Varsity Magazine Vol 3 No 31

IN FOCUS HARSH LIGHT Sam Dekker guards Purdue’s Ronnie Johnson on an inbounds pass during UW’s home finale last Sunday. Dekker scored 10 points, but the cold-shooting Badgers were bounced by the Boilermakers, 69-56. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA SENIOR MOMENTS The five UW men’s basketball seniors, (from left) J.D. Wise, Dan Fahey, Ryan Evans, Mike Bruesewitz and Jared Berggren, were honored at the Kohl Center prior to the Badgers’ game against Purdue last Sunday. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS IN FOCUS LOOKING BACK Tiera Stephen watches a tribute video with her family at the Kohl Center during senior day ceremonies after the Badgers’ game against Nebraska last week. Stephen recorded a career-best 15 points in her final game at the Kohl Center. PHOTO BY GREG ANDERSON ON TO THE SEMIS! The women’s hockey team sings ‘Varsity’ following its sweep of St. Cloud State in the first round of the WCHA playoffs last Saturday at LaBahn Arena. The Badgers now travel to Minneapolis on Friday to take on North Dakota in the semifinals of the 2013 WCHA Final Face-Off. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS IN FOCUS THINK SPRING Badgers sophomore Aaren Ziegler hits to the 14th green at Westbrook Village Golf Course last week during the Westbrook Spring Invitational. The UW women finished in a tie for eighth at the 54-hole tournament in Peoria, Ariz. PHOTO BY TAM FLARUP IN FOCUS BACK AT THE COLISEUM Wisconsin plays its final regular-season series as a member of the WCHA and closes out its celebration of its 50th anniversary of the modern era where many of the memories were made. UW hosts first-place St. Cloud State Friday and Saturday inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum looking for home ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs PHOTO BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO

MARCH 7, 2013 CONTENTS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 31

» PRODUCT OF HIS ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENTS Just like his teams, Bo Ryan is nothing if not consistent. He’s also a reflection of his father and late 18 LUCAS AT LARGE mother, who helped shape his approach to basket- by Mike Lucas 34 ball and life. ― 20 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez « SPRING 22 THE VOICE by Matt Lepay 44 FORWARD The implementation 24 BY THE NUMBERS of Gary Andersen’s vision for 26 BADGERS GIVE BACK Wisconsin football begins this weekend as spring practice 28 5 THINGS TO WATCH kicks off for the Badgers. 30 ASK THE BADGERS 32 BADGERING » A LITTLE RESPECT? 54 INSIDE SPORTS 64 Basketball, hockey, A hot start to the sea- wrestling, softball, track son has Wisconsin doing its part to help raise the national profile 70 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Bo knows winning of Big Ten softball.

Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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Wild nights were a staple at Coliseum n light of this weekend’s UW ters raking his stick across the “The crowd got Norm going,’’ he men’s hockey series at the Plexiglass next to the visitor’s said. “When he’s out there killing a IVeterans Memorial Coliseum, bench; stirring up even more hatred penalty, he can open up a throttle it’s only fitting to revisit some of the out of the self-proclaimed “Mad and fly after the puck.’’ sights, sounds and squirts over the Dogs’’ who inhabited the CC-2 sec- There was the sound of the late 30-plus seasons that the Badgers tion. Butters, most recently a UW Phil Mendel, the longtime public played their home games at the assistant, was never a favorite. address announcer at the Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center venue previ- There was the sight of Butters’ and his warm greeting ― “Good ously known as the Dane County teammate, Mike Polich, stopping in evening, hockey fans’’ ― before the Coliseum. front of the UW bench (Polich had opening faceoff. Once play began, There was the sight of diminu- Bugs Bunny ears) and poking his there was the sound of Martha’s tive Michigan goaltender Robbie stick at a few players in the front cowbell; Martha was the wife of the Moore sitting atop the cage dur- row, including Dean Talafous. Dur- legendary Badger Bob. ing stoppages in play. Moore was ing the ensuing melee, Polich had There was also the sound of an acrobatic, 5-foot-5, 150-pound his jersey pulled off. He left the ice whistles; over 8,000 whistle- showman, a fan’s favorite. Moore without it. blowers, serenading Michigan State wound up playing his last season as There was the sight of Norm coach Amo Bessone, who signaled a pro with the Milwaukee Admirals Cherrey scoring four goals against line changes by whistling. Bessone of the IHL. Minnesota-Duluth ― three of them referred to the Sieve-chanting, There was the sight of dastardly shorthanded. And there was the rubber-chicken-on-a-stick-waving Minnesota defenseman Billy But- sound of Bob Johnson afterward. fans as “Banshees.” Sports Illustrat-

