Varsity Magazine Vol 3 No 25

REASON TO CELEBRATE Michael Mersch (25) and Derek Lee (23) celebrate with Joseph LaBate (16) after LaBate scored the lone goal in the Badgers’ 1-0 upset over No. 8 Miami at the Kohl Center last Friday. Having won seven of its last eight games, the Badgers are back in the national polls claiming No. 20 in this week’s USCHO.com poll. PHOTO BY DALE STEENBERG IN FOCUS IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

FINALLY The women’s basketball coaches celebrate on the bench during the Badgers’ 68-49 win over Ohio State on Sunday. The win snapped a 20- game losing streak to the Buckeyes, dating back to the 2000-01 season. PHOTO BY GREG DIXON IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY Wisconsin’s Dean Talafous capped an incredible comeback in the 1973 NCAA semifinals, scoring at 19:55 of the third period against Cornell to help the Badgers finish a comeback from 4-0 and 5-2 deficits (Stan Hinkley pictured celebrating). He then scored again with 33 seconds left in overtime to send the Badgers to the championship game against Denver, where they would produce another comeback and defeat the Pioneers, 4-2, for UW’s first NCAA title. Wisconsin’s 1973 NCAA championship team will be honored during Friday’s game against Alaska Anchorage at the Kohl Center. ARCHIVE PHOTO IN FOCUS

JANUARY 24, 2013 CONTENTS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 25

» ON TO THE NEXT ONE A big road win followed by a pair of tough losses. DEPARTMENTS Welcome to life in the nation’s most difficult league, where the Badgers must quickly turn the page to 12 LUCAS AT LARGE 22 what comes next — a Border Battle clash. by Mike Lucas 14 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez « YOU AGAIN? The Badgers are 16 THE VOICE 30 by Matt Lepay well-acquainted with No. 1-ranked Minnesota, 18 BY THE NUMBERS which comes to Madison for Facts and figures on UW the latest renewal of women’s 20 5 THINGS TO WATCH college hockey’s best rivalry. Where to catch the Badgers on TV and the web

46 INSIDE SPORTS » BALANCED Basketball, Hockey, BADGERS Wrestling 36 Quarterbacks are 56 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY central to Andy Ludwig’s plan Century club of attack, but UW’s tradition of power running is here to stay.

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Boulware brings ‘special’ skills to Badgers

ithin a two-year window, coaching the kids the same way as common goal.’’ Jay Boulware experi- when we won the national cham- In the bigger picture, Boulware Wenced the highest of pionship as when we won three said, “We want to play great special highs ― celebrating a BCS champi- games. I just grinded it out. teams. We don’t want to turn the onship ― and the lowest of lows in “I felt really bad not only for ball over on offense. We want to the coaching profession. those kids but for the (Auburn) score in the red zone and we want In early December, Boulware was fans. I feel like it’s our responsibil- to win the fourth quarter.’’ one of the assistants on the Auburn ity as coaches to put out a better Boulware has learned not to take staff that was not retained after Gus product than what we were doing anything for granted. At the Uni- Malzahn replaced Gene Chizik, who there.’’ versity of Texas, he was an offensive was fired after a 3-9 season. It was during Boulware’s tenure lineman who had to give up the “To win a national champion- with the Tigers that he was able to sport because of a heart condition. ship is what we all hope and dream renew his friendship with Ander- So he turned to coaching. and aspire to do as coaches,’’ said sen from the other side of the field. As a Northern Illinois assistant, Boulware, 40, who has been named Both had coached together at Utah. Boulware learned from head coach as Wisconsin’s tight ends coach on In the 2011 season opener, Joe Novak and offensive coordina- Gary Andersen’s staff. Auburn escaped with a 42-38 win tor Dan Roushar, who has been “But it just kind of happened. over Utah State by overcoming a calling plays for the last seven years You put your head down after a win 10-point deficit in the final minutes at Michigan State. and start thinking about your next on the strength of some big plays It was then that Boulware first opponent and what you could do from Boulware’s special teams. crossed paths with Thomas Ham- better than the week before. In their first game after winning mock, a hardcore Northern Illinois “It wasn’t until the clock hits all the title, Boulware warned everyone tailback who was also forced to stop zeroes and the confetti is coming that Andersen would have his play- playing football because of a heart down that all those things start run- ers ready. “I knew that he was going condition. ning through your mind and you to come after us,’’ he said. “And Boulware has now been reunited think, ‘We did it ― I can’t believe they kicked our butts. with Hammock, who was retained it ― but we did it.’’’ “He had a great passion for his by Andersen. Hammock, a former Auburn capped a perfect 14-0 players.” UW grad assistant under Barry season with a 22-19 win over In turn, they played extremely Alvarez, has coached the running Oregon in the 2011 BCS National hard for Andersen. That will be the backs the last two seasons. Championship Game. Boulware formula at Wisconsin. Boulware remembered driving not only coached the tight ends but “Part of our plan to win here is up from DeKalb, Ill., and visiting coordinated all the special teams to play great special teams,’’ said with Alvarez and his staff in the late for the Tigers. Boulware.”It’s something that we’re ‘90s. “We go out on the field,’’ he Boulware’s units were among the going to preach to our guys and said, “and I saw that Gibson kid do best in college football again last every coach on this staff is going to a handstand at 300 whatever.’’ season. But it mattered little since have a part of it. Aaron Gibson was a 378-pound so many other areas had fallen into “It’s not just a ‘me’ thing, it’s a All-American offensive tackle who disarray, coinciding with Chizik’s ‘we’ thing. We call it ‘we-fense.’ It’s could do the splits. fall from grace. not just offense, not just defense. “I admired Wisconsin from afar,’’ “I had my head down,’’ Boulware It’s a combination of offensive and Boulware said. “And now I’m tick- said, “and I’m just working and defensive kids playing together for a led to death with my opportunity.’’

