lieve in letting the kids communicate with me and next to you and the belief in make decisions that are important to the team.’’ Andersen breaks down the football calendar into the coaches.” quarters. The first quarter will be winter conditioning. Although the Badgers lost their strength and land impacts that continuity, too. conditioning coordinator, Andersen said three as- “With the youth in the program, you always want sistants are planning on staying: Brian Bott, Jamil to build toughness in the off-season and that will Walker and Jeff Zuhlke. be a big part of the direction that we’re going. “That will help a lot with the continuity,’’ said An- “We’ll challenge them physically,’’ Andersen said. dersen, noting that the presence of hold-over as- “We’ll challenge them mentally and then we’ll have sistant coaches Thomas Hammock and Ben Strick- some team activities that are fun. I also want it to

30 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 be challenging so they can bond as a team.’’ issues that the 2012 team had in finishing games The second quarter will be spring practice. and/or losing one-possession games, he said, “I “There will be obviously heavy competition at the won’t talk about the past really at all.’’ quarterback position,’’ Andersen said. “What we But there will be an open dialogue on what it want to have in a quarterback is a young man that takes to be successful. can change the game. “Those are things you discuss whether you were “You’d love to have a quarterback who can hurt undefeated or you didn’t win a game,’’ Andersen you with his mind, who can hurt you with his legs said. “You discuss the ability to finish the deal ― to and who can hurt you with his arm. Those are the win the fourth quarter. three things we’re going to put an emphasis on. “It’s in our plan to win (as documented in the “We want them to be able to be a leader. Quarter- manual) and they will learn that plan at the very backs lead in different ways. Some are more vocal. beginning. It will be broken down very simple and Some lead in the way they carry themselves. very precise to them. “The most important thing is when it’s third- “It has to do with a lot of things. It has to do with and-7 or fourth-and-1, those young men who walk toughness. It has to do with faith in each other. It into the huddle and look that quarterback in the eye has to do with the belief in the guy next to you and have to believe that they can get it done.’’ the belief in the coaches. The third quarter will be summer conditioning. “Finishing is all those things.’’ The fourth quarter will be the 2013 season. Gary Andersen is just getting started down this When asked if he would specifically address the road.

31

GREG ANDERSON THE HERE THE HERE

AND NOW

THE HERE AND NOW He didn’t spend his days dreaming about Wisconsin, instead focusing on what was in front of him. Now, the success that came from embracing the present has Kelly Sheffield in control of the Badgers’ future

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM isconsin volleyball coach Kel- ly Sheffield will never forget the exchange. Hit rewind to 1997. “What are you doing with Wyour life?’’ he was asked point-blank. Nothing like cutting to the chase, he thought. It was something parents would ask. “I think I’m living a pretty good life,’’ he replied innocently. Sheffield, then 27, was coaching juniors and club teams and running volleyball camps. He was doing a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, and staying active at the youth level. “I’d be in the gym hours after hours after hours taking notes from other coaches,’’ he said. At the time, in fact, he was working a camp for Denise Van De Walle. Besides being a Bowling Green legend ― the winningest coach in Mid-American Conference history ― Van De Walle was a trusted friend and looking out for Sheffield. ”What would you think about becoming a col- lege coach?’’ she asked. Now that was totally out of the blue. “I had no thought of going into the college game,’’ he said. Especially after spending the last seven years coaching high school-age kids. But the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. “I think it would be about the coolest thing in the world,’’ he told Van De Walle. That was directly from the heart. “If I get you a job, are you in?’’ she asked. Kelly Sheffield was all in. Van De Walle opened the door for him by plac- ing a call to the University of Houston. There was no underestimating her clout, ei- ther. “She made the Houston coach hire me,’’ Shef- field said. “He didn’t want to hire me.’’ There was no misunderstanding where Cou- gars coach Bill Walton stood. “I got a phone call the day before preseason practice,’’ Sheffield remembered, ‘and he said,

36 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013 “But when you’re here,’’ Sheffield said of the Field House, “you look back to how you got your start and how much people throughout the sport think of this place with such reverence. And to be handed the baton ... I’ve got chills right now thinking about it.’’