18 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

VIDEO: THE ‘WATER BOTTLE GAME’

ed even did a story on them. Sherven’s teammate, Cary Eades, Archibald’s teammates. “When I Despite all of these sights and joined the conversation and shoved got up,’’ Pearson said, “a policeman sounds, there was nothing that could Driver before the officials separated was holding me and their trainer top the squirt. Most will remember the players. punched me in the face.’’ the Jan. 30, 1982 matchup between As Eades skated past the Wiscon- Archibald then charged into the North Dakota and Wisconsin as the sin bench, John Newberry squirted Badger bench and began swinging “Water Bottle Game.” For the record, him with a water bottle. Eades wildly at Newberry, who was be- the Badgers won 3-0 behind the stopped and Newberry squirted him ing held back by UW trainer Denny goaltending of Terry Kleisinger. again. An enraged Eades charged Helwig. On the ice, North Dakota’s Also for the record, UW defense- through the open gate on the bench Dan Brennan sucker-punched Steve man Chris Chelios scored on what and UW defenseman Pat Ethier wel- McKenzie, who went down, popped was estimated as a 190-foot slap shot comed him with a punch to the head. back up and decked Brennan with a from the right circle in his own de- Game off, brawl on. left hook. fensive zone after Ken Keryluk won Wisconsin sophomore winger Order was eventually restored, but the draw. Chelios was just trying to Ted Pearson was not dressed for the not before Archibald and a fan mixed clear the puck which took a number Saturday night rematch because of it up over the Plexiglass and several of zany bounces and skipped past a knee injury. But he was a central UW players tossed North Dakota goalie Jon Casey. figure in the fracas that developed gloves into the stands. The WCHA But it was all overshadowed by the between the bench areas and moved suspended Newberry and Eades two squirt from a water bottle; actually it down a hallway which led to one of games each. Archibald drew a five- was two squirts. the beer gardens in the Coliseum. game suspension. After a third-period whistle, while North Dakota’s Jim Archibald By the way, Archibald, like Polich, the teams were in the process of a confronted Pearson, who grabbed skated off the Coliseum ice without line change, North Dakota’s Gord his facemask and dragged him about his jersey. Sherven and Wisconsin’s Bruce 10 feet. Pearson remembered be- The Banshees howled long into Driver began jawing at the blue line. ing knocked to the floor by one of the night.