12 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

NCAA on right track with rule reforms ’ve been impressed by NCAA continually challenging the NCAA, the evaluations, but Rob was the president Mark Emmert and his it has to be addressed. one who organized everything. He Ieffort to streamline and sim- It’s easy for anyone to say, “Clean assigned the assistants to the areas plify the rulebook. He understands it up. There are too many rules.’’ where they would recruit and he set the problems and he’s on the right But I think the NCAA is moving up the schedules. track. in the right direction under Presi- Rob made you work, too. He More importantly, he has some dent Emmert. made guys responsible and ac- solutions. They’re cleaning things up ― countable for their specific recruit- The latest reforms will eliminate things that are very difficult to fol- ing areas and for getting certain about 25 pages from the rulebook, low and trace. people there. He stayed on top of and the NCAA will get away from everything. the micromanaging that has been I think the NCAA is I know it made my job as a head going on with recruiting and some coach a lot easier knowing that he other things. moving in the right had our people in place to handle Coaches can make unlimited direction under Presi- recruiting. He was an indispensable contacts with recruits through tex- dent Emmert. They’re member of our team. ting and social media. If you want In those first few years, we really to work hard, or harder than the cleaning things up. recruited well. It had to do with next guy, and text a lot, you can do having Rob ― who didn’t have a po- that. The NCAA is even going to allow sition to coach ― and having some But everybody has a cell and it schools to have recruiting coordina- assistants who could be trusted in shows who’s contacting them, so tors again. recruiting. the kids don’t have to respond if The coordinators no longer have I had worked with many of the they don’t want to. That relieves to be a member of the coaching guys in the past and I wasn’t going our compliance people from having staff. to bring in anybody here unless to go over all the phone logs. I especially like it for football. they were a good fit and they were In the past, if some coaches I don’t know why they went away going to get the job done. wanted to cheat, they could cheat. from it in the first place. I could trust Dan McCarney and They could buy disposable phones One of the benefits is that you Bernie Wyatt and I knew that they or do some other things that you will have one person who will have were going to recruit very hard. I can’t track to get around the rules. a good feel for the entire recruiting knew Kevin Cosgrove and how he Deregulation just makes sense in class. They will study the board and recruited, and I knew what I was some of these areas. know what your team needs are. going to get out of him. Last year, there were some If you have a position coach I had continuity with my staff, changes to the enforcement struc- who’s not only worried about not unlike what Gary (Andersen) ture which I also agreed with. That coaching a group of guys and re- has with his staff. included holding head coaches cruiting a specific area but oversee- From what I know of his new as- more accountable for what their ing every else in recruiting, it can sistants, it seems like a good mix to assistants were doing. get convoluted. me. I don’t know them well beyond I want to hold all coaches ac- When I came to Wisconsin, my one conversation. But the fact that countable. If somebody is flagrantly recruiting coordinator was Rob Gary has worked with most of them breaking the rules and not paying Ianello. tells me something. attention to what is being said and He didn’t necessarily do all of He can trust them.

14 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS

Madness is already underway in Big Ten here seems to be little, if any, argument that the Big T Ten is college basketball’s best conference. Not only is the top half of the league strong, but it ap- pears that everyone is dangerous. At home, or on the road. While protecting the home court is an annual theme, this year home security is proving to be anything but a given. Through about one third of the conference season, winning in a team’s friendly con- eye injury to Frank Kaminsky. The teams in this conference will spend fines is about a 50-50 proposition. flu bug that caught up with George the next several weeks beating up Yes, under Bo Ryan the Badgers Marshall. And a pair of close losses on each other. As of this writing, have enjoyed incredible success to Iowa and Michigan State. Michigan State leads the pack with at the Kohl Center, but in such an Now, a deep and athletic Minne- a 6-1 record. To MSU’s credit, it evenly-balanced league, we have sota team comes to town for a Sat- has closed out the tight games very discovered it is unwise to simply urday afternoon game at the Kohl well. assume the home team will always Center. The latest in a series of dif- The best teams finds ways to win prevail. ficult challenges that will continue the close ones, but even a diehard Indiana found out the hard way through the Big Ten tournament in Michigan State supporter might last week in Bloomington, courtesy Chicago, and hopefully beyond. need to admit that Sparty is walk- of Wisconsin. A Badgers-Gophers game ing a fine line, especially in this Illinois found out much the usually has fans excited, as does league. Especially this year. same last week in a home loss to a Badgers-Spartans matchup. After last week’s inspiring ef- Northwestern. This year, every conference game fort at Indiana, the Badgers’ head Minnesota found out more of should get our attention. After Sat- coach talked about being a believer the same in a home loss to Michi- urday’s game, the next home date in the saying “What you did yester- gan. is the Feb. 6 rematch with Iowa. day means little today.” That was And yes, the Badgers fell two Eleven days later the Buckeyes his way of saying there is a long points short on Tuesday night come calling. Then it’s Michigan. way to go, and the focus should against Michigan State. March Madness? In the Big Ten, always be on “next.” On and on it goes in what is the madness is well underway. That saying applies now as well. shaping up to be a wild conference Some observers firmly believe Certainly Tuesday’s game was race. the league champ could have four there for the taking, but off-target Last week I wrote about how the or five losses. That alone might shooting proved costly. That game Badgers have every intention of be- not be startling, but keep in mind is done, so you move on. ing a serious player in the Big Ten ― for what it is worth ― in this There is another big game on title chase. At the same time, I sug- week’s AP and coaches’ polls, there the horizon. How big? Really big. gested that it is realistic to expect are five conference teams ranked The biggest game they will play some bumps along the way. in the top 15. this season ― until the next game Well, here are those bumps. An It is easy to get the sense that on the schedule.