“All right, I don’t want to hire you but she tells me that I need to hire you, so you’re hired.’ “I packed my car in two hours, drove from Muncie, Ind., 20 straight hours to Houston in time for the second practice. That was somebody going out of their Lowe was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year way to give me the chance of a lifetime.’’ in 1990 after leading the Badgers to the confer- That was Van De Walle’s way. What did she see ence title. An NCAA first round match against Il- in Sheffield? linois drew nearly 11,000 to the Field House. “She saw somebody who was absolutely passion- In 1991, Lowe was diagnosed with cancer and ate and eager and willing to do anything and ev- died less than a month later. He was 35. erything,’’ he said. “At the time, I didn’t know a lot. Sheffield never got to meet Lowe. But it was something I was trying to be good at. “But I know what the volleyball community “You find your passion, and you go.’’ thought of him,’’ he said. That long winding road has led Sheffield to the So he adopted the Badgers. Badgers. “He (Shondell) was somebody I looked up to ― They were on his radar long before he was on he was my mentor,’’ Sheffield said. “He was the theirs. guy I learned the game from and this (Wisconsin) Sheffield, a Muncie native, was a product of was his favorite place, so it became my favorite Burris High School, which fielded one of the most place. successful volleyball programs in the country for “Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s ― when I 34 years under Steve Shondell, a Hall of Famer. was just getting started (in the profession) ― I In the early ’90s, Burris sent three players to the paid attention to Ball State (where Shondell even- Badgers: Angie Meyer, Marisa Mackey and Keylee tually landed) and Wisconsin.’’ Wright. One of Shondell’s best friends was Steve It was too far-fetched then to ever think that he Lowe, the architect of the UW program. might wind up in Madison beyond the two trips

37 VIDEO: GET TO KNOW KELLY SHEFFIELD that he made to the city for the Final Fours at the There was definitely a connection. UW Field House in ’93 and the Kohl Center in ’98. “He was really into it and very thorough and he Connecting the dots now, he conceded, “It’s sur- really had a good plan,’’ Alvarez said. “He came real. No question.’’ highly recommended from the people in the busi- In truth, he never had any longing to be at UW ness. despite his respect for the program and the school. “I just liked the way he presented his plan for “I don’t think you sit there during your coaching success and how he’s going to promote the pro- career and say, ‘I’d like to be somewhere,’’’ he ex- gram. Everybody I talked to, and there were some plained. “I’m somebody who puts everything into high-profile volleyball people, really felt that we where I am right then. were a diamond in the rough. We have everything “So it wasn’t one of those things where I said, ‘I’d we need to be a top-notch program.’’ love to be at Wisconsin.’ That’s just not how I op- There was another connection. erate. I don’t dream about being someplace else. “One of the things that I ask our outgoing play- “But when you’re here,’’ he said, his eyes canvass- ers is, ‘If you got to do it all over again, would you ing the Field House, “you look back to how you got have done this?’’’ Sheffield said. “That’s a critical your start and how much people throughout the question that I always ask. sport think of this place with such reverence. “I want every player to say it was fun, it was hard; “And to be handed the baton ― here’s this great there were a lot of ups and downs but if I had to do program ― it’s your turn. it over again, I wouldn’t have changed anything, I “I’ve got chills right now thinking about it.’’ would have made this decision. Sheffield conveyed that passion to UW athletic “Making sure it’s a good experience is really im- director Barry Alvarez. portant.’’ “We talked about excellence in all aspects of our That’s a page taken out of the Alvarez book. lives,’’ Sheffield said. “That’s one of the things that I expect,’’ Alvarez