19 BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Spring offers fresh start for players, staff s a player, I thought spring practice was a necessary Aevil. Most players feel that way. But as a head coach, I realized how important the spring is ― par- ticularly with a new staff. I always looked at it as a time for development. This is a time when you can really teach. This is a time when you want to see your young guys take that next step in their development. just want to see how they coach. strength coaches are doing a great In the spring, you want to see I try to do that with all the new job. who can get on the field. You want coaches when they come in. I try They are doing some things to see who are your leaders ― who to get around them and watch how differently. But the players have are the guys who can help you win. they teach and how they work with responded well. I know they’re You also want to try to establish kids. Those are the things that are not spending as much time in the some depth. interesting for me. weight room but they’re getting just The freshmen finally have their Secondarily, I want to see the as much done. legs under them and they’re much schemes. Is there anything differ- You don’t have to spend all day more comfortable. They just have a ent? What are we going to do to there. You don’t have to spend all better feel for things and what it’s schematically? I know the package day on the practice field, either. I all about, so now they can turn it we have up front on defense will be respect the players’ time. We ask loose. different. them to be here pretty much year- Many times you see huge gains When I coached we ran a combi- round. in the spring. You will see big nation of 3-4 and 4-3. I really don’t But they’ve got academics, changes in players. care about fronts as much as I care they’ve got things that they want I remember my first spring here; about the techniques that are be- to do, they’ve got lives. It’s not just we were just trying to teach them ing used and the soundness of the all weightlifting, all football, all the how to work. We tried to carry it defense. time. You have to get your work over from the out-of-season pro- The players have to know what done. But do it and get out of there. gram. Some guys thought we were they’re doing so they can play fast. I’m sure this spring that the new trying to punish them. That’s what is important. coaches and the players will be feel- That wasn’t it at all. We were just Gary has got a philosophy and ing their way around a little bit on showing them, “This is how you a plan for everything that he does the practice field. The coaches will work, this is the intensity that you ― how he practices, how long he be getting to know the kids and vice have to put into the program, and practices, when he practices, all of versa. this is the commitment you have to those things. I’ve already seen him With a new system, the players make.’’ Quite a few left. implement his program. will be learning what the coaches I’m looking forward to watching I get down to the weight room want, how they coach, and how Gary Andersen and his coaches this to work out and I always like to they teach. What they’ve already spring. I’m not so concerned with see what the kids are doing. I feel learned is that Gary is putting them philosophy or that type of thing. I like Evan Simon and our holdover first. It’s an interesting time.

20 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS

An interesting look behind the ‘Madness’ s we reach the final week of like, there will be unhappy indi- man is Xavier athletic director the Big Ten regular season, viduals. Many will have a sizable (and soon to be Georgia Tech’s Athe jockeying continues for forum to vent their frustrations. new AD) Mike Bobinski. DeCourcy seeding in next week’s conference Still, hats off in advance to the relates a story of how Bobinski told tournament. dedicated folks who love the game him that he, as head of the com- Meanwhile, college basketball enough to form a championship mittee, asked the members to put fans, even the more casual observ- tournament. together what amounts to a bubble ers, now find themselves trying On a side note, imagine the list. to project the NCAA tournament scrutiny the football committee “They (the committee mem- field. will face when it establishes a four- bers) have been paying close and This is when emotions run high team postseason starting in 2014. special attention to about 13 or 15 with players, coaches, fans and Oh, my. teams that would be on that list even media. Who is in? Who is “Inside the Selection Process” that would make up the back of the out? Who is shipped where? Why attempts to put to rest some rather field, and of course, unfortunately, does one region look so much popular myths, such as how TV the teams that get left out,” says more difficult than another? networks can influence the com- DeCourcy. For answers to those ques- mittee (they don’t), and how a The committee looks at a team’s tions and more, please allow me so-called national brand school entire resume, not simply where it to recommend a show currently gets the benefit of the doubt (it finished in a particular conference. running on Big Ten Network called doesn’t). When figuring out whether a team “Inside the Selection Process.” The When trying to figure out where, makes the field, or what seed it program, anchored by Mike Hall, or if, a team will make the tour- gets, that team is matched against features Mike DeCourcy of The nament, many of us tend to look others with similar performances. Sporting News, Jerry Palm of CBS at the Ratings Percentage Index “No team is viewed by itself,” Sports, who for the last 20 years (RPI). says Shaheen. “It’s always viewed has been projecting the NCAA field That is fine, but the BTN panel looking at other teams alongside. with uncanny accuracy (Palm and warns us not to put too much em- So when a team makes the field, or ESPN’s Joe Lunardi are gener- phasis on that number alone. Palm doesn’t make the field, it is relative ally considered the go-to guys for tells the viewer that the RPI is a to the other teams and what they bracketology) and Greg Shaheen, tool to categorize rather than make did during the season.” former NCAA Executive VP of decisions. Make sense? Championships. “The RPI is not a decisive tool,” If it does or not, it is a good idea As the show’s title suggests, the says Palm. “Teams are not going to check out the show. If nothing group goes into detail about how to get into the tournament on RPI else, the viewer gets a taste of what the 10-member tournament selec- alone. They are not going to get left the committee faces, and why a tion committee goes about setting out on RPI alone. But the RPI is a team gets sent to San Jose instead the 68-team field. reflection of the kind of a season of Dayton for the first full weekend I have always been impressed these teams had, and it does sort of the Dance. that they can find 10 people who of tell the committee, really, which Of course, this show is more fun are willing to subject themselves to teams they need to look at more when you have good reason to be- widespread criticism. Let’s face it, closely.” lieve your favorite team will again no matter what the bracket looks The selection committee chair- be a part of March Madness.