16 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS BY THE NUMBERS

MEN’S BASKETBALL Bo Ryan’s .712 (136-55) win percentage in Big Ten games is the best mark of any coach in league history. OSU’s Thad Matta (101-42, .706) is second. .712

WRESTLING MEN’S HOCKEY Known as the toughest wrestling conference in the 9nation, the Big Ten boasts nine heavyweight (285 lbs.) Wisconsin owns a five-game win streak over wrestlers in the top 20 of the InterMat rankings, includ- Alaska-Anchorage, including 13 straight ing Wisconsin’s No. 11-ranked Connor Medbery. Med- victories over the WCHA foe in Madison. The bery is the only freshman on the list and owns a per- Badgers have not lost to Alaska-Anchorage fect 9-0 record in dual meet competition this season, at home in over eight years, last falling to the including a 5-0 mark in the Big Ten. Seawolves, 2-1, in Madison in 2005.

2005

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Morgan Paige went a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line against Ohio State on Sunday, extending her streak to 23 straight makes. The junior is now two free throws short of 23 tying the UW record of 25 consecutive free throws made.

18 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013

5 THINGS TO WATCH JAN. 24 - 30

FRIDAY 1/25 • 2 PM • InsideBadgerSports.com

Border Battle • Women’s hockey vs. Minnesota Wisconsin kicks off a weekend full of Border Battle matchups with a hockey game against the Gophers. Watch live on InsideBadgerSports.com as the Badgers try and snap Minne- sota’s 32-game unbeaten streak. The puck drops at 2 p.m.

1 FRIDAY 1/25 • 7 PM • BTDN Code red • Wrestling vs. Indiana Put on your best Wisconsin shirt and join the Badgers as they take the mat against the Hoosiers Friday night at the UW Field House. Wisconsin will try to defend a perfect 4-0 home dual record. First match is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on BTDN via InsideBadgerSports.com.

SATURDAY 1/26 • 8 PM • FSN Wisconsin+ 2 Great day for hockey • Men’s hockey vs. Alaska Anchorage The Badgers put a five-game win streak against the Seawolves on the line this weekend. Watch UW play its first WCHA home games since Dec. 7-8 when it hosts Alaska Anchorage live on FSN Wisconsin+ at 7 p.m.

SUNDAY 1/27 • 4 PM • NBC 3 2013 Pro Bowl • AFC vs. NFC, NFL Pro Bowl The best of the best will take the field on Sunday to play one final time. Join former Badgers Russell Wilson, Joe Thomas, J.J. Watt and Owen Daniels in Hawaii for the 2013 Pro Bowl live on NBC at 4 p.m.

TUESDAY 1/29 • 6 PM • ESPN 4 Basketball at the Buckeyes • Men’s basketball at Ohio State The schedule doesn’t let up in the Big Ten as the Badgers hit the road to face a top-25 opponent for the third-straight game. Fans not making the trip to Columbus can watch the Badgers battle the Buckeyes live on ESPN at 6 p.m. 520 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 2 4 ON TO THE NEXT ONE DAVID STLUKA ON TO THE NEXT ONE In rugged Big Ten, Jared Berggren and the Badgers have no choice but to turn page quickly — especially with Minnesota in town for a rivalry showdown

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM fter Minnesota’s Rodney Williams unleashed a 360-degree dunk against North Dakota State, he so- lidified his high-wire act in the Big Ten despite stumbling awkwardly Aon the landing. Even with his lofty status, Williams has been challenged this season by Wisconsin’s Jared Berggren, who has had a handful of monster dunks worthy of ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10. There was Berggren’s spin and takeoff from the free throw line which resulted in a nasty flush over Penn State’s Sasa Borovnjak, an in- nocent bystander. That was sweet. But it still paled by comparison to his throw- down at Indiana. Taking a feed at the top of the key, Berggren used a left-handed dribble to get past Cody Zeller and then posterized Victor Oladipo with a vicious right-hand slam. When it was suggested to the 6-foot-10 Berg- gren that he may have caught some unsuspect- ing defenders by surprise with his athleticism out on the floor and ability to elevate, he agreed. “Yeah, I think that’s fair to say,’’ he said. “I might have even surprised myself with a few of those. I’ve had a couple where my teammates have found me in good spots. “I’ve been attacking the basket, I’ve found a lane ― the defense was late to react ― and I’ve been finishing strong. I might have surprised a few people. Hopefully I have a couple more up my sleeve.’’ Berggren, a senior from Princeton, Minn., will get a chance Saturday to renew his friendly rivalry with Williams, a senior from Minneap- olis, when the Badgers face the Gophers at the Kohl Center. On many possessions, Berggren will be matched against another old rival, Trevor Mbakwe, a senior from St. Paul and one of the more tenacious low-post defenders and scor- ers in the Big Ten. “I know what they’re capable of,’’ Berggren said of Williams and Mbakwe. “I’ve seen them play and I’ve played a few years with them in DAVID STLUKA

24 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 “It’s definitely fun playing against my home state school,’’ Berggren said. “I know a lot of my family and friends who live back there (Minnesota) get pretty excited about it. A lot of them are actually Gopher fans with the exception of when we’re playing them.’’

AAU. I know how extremely athletic both of them are. “If you give them space, they’re going to jump right over you and throw it down. We’re going to have to stick to our defensive rules, play them physical and not let them run and get in transition.’’ The Gophers can keep their prime-time players fresh because they have so much depth. “They have guys who come in and play extremely hard,’’ Berggren said, “and as soon as they get tired, they have a whole new wave of guys who come in. They have depth at all posi- tions.’’ Saturday’s home game is important for many reasons ― not the least of which is obvious to Berggren, who stressed, “It’s the next game in a loaded Big Ten schedule.’’ Beyond that, it’s another chapter in the Bor- der Battle. “It’s definitely fun playing against my home state school,’’ Berggren said. “I know a lot of my family and friends who live back there (Minne- sota) get pretty excited about it. “A lot of them are actually Gopher fans with the exception of when we’re playing them.’’ He paused before chuckling and adding, “I think most of them will still be cheering for me.’’ ● ● ● ●