38 » VARSITY JANUARY 10, 2013

“I want every player to say He’s got a good sense of humor and some pretty good players to work with at Wisconsin. it was fun, it was hard; there “We’re not starting at ground zero,’’ he said. were a lot of ups and downs “There’s a lot of talent and I think they’re hungry.’’ Because Sheffield was hired during semester but if I had to do it over again, break, he hasn’t been able to meet all of his play- I wouldn’t have changed ers face-to-face yet. But he has been on the phone anything, I would have made with them, including Lauren Carlini. PrepVolleyball.com ranked Carlini as the No. 1 this decision. Making sure recruit in the nation. Carlini, who will be a fresh- it’s a good experience is man next fall, was also named the Gatorade Na- tional Volleyball Player of the Year. really important.’’ “I want her to reach her potential,’’ Sheffield said of his personal expectations for the prep All-American setter from West Aurora, Ill. “That doesn’t change from a Lauren Carlini to anybody said, “when the kids leave that they can honestly else on the team. We ask them what their goals say they were supported well by their coach and are and we share with them what their possibili- they’re a better person. ties are. “I want them to say that they had support aca- “If you’re Lauren, a national team possibility, demically and they’re better athletically and if you’re going to get away with a little bit less. That they had to do it all over again, they’d come back.’’ bar is going to be a little higher. If you want to Sheffield feels like he’s the sum of his parts. “I’m play at that level, it’s always about reaching your a product of being surrounded by a lot of people potential. We’re going to work with every kid, we who know what they’re doing,’’ he said. “I just want them to reach their goals and their dreams. stole everything I could and things rubbed off.’’ “That never changes, no matter who it is.’’

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INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB

SCHEDULE (11-4, 2-0) Last Week Jan. 3 Penn State W, 60-51 Jan. 6 at Nebraska W, 47-41

This Week Saturday #12 Illinois 1:15 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 15 at #5 Indiana 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at Iowa 7 p.m. Jan. 22 #22 Michigan State 6 p.m. Jan. 26 #8 Minnesota 1 p.m. Jan. 29 at #15 Ohio State 6 p.m.

and five top-15 squads. Michigan ranks second in both polls, followed by No. 5/5 Indiana, No. 8/10 Min- nesota, No. 12/13 Illinois, No. 15/14 Ohio State and No. 22/18 Michigan State. With the exception of Indiana and Michigan, UW is slated to take on all four of those ranked programs twice this season. B1Gger picture: UW Wisconsin’s next 11 opponents own a combined mark of 91-14, and preps for tough stretch all but two have unblemished records Badgers dive into meat of conference slate at home. The Badgers’ road win at Nebraska on Sunday was huge when putting home-court advantage into he Big Ten has been the coming weeks. perspective, as the Big Ten’s home Tunanimously labeled This weekend, UW begins teams went 8-3 (.727) this past week. as the country’s most com- a stretch that includes 11 petitive conference in recent Big Ten contests in the next Seeking 60 years and this season is no month, with nine of its oppo- » The Badgers haven’t allowed more different. nents appearing in the latest than 60 points at home since a The Badgers are members AP Top 25 poll. 63-60 OT loss to Michigan (Jan. of the nation’s top-ranked The Big Ten leads all con- 3, 2012), a streak of 17 consecu- conference in terms of RPI ferences with six teams tive games. That run of 17 straight and will find out the extent ranked in this week’s polls, games is the nation’s longest active of that competitiveness in including two top-five teams streak.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE (8-7, 0-2) Last Five Dec. 23 at Green Bay L, 38-53 Dec. 28 vs. Delaware State* W, 83-54 Dec. 29 at Miami* L, 40-67 Jan. 2 at #25 Nebraska L, 52-70 Sunday Minnesota 2 p.m.

This Week Thursday RV Iowa 7 p.m. Sunday at RV Michigan 1 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 17 at #8 Penn State 6 p.m. Jan. 20 RV Ohio State 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at RV Iowa 7 p.m. Jan. 31 #8 Penn State 7 p.m. Feb. 3 Illinois 2 p.m. * at Miami Invitational, Miami, Fla.