22 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS BY THE NUMBERS

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

The women’s hockey team is averaging just 1.50 goals against per game this season, the third-best average in the nation. 1.5 MEN’S HOCKEY

Junior Michael Mersch scored three goals last weekend to reach the 20-goal mark. He’s the first Badger to do so since Blake Geoffrion 20 (28) and Michael Davies (20) during the 2009-10 season. 3:39.17 MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Senior Michael Weiss swam to a Big Ten championship, a school record and the best time in the country this season in the 400-yard individual medley last week at the Big Ten Cham- pionships. His was one of two individual Big Ten titles for the Badgers and one of nine new school records at the event.

3:58.59MEN’S TRACK & FIELD After racing his way into the NCAA field in the mile with a school-record effort of 3:58.59 at the Alex Wilson Invitational on Saturday, sophomore Austin Mudd is the lone collegian to break four minutes in the event twice this season. He will race in the mile semifinal Friday at the 2013 NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.

24 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013

BADGERS GIVE BACK READ ACROSS AMERICA

hen senior Wisconsin men’s basketball player Mike Bruesewitz was asked to W describe his experience visiting local elementary schools in celebration of “Dr. Seuss Day,” he replied with a quote from Dr. Suess himself: “The more you read, the more things you will know,” he said. “The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” More places, indeed. Bruesewitz, joined by 12 other UW student-athletes, visited four elementary schools across Dane County last Friday in celebration of the National Education Association’s Read Across Ameri- ca Day, which coincides with Dr. Suess’ birthday. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., Bruesewitz kicked off the day-long “caravan” at Chavez Elementary School in Madison. Joined by fellow men’s basketball player Duje Dukan, football player Jake Ninneman and UW crew members Katie Rosoff and Gretchen Miron, the student-athletes were introduced at an all-school assembly and then dispersed to enter individual classrooms and read in a more intimate setting. “Taking time out of my day to go do something as cool as promoting reading to elementary school kids is something I don’t get to do often in my busy life,” Rosoff said. “It’s the best feeling to know you’re doing something nice to benefit someone else’s life.” Next, the student-athletes made their way across town to Randall Elementary School to read to two lucky fifth grade classrooms. Refusing to read anything but Dr. Seuss, Bruesewitz had one young student run down to the library to fetch him the classic The Cat in The Hat. The students were in for a real treat when the 6-foot-6 basketball player broke out different voices for each character. With two visits complete, new UW student-athletes hopped in the van to finish the last two stops of the day-long caravan. Football players Beau Allen, Da- vid Gilbert, Jake Rademacher, Jack Russell, Stephen Salata, Marcus Trotter and Derek Watt were joined by women’s swimming team member Karissa Krusze- wski at Heritage Elementary School in Waunakee ― Russell’s former stomping grounds. “We half expected to see a statue of Russell out

26 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 BADGERS GIVE BACK READ ACROSS AMERICA

VIDEO: BRUESEWITZ READS DR. SUESS

front of the elementary school when we arrived,” loved that they could be at the kids’ level, reading joked Allen. the same books that the kids were reading. The At Heritage, the student-athletes went room kids just thought that was the coolest thing.” to room, reading books to individual classes and The caravan’s last stop of the day was Park answering students’ questions. Elementary in Cross Plains. There, the student- “How old are you?” asked one inquisitive first athletes took turns reading portions of The Cat in grader. “Guess!” replied Gilbert and Trotter. the Hat in front of an all-school assembly. “600?!” the youngster responded. “It was such a blast,” said Allen. “The excitement “The student-athletes’ visit to our school had a and enthusiasm of the kids couldn’t help but put a huge impact on our kids,” said Melissa Lund, who smile on our faces.” organized the Badgers’ visit to Heritage Elemen- From there to here and here to there, tary. “The kids were in awe of the athletes and just funny things are everywhere.