25 JOHN FISHER

erggren would like to have one dunk back. “We wanted to make them think about guys help- That would be the one that he couldn’t fin- ing and if they did kick it out, we wanted to fly to Bish Tuesday night in the second half against the shooters. On penetration, the next guy needed Michigan State. to step up and everybody had to rotate. With the Badgers trailing 47-44, Berggren was in “There was nothing different with the game plan. a position for a “deuce and one’’ but couldn’t com- But we executed it pretty well.’’ plete the play after being fouled by Keith Appling That certainly was not the case at the offensive and missed two free throws. end for the Badgers. “To come away empty on that possession,’’ Berg- “They’re a good defensive team and they had a gren said, “definitely hurt us.’’ good game plan, too,’’ Berggren said of the Spar- Berggren and his teammates felt nothing but tans. “I thought I was getting a decent number of emptiness after the 49-47 loss to the Spartans. Not touches inside. Maybe they could have been deeper. only did they shoot just 29 percent from the field, “But I was getting the ball around the block. They but they missed 11 of 18 free throw attempts. were squeezing a little bit, but they weren’t coming That erased all the good things that they did, with a full double-team like some people have been starting with their defense, which completely nul- doing recently. lified Michigan State’s twin towers, Adreian Payne “So I was able to start making a move and kick and Derrick Nix. They combined for four points. it out. I know in the first half we had some pretty “We really did the same things that we do with good success with that ― me kicking it out and guys any good post players,’’ Berggren said. “We tried to knocking down 3-pointers off it. keep the ball out of their hands as much as possible. “In the second half, the shots weren’t falling but “If they were going to catch it, we wanted to make we were getting some of the same looks. A lot of them catch it away from the basket and not with credit goes to them and some of the blame to us. deep position. If they were going to put the ball on The shot selection wasn’t perfect.’’ the floor, we wanted to squeeze them a little. ● ● ● ●

26 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013

ike his teammates, Berggren has no “We know what the Big Ten is all explanation for the lack of success at Lthe foul line. about,” Berggren said. “We know “We work on free throws every single every game is going to be a battle. day in practice,’’ Berggren said. “Guys are knocking them down; I’m knocking them That makes it fun. We have to turn down then. To shoot that poorly (against the page and get refocused.” Michigan State) was inexcusable. “I knocked down my first free throw and it felt fine. Every time I shot it, I thought, ‘It’s good.’ All of my misses were in the ex- act same spot. I was pushing it long, and it was catching the back rim.’’ But he emphasized that it’s correctable. “It still hurts and it’s frustrating,’’ he said of the Badgers’ fourth-straight loss to the Spartans. “Defensively, we played well. Rebounding-wise, we took care of business. “I thought we played hard, we played tough. We did all the little things that you need to do beat a team like Michigan State besides shooting the ball and knocking down free throws. That cost us.’’ Berggren’s slump has extended from the free throw line to the 3-point arc. Brian Butch went through a similar stretch during his senior year. “My mindset right now is to get in the gym and just keep shooting,’’ Berggren DAVID STLUKA said. “A lot of it is rhythm. Sometimes you get into a slump like this and you have to er to be honest. Sometimes after a big win, you’re shoot your way out of it. all jacked up. “There are no tricks. You can’t have someone talk “Last night (Tuesday) it was definitely a bit of a you out of it. You just do it. I’m going to keep shoot- struggle. But I just tried to clean my mind, relax, ing (3s), my teammates are going to keep finding and get some rest before moving forward. me and I’m going to start knocking them down.’’ “There’s no time to sit and sulk.’’ That’s the mindset that he’s going to take to the Especially this season in the Big Ten. stripe. “We knew that coming in,’’ Berggren said. “We “The biggest thing is the mental aspect,’’ said know what the Big Ten is all about. We know every Berggren, who was shooting better than 80 percent game is going to be a battle. That makes it fun. We earlier this season. “You do it over and over and have to turn the page and get refocused. over until you can do it in your sleep.’’ “Minnesota has a lot of weapons and we have to Berggren didn’t sleep well Tuesday night. get back to playing our game. But if we have anoth- “It’s always hard for me to sleep after a game, win er defensive effort like we just did against Michigan or lose,’’ he said. “I don’t know which one is tough- State, we’ll have a pretty good shot to win.’’

28 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013

STOP THE STREAK? Few teams are as well-acquainted as the Badgers and Gophers, who meet again this weekend with more than just the usual Border Battle bragging rights on the line.