Brown will miss season » Sophomore AnnMarie Brown has joined senior Taylor Wurtz in miss- ing the remainder of the 2012-13 season due to injury. Brown tore her right ACL in prac- tice on Dec. 18 and had surgery to Badgers will play with repair the knee on Jan. 4. Wurtz, who elected to take a medical red- nine for rest of season shirt due to a re-occurring back Injuries, transfers shorten Badgers’ bench problem, also had surgery last week. Both players are expected to return for the 2013-14 season. ue to two season-ending work with it. Just work with Dinjuries and two play- what you do have and worry Stephen ranks in the Big Ten ers transferring early in the about that.” » Senior Tiera Stephen ranks second season, the Badgers will have Kelsey hopes this experi- in the Big Ten with 2.9 steals per only nine players available the ence will aid next year’s team. game. The 5-foot-7 guard is also rest of the 2012-13 season. “I think this will help us in fifth in the league with 5.5 assists But that hasn’t stopped the the future,” she said. “It’s ben- per game. team from battling. efitting some of the ones that Stephen tied her career best with “This is what we’ve been have not had quite the playing nine assists against Florida Atlan- dealt,” said head coach Bob- time ... They’re getting that tic. She has six or more assists in 10 bie Kelsey. “We’re going to now.” games this, including the last four.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE (6-7-5, 4-5-5) UW a different team Last Five Zengerle, Kerdiles make impact for Badgers Dec. 8 Michigan Tech T, 3-3 (OT) Dec. 13 Alabama Huntsville W, 5-0 Dec. 14 Alabama Huntsville W, 4-1 he last time Wisconsin ers, Kerdiles made his UW Jan. 4 at Alaska Anchorage W, 5-3 Jan. 5 at Alaska Anchorage W, 1-0 Tplayed games against debut the following week- Minnesota State, the Bad- end, while Zengerle returned This Week gers were swept at the Kohl to the Badgers’ lineup two Friday at Minnesota State 7:30 p.m. Center by the Mavericks in weeks later. Saturday at Minnesota State 7 p.m. what, at this point, looks like The Badgers have been Next Five the low point of the season. playing like a different team Jan. 18 Miami (Ohio) 8 p.m. The Badgers dropped a ever since, with two threat- Jan. 19 Miami (Ohio) 7 p.m. pair of 4-2 games to MSU ening scoring lines, solid de- Jan. 25 Alaska Anchorage 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24, which fense and more goals. Wis- Jan. 26 Alaska Anchorage 8 p.m. snapped a seven-game win consin is 5-0-3 since that Feb. 1 at North Dakota 7:30 p.m. streak for UW against the MSU series. Mavericks at home. It was The Mavericks have been end, stands 4-1-3 on the road. The also the first-ever sweep in hot, too, winning 11 of their Badgers are 3-0-1 in their last four Madison for MSU. last 12. It shapes up for a road games, including a win and tie The Badgers were without great matchup in Mankato. at then-No. 5 Denver. UW looks for two key elements to their more of the same this weekend at team that weekend ― junior Road Rules No. 11 Minnesota State. forward Mark Zengerle and » Wisconsin has been suc- It isn’t the power play, as the Bad- freshman forward Nic Ker- cessful away from home, gers have just one power-play goal diles. Two of Wisconsin’s and after sweeping at Alas- on the road, but they do have a pair most potent offensive play- ka Anchorage last week- of short-handed tallies.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LA DUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (12-6-2, 8-6-2-2) Last Time Out Dec. 8 #8 North Dakota W, 3-2 Dec. 9 #8 North Dakota W, 3-2

This Week Friday #9 Ohio State 7 p.m. Saturday #9 Ohio State 7 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 18 at North Dakota 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at North Dakota 7 p.m. Jan. 25 #1 Minnesota 2 p.m. Jan. 27 #1 Minnesota 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at St. Cloud State 2 p.m.