27 5 THINGS TO WATCH MARCH 7 - 13

THURSDAY 3/7 • 2 PM • BTN Tourney time • Women’s basketball vs. Illinois Wisconsin looks to continue its season at the 2013 Big Ten Tournament on Thursday against Illinois. Tip time is 2 p.m. from Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Fans can watch live on BTN.

THURSDAY 3/7 • 8 PM • ESPN 1 Spartan showdown • Men’s basketball at Michigan State The Badgers hit the road to wrap up the regular season this week, with their first stop in East Lansing, Mich., to take on the Spartans. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. from the Breslin Center.

SATURDAY 3/9 • 9 AM • BTN 2 B1G championships • Big Ten men’s swimming & diving It was a championship full Big Ten titles and school records for the Badgers. Relive the 2013 Big Ten Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships on BTN Saturday at 9 a.m.

SUNDAY 3/10 • 11 AM • BTN 3 Regular-season finale • Men’s basketball at Penn State The regular season ends on the road for the Badgers at Penn State on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Watch live on BTN as Wisconsin goes for the season sweep against the Nittany Lions.

SUNDAY 3/10 • 1:30 PM • BTN 4 Championship Sunday • Wrestling at Big Ten Championships The season is on the line for the Badgers as they compete at the 2013 Big Ten Wrestling Championships for a spot in the NCAA tournament. BTN will air the championship bouts live starting at 1:30 p.m. 528 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 2 4 Question of the Week: Ask The If you had a snow day, BADGERS how would you spend it?

BRIANNA DECKER • SENIOR • WOMEN’S HOCKEY “I would sleep in, just relax, and watch movies all day with my roommates Alex Rigsby, Madison Packer and Stefanie McKeough.”

JARED BERGGREN SENIOR • MEN’S BASKETBALL

“I would relax in my apartment, maybe watch the movie ‘Snow Day,’ then venture over to Bascom Hill and join in on what would be another epic snowball fight.”

JACKI GULCZYNSKI SOPHOMORE • WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

“On my snow day, I wouldn’t get out of bed until noon. When I finally got up, I would sit myself on the couch, cuddle up in a blanket and watch movies all day. We never get complete relaxation days so I would use a ’’ snow day to do absolutely nothing!”

NIC KERDILES • FRESHMAN • MEN’S HOCKEY “The first thing I would do is sleep. Honestly I’d just sleep, I don’t know what else I’d do. On snow days you can’t do anything. If it was my first snow day, I’d go play in the snow. I’d go build a snowman and shoot pucks at it.”

30 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013

BADGERING...

AUSTIN MUDD »» MEN’S TRACK & FIELD A sophomore, Austin Mudd has put together one of the most impressive indoor seasons by a middle distance runner this year. The Greenwood, Ind., native carries the No. 8 seed in the mile into this weekend’s 2013 NCAA Indoor Championships after running a school-record time of 3:58.59 to race his way into the NCAA meet at the Alex Wilson Invitational. He also qualified for the national meet in the 800 meters but will focus solely on the mile, an event in which he has broken the four-minute barrier twice this season, including in his dramatic win in the prestigious Meyo Mile on Feb. 2. Wins can get overshadowed by times in track. How important is winning to you? “A lot of guys aim for times going into races, but I think the most important thing is coming out with a win, because if you win all of your races during the season, you’re going to run some pretty fast times in doing so.”

What was the experience like when you won the Meyo Mile? “It was probably the best indoor race I’ve ever ran. That was my first mile in my collegiate career, so it was really nice to break four (minutes) and come away with the win in such a stacked field. It was an awesome experience. My high school coach was there. My parents were there. Just for my high school coach to be there the first time I broke four was really meaningful. It was just an awesome experience, but there are definitely bigger things to come now.” Do you prefer the mile or the 800 meters right now? “I like both. I really couldn’t pick a favorite. I really like switching it up between the two. That adds some spice to things. I’ve done more 800s so far, but I really like the mile, as well. I just really enjoy racing.” How much of an adjustment was there for you to adapt to college competition? “It was definitely a longer season than I was used to (last year), but I think that just plays into the roll of being a collegiate runner. Indoors is a lot bigger, and then outdoors lasts a lot longer. I took a good three weeks off after that season. I really feel fresh and in better shape than I’ve ever been in right now.”