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM STOP THE STREAK? DANNY MARCHEWKA very week or two, Wisconsin’s Brianna “Whether you’re 32-0 Decker will get in touch with a couple of her women’s hockey rivals, Min- or 0-32, you’re trying nesota’s Megan Bozek and Amanda to find different ways Kessel. In this case, it’s a text-friendly to get your group to Erivalry. “We’re all similar in age and that’s what is fun become better,’’ about it,’’ said Decker, a senior from Dousman, Johnson said. “In our Wis. Bozek is a senior from Buffalo Grove, Ill., and Kessel is a junior from Madison. business … you never “I keep in touch with them weekly or on a two- get comfortable.” week basis. I also see them on the national team. It’s just friendly conversation. I’ll tell them about how excited I am to play against them. “There’s nothing intimidating about it, no trash “If things are rolling along and you’re talking. I’m not that type of a player. It can come on an extended winning streak, you’re back and kick you in the butt sometimes.’’ not comfortable because you want to Still, there will be no shortage of motivation Fri- make sure you keep challenging your day and Sunday for Decker and the Badgers when players and motivating them.’’ they take on No. 1-ranked Minnesota at LaBahn The Badgers are coming off a hotly- Arena. Sunday’s game is already sold out. contested split at North Dakota. John- The Gophers have matched the NCAA record son didn’t want to call it physical series, for the longest undefeated streak ― 32 games but he did anyway. Especially Saturday ― which was accomplished twice by the Badgers night’s game. (2006-07 and 2010-11). “I think that’s how you could describe “Their confidence is high,’’ said UW coach Mark it,’’ Decker said. “About half our team Johnson. had ice bags after the game. But that’s Rightly so. This season, Minnesota has out- what we expected going into the series. scored opponents, 140-19, while senior goaltender We knew it was going to be a battle.’’ Noora Raty, a native of Espoo, Finland, has a 0.94 Johnson feels like the last two series goals-against-average and a .956 percentage. ― a sweep of Ohio State in Madison and “So people have asked, ‘Do they have a weak the split with UND in Grand Forks ― has been the point?’’’ posed Johnson. “Their special teams are equivalent of playoff hockey because of the inten- good. They defend well and they score a lot of sity. goals. They don’t really have a lot of weaknesses.’’ “Ohio State prepared us for North Dakota,’’ said Johnson can relate to being in such a command- Decker, “and now North Dakota is preparing us ing position with a dominant team. for Minnesota. It’s tough to have three weekends “As we found in the past,’’ he said, “when you’re in a row like this. No. 1, when you’re undefeated, when you’re de- “But it also helps out because you don’t sink to fending national champions, usually a team will other team’s levels.’’ give you their best shot.’’ As such, the Badgers need to play up to Minne- But there’s also a common denominator. sota, which already swept them in Minneapolis. “Whether you’re 32-0 or 0-32, you’re trying to “In the first game, we fell asleep three to four find different ways to get your group to become minutes and they capitalized,’’ Johnson said of a better,’’ Johnson said. “In our business … you nev- 4-1 loss to the Gophers in the opener. “Our second er get comfortable. game (a 2-0 loss) was 1-0 most of the game.’’

32 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 DAVID STLUKA

Johnson added, “They haven’t fallen behind too but they can reach you with their stick. So we have often this year.’’ to get our shots off quicker. Decker believes the Badgers learned something “We also have to play good defense. That’s the from their earlier meeting. main thing. They have a lot of offensive threats. “We need to get the puck to the net,’’ she said. We have to get the puck out of the zone and do “They have a great goaltender but we need to shoot little simple things right to be successful.’’ more and crash the net. We have to battle because Decker is counting on the home crowd to pro- they have strong defensemen.’’ vide a spark. The Gophers feature a solid corps of players on “The rink is small, and that’s to our advantage the blue line. Bozek, in fact, is the only defense- with how loud it can be,’’ she said, hoping to “feed man who stands under 5-foot-10. She’s 5-9. off the energy’’ in the arena, which opened this “I think overall we’re just as strong as them even season. though they’re bigger,’’ Decker said. “But they “Winning five of our last six games has been have long sticks and that’s one thing that helps huge. We’ve come a long way since the beginning them out. of the season. This is another big test, but we’re “You can get a step around them with your speed, looking forward to it.’’

ERNIE ANDERSON FAMILIAR FORMULA For new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, piecing together a game plan begins with the quarterback but ends with more of the power running game Badgers fans are accustomed to

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

t was a milestone win for the Fresno State Twelve years later, Ludwig is now Wisconsin’s football program, its first over a Big Ten offensive coordinator; one of the recent hires of opponent; a stunning 32-20 victory over first-year coach Gary Andersen, whose friendship Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. with Ludwig dates back to their days together at Rallying behind Bernard Berrian’s 96- Utah. Iyard touchdown return of the second half kickoff, “It’s a great fit,’’ Ludwig said of his opportunity the underdog Bulldogs erased a 20-10 halftime “to come to a world-renowned university with a deficit by scoring 22 unanswered points. storied football tradition and to work for a head The triggerman was quarterback David Carr, coach that I know and trust and have great re- who completed 22 of 38 passes for 240 yards and spect for.’’ two touchdowns. Carr went on to become the No. Ludwig does not come with training wheels. 1 pick overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He has been calling plays for 18 years while serv- The Fresno State offensive coordinator was ing as a coordinator at San Diego State, Cal, Utah, Andy Ludwig, who had not been back to Madison Oregon, Fresno State, Cal Poly and Augustana since that upset of the Badgers on Sept. 8, 2001. College. On that day, the Bulldogs executed their of- “You’re going to see Wisconsin football,’’ Lud- fense better than Wisconsin did. They not only wig pledged of his play selection for the 2013 sea- outrushed the Badgers, 174-128, but they held on son. “You’re going to see a strong, power running to the ball for six more minutes in the second half. game and a great play-action football team. Fresno State’s head coach then was Pat Hill, “But the most important thing that we will do who said afterward, “It was nothing fancy. We is make sure the schemes that we’re running will ran straight at ’em. We played a little bit of Big fit the players because it’s all about the players, Ten football and that was good to see.’’ especially the quarterback.’’ The 48-year-old Ludwig pointed out that the “I like working with the UW offense will be tailored around that position and “what we do have at quarterback and what dy- players and I like the creative namics he can add to the game.’’ aspect that my coaching Carr was the best he has ever coached, which is not slighting some of his other QBs who have position allows and the com- advanced to the NFL, most notably Ryan Lindley, petitiveness of it,’’ said Ludwig. Kellen Clemens, Billy Volek and Brett Ratliff. But he also noted that he has been around some very productive college tailbacks; some outstand- ing ones, at that. “And I look forward to being sin’s Montee Ball, who led the nation in rushing in around a lot more (at Wisconsin),’’ Ludwig said. 2011, averaged 137.4. At San Diego State, he had Adam Muema, who At California, Ludwig got the most out of the rushed for 1,458 yards and 16 touchdowns last tandem of Jahvid Best, a first-round choice of the season, and Ronnie Hillman, who ran for 1,711 Detroit Lions, and Shane Vereen, a second-round yards and 19 scores in 2011. pick of the New England Patriots. Hillman, a third-round pick of the Denver Bron- In 2009, Vereen and Best combined for 1,819 cos, averaged 134.3 yards per game, while Wiscon- rushing yards and 24 TDs for the Bears, which