2013 IIHF Women’s Under-18 World Championship in Finland, Dec. 29- Jan. 5. Sydney McKibbon and Sarah Nurse won gold with Canada, while Jenny Ryan took home silver with the U.S. squad. Additionally, former Badger Car- olyne Prévost won gold with the Ca- nadian U-22 team in the 2013 Meco Cup in Germany, Jan. 2-6. With all the winter international What you missed over competition going on, the Badgers used their 3 ½-week break to rest up Badgers’ winter break and prepare for the second half of the International call-ups highlight UW’s time off season. The team returned to the ice on Jan. 4 for a scrimmage against the ith the announcement Three current Badgers, Minnesota Whitecaps, winning 4-0. Wof the NHL lockout Courtney Burke, Brianna Jorie Walters played the entire game, coming to an end, some have Decker and Alex Rigsby, making 18 saves in the shutout. been exclaiming that “hock- along with former players Wisconsin now returns to regular- ey is back.” Hilary Knight and Jessie season action with a pair of games The only problem is that Vetter, skated at the U.S. against Ohio State this weekend at hockey never left! And that is women’s senior team’s win- LaBahn Arena. especially true for nine Bad- ter training camp in Blaine, As the NHL makes its comeback, gers who were utilized by Minn., Dec. 27-31. the Badgers look to take back to the U.S. and Canadian national Three future Badgers put ice and finish off the second half of teams during winter break. their skills on display at the the season on a high note.

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INSIDE WRESTLING BY ANNA POULTER-HENDRICKSON @Badger_Wrestle

SCHEDULE (5-2, 2-0) This Week Sunday #11 Michigan 1 p.m.

Coming Up Jan. 18 at #1 Penn State 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at #5 Ohio State Noon Jan. 25 Indiana 7 p.m. Jan. 28 vs. #21 Purdue * 6:30 p.m. * Hinsdale, Ill.

For head coach Barry Davis, the in- tensity of the second half of the sea- son is when it gets real and when it is time for everyone to step up their game. “The second half of the season is more intense,” said Davis. “You have to tighten your skills up and keep building on what you already have but with more perfection in your skill work.” For Wisconsin, there won’t be an easy dual meet. “Every weekend is going to be tough,” continued Davis. “Every bout is going to be tough. As a team we Second half of season stress that. And we as a staff have to be on our ‘A’ game with these athletes will test Badgers to make sure they are where they UW will face four ranked opponents in Jan. need to be.” At the end of the month, the Bad- gers will be able to look back and re- he first half of the sea- year with a strong showing flect on what they are made of. The Tson came as a pleasant at the Midlands Champion- new year provides a new opportunity surprise for the Badgers. Af- ships, placing three wres- for Wisconsin to write its destiny. ter finishing a campaign in tlers on the podium at third 2011-12 that left a lot to be place. Redshirts shine at Midlands desired, UW has come out But, with five league du- » Badger fans got a glimpse of the strong in 2012-13, posting a als in the month of January future at the Midlands. Isaac Jor- 5-2 record ― including going ― including four against op- dan finished third at 157 lbs., Jesse 2-0 in Big Ten Conference ponents ranked higher than Thielke placed sixth at 133 lbs. and action. the No. 22 Badgers ― the Rylan Lubeck posted a 3-2 record Wisconsin wrapped up the new year won’t be easy. at 141 lbs.

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Ben Brust led UW over Purdue with 13 points, as the Badgers had five players score in double-digits.

January 12, 2012 Derailing the Boilermakers The men’s basketball team recorded its first win at Mackey Arena since 2005 and just its second road win against Purdue since 1972 with a 67-62 victory.

January 11, 1975 WELCOME HOME: The first varsity women’s basketball home game is played, a 45-38 win over UW-Green Bay. The team went 11-7, and 6-2 at home, in its first year of intercollegiate competition under coach Marilyn Harris. ALSO January 14, 1998 THIS THE END OF AN ERA: The men’s basketball team defeated Penn State, 76-57, in WEEK its final game at the UW Field House. January 15, 1967 SUPER BOWL BADGERS: Ken Bowman became the first former Badger to play in the Super Bowl when he suited up for the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl I.

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