Are you still learning at this point, even into your second college season? “Every day I’m learning something knew. It’s definitely a big transition coming from high school. There are so many more little things you have to do to be at that top level.”

32 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013

COOLLY CONSISTENT Fiery competitor? That’s Butch. Cool customer? That’s Louise. The personalities of his parents went a long way in shaping the consistent winner Badgers fans know simply as Bo.

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM COOLLY CONSISTENT Fiery competitor? That’s Butch. Cool customer? That’s Louise. The personalities of his parents went a long way in shaping the consistent winner Badgers fans know simply as Bo.

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA

isconsin’s preparation on the assistant baseball coach and the head basketball day prior to playing Purdue at coach in Brookhaven, Pa. He made $4,000. the Kohl Center was no differ- His early training has been paying dividends ever ent than it had been on the day since. prior to playing Michigan or any “If we go 10 possession and we have seven points, Wother opponent. Only the results differed. then they run because they don’t have one point or During last Saturday’s practice, UW head coach more,’’ he said. “If we give up more than one point Bo Ryan stood at midcourt with a manager at his per possession, they’ll also run.’’ side charting possessions between the eight players Ryan might be focused on ‘What are we scoring in the rotation and the scout team. off?’’ If so, he said, “I’m thinking, ‘Are we getting Ryan whistled when he wanted play stopped. He more off a ball screen? Are we getting more off post made comments to individuals when warranted. touches? Are we shooting more 3s?’’’ “They don’t need speeches at practices,’’ he said. As a former prep quarterback in football and col- “It’s point specific.’’ lege point guard in basketball, Ryan has always felt The Badgers will generally do between 35 and comfortable reading the floor, which allows him to 40 possessions the day before a game. That works break down every action in the possession. out to about 90 minutes. “We always cut back time- “We always film the practice so we can always go wise,’’ Ryan said. “We never cut back effort-wise.’’ back and look at something,’’ he said. “I looked at Ryan has been keeping track of possessions since Friday’s practice and I saw a couple of things that 1972, when he was hired as a history teacher, the we could do a bit better.’’

36 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 “If there’s ever a time and a guy who has coached it to the max; he’s that guy this year,’’ said Gard. “If he’s not (Big Ten Coach of the Year), they ought to throw away the award.’’

So that was part of the emphasis on Saturday, 24 Wisconsin’s preparation leading up to Thurs- hours before playing Purdue. day’s game at Michigan State will be no different “Sensory-wise, guys learn better in different sit- than it was leading up to the Indiana game or any uations; some more from being on the floor and other road game. Ryan will be no different, either. showing them,’’ he said. “Others may get a better “The approach has always been the same, wheth- feel looking at tape.’’ er it was 1993 or 2013,’’ said UW associate head There will be no shortage of teaching points from coach Greg Gard, who has been with Ryan since he Sunday’s loss to the Boilermakers. In his opening joined his staff in Platteville in ’93. remarks following the game, he noted, “We let “I think that’s why his teams have been so con- guys get to their strong hands, which we had talked sistent and have improved as the year has gone on, about …’’ because he doesn’t change. Kids know what to ex- Ryan is a stickler for “working our rules.’’ Defen- pect and they appreciate that. sively, it could mean taking away the right hand “They don’t want to be yo-yoed around. They from an opponent who has shown a tendency to go know this is how we’re going to do things, not only in that direction, like Purdue’s Terone Johnson. the routine; but how we handle each day and how “It’s what you emphasize, not so much what you we play ― philosophically and systematically.’’ say,’’ he pointed out. “It doesn’t mean you’re go- Many believe this has been one of Ryan’s better ing to get them all on the left hand side (wins). It coaching jobs, if not his best. means you’re getting your players to compete in “I think it has got to be,’’ said Wisconsin assistant every game.’’ Gary Close.