38 » VARSITY JANUARY 24, 2013 nity to coach my first year out of college.’’ Borges is the offensive coordinator for Brady Hoke at Michigan. “We’ve exchanged some text messages,’’ said Ludwig, a college wide receiver. “I look forward to our next conversation.’’ The Badgers and the Wolverines won’t meet in the regular season until 2015. First things first ― evaluating personnel and identifying a starting quarterback. “I’m still going through the film and getting a bead on guys,’’ Ludwig said. “There will be some great competition. You’d prefer one guy (winning the job). But you don’t always get what you prefer.’’ But he knows what he wants to see out of the player who eventually takes over as No. 1, whether it’s Curt Phillips, Joel Stave, Danny O’Brien, Bart Houston or someone else. “Repetitive accuracy and athleticism ― those are two physical qualities,’’ he said. “Then obviously, individually, you want great mental toughness, leadership ability and coachability.’’ Last season, San Diego State reflected balance on offense. The Aztecs, who went 9-4 under coach Rocky Long, averaged 221 rushing yards and 176 passing yards. “I worked for an exceptional man (Long) who’s a lot like Gary (Andersen),’’ Ludwig said. “He’s a de- bodes well, of course, for Wisconsin’s returning fensive coordinator by trade who became a head tag-team of James White and Melvin Gordon. coach.” Ludwig has also given the rock to 1,000-yard Utah’s Kyle Whittingham also fit that mold. rushers at Utah (Darrell Mack), Oregon (Terrence Ludwig was the offensive coordinator and Ander- Whitehead and Onterrio Smith) and Fresno State sen was the defensive coordinator when the Utes (Paris Gaines). went 13-0 and upended Alabama in the in the In fact, the 2001 Fresno State offense was the 2009 Sugar Bowl. first in NCAA history to feature a 4,000-yard “I’ve enjoyed great success working for defen- passer (Carr), a 1,000-yard rusher (Gaines) and sive football coaches,’’ Ludwig acknowledged two 1,000-yard receivers (Berrian and Rodney On his two years at San Diego State, he said Wright). that Long “left a lasting impression just by the de- “I like working with the players and I like the mands he places on the players in terms of tough- creative aspect that my coaching position allows ness and work ethic day-in and day-out.’’ and the competitiveness of it,’’ said Ludwig, who That will be no different, Ludwig implied, under has been influenced by a number of mentors. Andersen at Wisconsin. “Al Borges was really the guy that I learned a lot Moreover, one of the most appealing aspects of of football from. I played for him my senior year taking the UW job ― outside of football consider- (at Portland State) and he gave me the opportu- ations ― was the positive recommendations he got

39 Woods’ goal? Build Badgers into the best New O-line coach knows key to success for UW lies in developing a solid front

isconsin’s new offensive line coach, in two seasons: Bob Bostad, Mike Markuson T.J. Woods, who’s accompanying and Bart Miller. W Gary Andersen from Utah State, “Anytime you change coaches, there’s a spent some time in Los Angeles with Andy transition,’’ Woods said. “Everybody has their Ludwig observing practices leading up to the pet peeves, their core values. But I think in this Badgers’ appearance in the Rose Bowl. case it will be a lot smoother than it has been “I got a feel for the way they go to work every in the past. day,’’ Woods said of the position group that “I don’t want to sit here and say it’s not go- he’s inheriting. “That was the thing that I took ing to be a transition, because it will be. I went away from those practices, the intensity and through coaching changes when I played, and the passion. any time that happens there’s a feeling-out “It was very encouraging to watch them go process.’’ about their business and the business-type of Woods, a native of San Dimas, Calif., played approach that they took. There are some very offensive tackle at three different schools: talented players and I’m excited to work with Citrus College, Iowa State and Azuza Pacific, them.’’ where he was a first-team NAIA All-American Woods, 32, is cognizant of the situation. The in 2002. returning offensive linemen have taken in- In sum, he speaks the language of the struction from three different assistant coaches trenches.

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“I believe in a lot of the core principles that through the business. have been in place with the offensive linemen “But I’ve known of Coach Bostad throughout here in the past,’’ he said. “Hopefully the good my entire career. There are a couple of degrees things will continue and some other things will of separation. But I’d say 85 percent of what I improve.’’ do, I learned from my time at New Mexico.’’ At every coaching stop, whether it was in From a distance, Woods has been impacted southern California, New Mexico or Utah, by Bostad and “the way he goes about his busi- Woods said, “I knew about the offensive line- ness and the passion he coaches with and the men at the University of Wisconsin.’’ toughness that he brings to every single day of That rich history factored into his decision to his existence.’’ follow Andersen to Madison. “That’s the allure Woods will be his own man; true to him- for me,’’ he said, “to be a part of that tradition self and his convictions and the players will and be able to put my own stamp on it.’’ be expected to adjust accordingly. At first, he Make no mistake about it: Woods is here said, “There’s going to be a little bit of, ‘What is because Andersen is here. Coach Woods like?’’’ Andersen has been his guiding light in the They will find out soon enough, though, that coaching profession. he wants to coach the best O-line in the nation. “I’ve been with him long enough now,’’ “That’s what our goal is,’’ he said. “We want Woods said, “to know that he’s going to care to be known that way and I want to be a part of about the kids that he’s coaching and he’s go- it.” ing to put them first. That’s in line with my beliefs and core values.’’ One of the early breaks that Woods got in the business was from Dave Baldwin, who hired him as a graduate assistant at New Mexico. Baldwin was the offensive coordinator. Woods worked in combination with offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier, who had been mentored as a player at the school by Bostad, the former Wisconsin assistant. When Baldwin was the head coach at Cal State Northridge, he hired a young offensive line coach from UW-Stevens Point; a fellow by the name of Bostad. Connecting the dots, Woods said, “I was a grad assistant under him (Lenzmeir) and he was a Bostad guy. It’s all the same family for me. He (Bald- win) really brought me up