37 Gard agreed. it to the max; he’s that guy this year,’’ said Gard, “He has kept his thumb on the guys and he has who was asked if he thought Ryan merited being kept pushing,’’ he said. “At the same time, I’ve told named the Big Ten’s Coach of the Year. him several times that he has been way more pa- “If he’s not, they ought to throw away the award.’’ tient than I ever could be. Close seconded that notion. “Obviously, that’s 40-plus years of experience. “There are some other worthy candidates,’’ he He’s great at reading people and knowing when to said. “But I think it’s a no-brainer.’’ push and when to pull off a little bit. He’s done a Close first crossed paths with Ryan in the early great job of blending persistence with patience.’’ ’80s, so he has a frame of reference. Plenty of both are still needed. But no one had “I’m impressed every year,’’ Close said. “But with the Badgers in the discussion with Indiana, Michi- what we’ve gone through with what we’ve lost (Jor- gan State, Michigan and Ohio State atop the Big dan Taylor and Rob Wilson) and the injuries (to Ten. Almost everyone had them pegged for the sec- Josh Gasser and Mike Bruesewitz) …’’ ond division. Not to mention the overall strength of the Big The loss to Purdue was not an indictment as Ten. much as it may have been an endorsement. Just don’t mention any of this to Ryan. It may have accented how much Ryan has His best coaching job? Coach of the year? squeezed out of this group to keep them in conten- “Why would I even spend time thinking about tion for a share of the Big Ten championship with a that?’’ Ryan posed rhetorically. week remaining in the regular season. “If there’s ever a time and a guy who has coached ● ● ● ● DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA

38 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 Bo Ryan spent Christmas with his mom and dad in Flor- ida. Two days later, Louise Ryan passed away. She was 86. On Dec. 29, Ryan coached the Badgers to a win over Samford at the Kohl Center. There was never a doubt in his mind on what he had to do ― coach his team. His dad, Butch, would have done it the same way. “That’s all part of the inner being,’’ Bo Ryan said. “When I’m at home, I’m a husband and a father. When I’m at the Kohl Center, I’m a teacher and coach and I have a re- ANDY MANIS “With Louise and Butch, he sponsibility to the players.’’ Upon seeing his folks on reflected on all of the good Christmas Eve, he kidded that Louise had chid- years they had together,” ed him for the lack of improvement his team had Gard said. “They’re big shown. Are you going to get better? He promised to keep working on it. reasons why he is where he One of Ryan’s seniors, Ryan Evans, spoke for is today and he’s done what the players when he thanked Ryan for the commit- he has done as a coach.’’ ment that he had shown to the team. Their grieving coach had been no different around them. “I know it was hurting him, I know it was tearing “She applied to be business manager at Widener, him up, but he didn’t show it,’’ Gard said. “That’s a college in Chester (Pa.). But she didn’t have her how he handles everything; he keeps going forward, degree. They tell her if you take a half-dozen ac- he doesn’t get too high or too low. counting classes and ace them all, the job is yours. “With Louise and Butch, he reflected on all of the “Mind you, she’s in her early 50s. But she passed good years they had together. They’re big reasons with flying colors. Smart lady. Like I said, sheal- why he is where he is today and he’s done what he ways plays it cool. Oh, God, yeah, I’m more of a hot has done as a coach.’’ head.’’ The Butch Ryan influence is most noticeable, Butch Ryan will be 89 on March 29. He’s still in Gard added. “You see the tough love and the kind Florida in an assisted living facility. of street cred, so to speak, of Butch,’’ he said. “But “He’s struggling,’’ conceded Bo Ryan. you also see a side of Louise.’’ Butch and Louise had been married for 68 years Here’s how Butch Ryan once described that side and it has been challenging, as you might expect, of his son. for Butch to come to grips to waking up every “Louise, his mother, now that’s where Bo gets morning without her. his cool,’’ Butch said. “Oh, yeah, she helped him in The other day, Bo tried getting a hold of his dad many ways because that’s the way she is ― she’s on the phone. But there was no answer. competitive but she’s cool under pressure. “He can’t see real well,’’ he said. “The phone might DAVID STLUKA 39 Ryan, here with his father & son, Will, was the recipient of the Rupp Award in 2007.