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“It’s a fun part of the puzzle,’’ said Ludwig, “where you have to create chemistry on the entire coaching staff and within the offensive staff meeting room. I look forward to putting this offense together with the contributions of all the assistant coaches.”

from others on the people; the fan base. “I didn’t ask for advice, I asked for insight,’’ Ludwig said, “and a reoccurring theme was that they talked about the generous, outgoing, friendly people and what a great place it was to raise a family.’’ Ludwig smiled when it was suggested offensive coordinators are treated differently because 80,000 people believe that they can do a better job of calling plays each and every Sat- urday. “You appreciate a fan base, especially like Wisconsin’s, that cares,’’ he said. “If people don’t care, they don’t have opinions. If they care, they have opinions and we want people to care.’’ Obviously, this is not the first time that Lud- wig has been part of a coaching transition. His previous experiences should facilitate a smoother adjustment period to new surround- ings. “It’s a fun part of the puzzle,’’ said Ludwig, “where you have to create chemistry on the entire coaching staff and within the offensive staff meeting room. “I look forward to putting this offense together with the contributions of all the assistant coaches. It’s a team effort. “I can’t wait to get in that room with those guys and put it all together.’’ LARRY CLOUSE

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INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB

SCHEDULE (13-6, 4-2) Last Week Tues. at #2 Indiana W, 64-59 Sat. at Iowa L, 66-70

This Week Tuesday #13 Mich. State L, 47-49 Saturday #12 Minnesota 1 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 29 at #11 Ohio State 6 p.m. Feb. 3 at Illinois 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6 Iowa 8 p.m. Feb. 9 #2 Michigan 11 a.m. Feb. 14 at #12 Minnesota 6 p.m.

sive keynote speakers. Past galas have featured special guests like Syr- acuse head coach Jim Boeheim and ESPN’s Jay Bilas. This year’s gala will take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Kohl Center. Since its inception, Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin has raised over $1 million for the fight against cancer. The funds raised go directly towards the American Cancer Society’s mis- Just for kicks: Coaches sion of celebrating more birthdays. Contact CvC Wisconsin at 608- aid fight against cancer 662-7555 or [email protected] for UW staff to wear suits and sneakers Saturday additional information. ‘Wooden’ it be nice his weekend, Bo Ryan right, exercising, making » With the win at then-No. 2 Indiana Tand the Wisconsin healthy lifestyle choices, and on Jan. 15, Ryan (664-211, .758) coaches are participating in following the American Can- tied the legendary John Wooden the annual Suits and Sneak- cer Society’s recommended (664-162, .804) for 38th place on ers awareness weekend. By cancer screening guidelines. the NCAA’s all-time wins list. wearing sneakers with their In 2013, Coaches vs. Can- suits, the coaching staffs cer Wisconsin will hold its Border Battle from both teams are trying to sixtth-annual Coaches vs. » The Badgers have won 16 of their raise awareness of the many Cancer Wisconsin Gala, an last 20 meetings with Minneso- ways people can reduce their evening filled with dinner, ta and have won 14 of the last 15 risk of cancer, like eating a silent auction and impres- games played in Madison.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE (9-10, 1-5) Last Five Jan. 6 Minnesota L, 55-60 Jan. 10 RV Iowa L, 56-65 Jan. 13 at RV Michigan L, 43-54 Jan. 17 at #8 Penn State L, 40-84 Jan. 20 Ohio State W, 68-49

This Week Thursday at RV Iowa 7 p.m.

Next Five Jan. 31 #8 Penn State 7 p.m. Feb. 3 Illinois 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Ohio State 6 p.m. Feb. 10 Indiana 2 p.m. Feb. 14 #15 Purdue 7 p.m.

Two Badgers close in on record » Junior Morgan Paige was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line against the Buckeyes on Sunday to up her streak of consecutive free throws made to 23. She needs only three more to break the UW record of 25 consecutive free throws Badgers pick up first made set by Michele Kozelka over three games from Dec. 1-12, 1989. Big Ten win in style Sophomore Jacki Gulczynski UW beats Ohio State for first time in 10 years has also been near perfect from the free throw line this season and has made her last 22 charity shots, he last time the Badgers streak of 20 straight losses. dating back to the Marquette game Tbeat Ohio State, most After trailing 29-25 at on Dec. 5. of the UW team was still in the half, Wisconsin won the grade school. With a domi- game with a strong second- That’s a lot of minutes! nating 68-49 win over the half performance. UW out- » Four of the Badgers’ five starters Buckeyes on Sunday, Wis- scored Ohio State 43-20 in (Cassie Rochel, Paige, Stephen, consin ended its longest Big the second period, shooting Gulczynski) played all 40 minutes Ten losing streak. 60 percent from the field (18- against Ohio State on Sunday. UW Prior to Sunday’s win, the of-30) while limiting Ohio did not sub in the second half and Badgers had not beaten Ohio State to just five field goals af- went to its bench for only three State since Feb. 25, 2001, a ter halftime (5-of-25/.200). minutes the entire game.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE (9-8-5, 6-5-5) Honors weekend Last Five UW celebrates 1st NCAA title after 40 years Jan. 5 at Alaska Anchorage W, 1-0 Jan. 11 at #11 Minnesota St. W, 4-3(OT) Jan. 12 at #11 Minnesota St. W, 2-1(OT) hey are forever known this time in the title game Jan. 18 #8 Miami (Ohio) W, 1-0 Jan. 19 #8 Miami (Ohio) L, 1-2 Tas the first team in against Denver. The 4-2 Wisconsin hockey his- victory saw Talafous once This Week tory to capture an NCAA again score the winning Friday Alaska Anchorage 7 p.m. championship. It has been goal after the Badgers re- Saturday Alaska Anchorage 8 p.m. 40 years since “Badger covered from a 2-1 deficit. Next Five Bob” Johnson led his 1973 This Friday, the group Feb. 1 at North Dakota 7:30 p.m. charges to Boston Garden returns to Madison to re- Feb. 2 at North Dakota 7 p.m. and comeback victories live their championship Feb. 8 Bemidji State 7 p.m. over Cornell and Denver. moments. Feb. 9 Bemidji State 7 p.m. That is the where Dean Feb. 15 Minnesota 7 p.m. Talafous scored a few of Honored captains the biggest goals in pro- » The 1973 team returns to gram history, tallying with celebrate 50 years of mod- Skate with the Badgers five seconds left in regula- ern era Badger hockey. So » It’s time to “Skate with the Bad- tion and with 33 seconds does Scott Mellanby, a 21- gers” this Sunday at the Kohl left in overtime to com- year NHL veteran who will Center. The event runs 4:30-6:30 plete a comeback from four serve as Friday’s honorary p.m., and fans can get a look inside goals down against Cornell captain. 1973 and 1977 the program’s new locker room in in the national semifinals. NCAA champion Steve Al- LaBahn Arena. Skates are required The 6-5 victory led to ley will serve as honorary to get on the ice, but skate rentals a second comeback win, captain on Saturday. are not available.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LA DUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (15-7-2, 11-7-2-2) Last Week Jan. 18 at North Dakota L, 3-0 Jan. 19 at North Dakota W, 2-1

This Week Friday #1 Minnesota 2 p.m. Sunday #1 Minnesota 2 p.m.

Next Five Feb. 8 at St. Cloud State 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at St. Cloud State 2 p.m. Feb. 16 Minnesota Duluth 7 p.m. Feb. 17 Minnesota Duluth 4 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bemidji State 7 p.m.

The Badgers’ last win against Min- nesota was on Oct. 14, 2011, at the Kohl Center. Since then, the Badgers have gone 0-5-1 against the Gophers. Additionally, Minnesota enters the weekend having tied Wisconsin’s NCAA record for longest undefeated streak at 32 games. While not many teams have fared well against Minnesota this season, the Badgers proved to be one of their More than just points at toughest opponents to date. Alex Rigsby led the UW defense stake in Border Battle with a .936 save percentage Dec. 1-2 UW looking to snap winless streak vs. Gophers at Ridder Arena, the best opponent save percentage the Gophers have faced all year. or the 11th and 12th times for two national champion- Wisconsin is also hoping to take ad- Fin the past two years, the ships (2006, 2012) and five vantage of home ice, where the Bad- Wisconsin and Minnesota WCHA Final Face-Off cham- gers have gone undefeated in their women’s hockey teams will pionships (2005, 2006, past 11 games, including two sweeps face off against each other. 2007, 2009, 2011). over nationally-ranked teams. The rivalry adds impor- While the six points that Last season, the Badgers were on tance to the games this week- are on the line in the WCHA a 32-game undefeated streak until end, but the history between standings may be important, Minnesota ended it on Oct. 15, 2011, the two sides is deeper than this weekend’s series has be- in the Kohl Center. just the Border Battle. come a bit more personal for This year, the Badgers are looking UW has played Minnesota Wisconsin. to return the favor at LaBahn Arena.

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INSIDE WRESTLING BY RYAN EVANS @Badger_Wrestle

SCHEDULE (6-4, 3-2) Last Week Jan. 18 at #1 Penn State L, 6-36 Jan. 20 at #6 Ohio State L, 10-29

This Week Friday Indiana 7 p.m. Monday vs. Purdue 6:30 p.m.

Coming Up Feb. 10 Minnesota 1 p.m. Feb. 17 NWCA All Day National Duals Mar. 9-10 Big Ten All Day Championships

“It’s unusual to have a smaller guy and a bigger guy at the same high school,” he said. Medbery is already putting together an impressive resume in his first season. He is ranked No. 11 at heavyweight and is undefeated in dual competitions this season. According to Davis, Medbery has the work he put in this summer to thank for his success. The power of Loveland: “He got a little bigger, a little stron- ger,” Davis said. “His attitude is all Graff, Medbery shining about winning. I knew when we re- Colorado natives leading the way for Wisconsin cruited this kid, he was a special kid.” Graff started the year at 141 lbs., but recently made the switch back to fter the way junior Ty- the Badgers’ best wrestlers 133 lbs., where he is a two-time All- A ler Graff and freshman this season. Both are nation- American and currently ranked No. Connor Medbery have per- ally ranked at their weight 5. Davis said that Graff has his sights formed for the Badgers this class and have a combined set higher now that he’s back at a season, head coach Barry 37-7 record ― including 17-2 weight class that’s a more natural fit. Davis may have to frequent in dual competitions ― as “As time went on, he realized for Loveland, Colo., more often. well as four top-five finishes his body type, et cetera, 133 is the Both Graff (133 lbs.) and at national tournaments. weight class for him,” Davis said. “I Medbery (Hwt.) came to UW Davis admitted that, re- think it’s the spot for him and I think by way of Loveland High cruiting wise, Graff and Med- he’s focusing on hopefully winning a School and have been two of bery are a bit of an anomaly. national championship there.”

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Now in his 12th season at UW, Ryan has accumulated 136 Big Ten Conference wins.

January 24, 2010 Century club With a 79-71 overtime win against Penn State, Bo Ryan became the 18th coach with 100 Big Ten wins and tied Branch McCracken as the second-fastest coach to record 100 league victories, doing so in 140 games. Only Bob Knight (131 games) did it faster.

January 25, 2007 WELCOME TO WISCONSIN: Paula Wilkins was introduced as the fourth women’s soccer coach in Wisconsin history. ALSO January 27, 2009 OLYMPIC PRIDE: Wisconsin women’s hockey coach Mark Johnson was named THIS coach of the 2010 United States Olympic women’s hockey team. WEEK January 28, 2007 STREAKING: Men’s basketball defeated Iowa, 57-46, to win its modern-era school- record 17th-straight game. UW went 67 days without losing a game. The Badgers’ 21-1 record was the best start to a season in school history.

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