have been off the hook.’’ When asked about that a few years ago, Butch Anybody who has been in this position with an said, “I never let Bo win at anything ― not ping- older parent ― trying to keep tabs on them from pong, not at checkers, not at pool, not even when long distance ― can relate to the helplessness when we played Cowboys and Indians.’’ you get a busy signal or no one picks up. Those words resonated. “But it wasn’t anything Since Butch’s health is not good enough for him he said,’’ Bo recounted of his relationship with to travel, there was a memorial service for Louise Butch, who was so proud of his stock, the County in Florida before her burial in Pennsylvania. Bo’s Donegal Ryans from northwest Ireland. sister, Nancy, took care of the arrangements. “When you have a dad that is so competitive that Bo and his wife, Kelly, and the kids will have when you’re finally beating him at basketball, he their own service for Louise in August on the Jer- will walk away and won’t play you again, it was sey Shore ― Sea Isle City ― where the Ryan clan what he didn’t say.’’ has shared so much of their time together. Louise was always there for reassurance. “My mom was always reading something; she al- “I remember how comforting it always was for ways wanted to learn about different things,’’ said me when I came home from college or when I came Bo, reflecting on Louise. “Sports? She could take home from the Army,’’ Bo recalled. “My sister and I them or leave them. were very fortunate. “It’s probably why they stayed together so long. “She (Louise) was the person everybody could go Butch was always working with kids at the football to. She always made sure everybody else’s interests field or the basketball court or the baseball field. always came before hers. Kelly is the exact same He was gone from 5 to 8 every night.’’ way.’’ Butch Ryan hardened Bo Ryan. There was another telling disclosure on his mom.

40 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 “She was never too high, never too low,’’ said Bo, “You get up,’’ Ryan said, “and who plays by the same rules. “I’ll remember the good times; it’s the Irish in me. Do you remember you ask, ‘What is going to when she did this or that?’’ happen here today? What do Louise Ryan was very grateful to Bo and Kelly we have to work on?’ When I after they relocated her and Butch to a retirement community in Florida about seven years ago. It taught we had lesson plans: gave her a new lease on life. Here’s what we’re going to try “My mom joined a stamp club,’’ Bo said, smirk- ing, “and she didn’t have any stamps.’’ and accomplish today.’’ Louise loved the warm weather and socializing with a new crowd. “But my dad was kind of iffy about the move,’’ he said. By comparison to his mother, Bo said, “My dad was much more argumentative. He would rub people the wrong way sometimes ― not on purpose. “But in his mind, he had a vision and it was tough to change his mind. “You don’t know anybody like that, do you?’’ Another rhetorical question. ● ● ● ● Shortly after the Badgers completed their Sat- urday practice in preparation for Purdue, Bo Ryan begrudgingly responded to a question on whether this has been a satisfying year to this point. “I’ve seen progress, yeah,’’ said Ryan. “The guys have shown that they’re listening. They’re showing progress, but we also know how fleeting it can all be.’’ Citing the remaining opponents on the schedule, Ryan said, “Look at these other teams ― like Purdue ― they’re trying to do the same things that we’re trying to do.’’ Last Sunday, the Boilermakers did those things better than the Badgers. Ryan summarily returned to practice this week with just one thing in mind. Next? This leads to his inner peace. “You get up,’’ he said, “and you ask, ‘What is going to happen here today? What do we have to work on?’ When I taught we had lesson plans: Here’s what we’re going to try and accomplish today.’’ Wisconsin’s preparation on the day before playing Michigan State in East Lansing will be no different than it was on the day before playing Purdue in Madison. Never too high, never too low. DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA 41

SPRING INTO ACTION Laying the groundwork for Gary Andersen’s vision of what the Badgers can be begins this weekend

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM SPRING INTO ACTION Laying the groundwork for Gary Andersen’s vision of what the Badgers can be begins this weekend

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA

isconsin’s Ryan Groy and Chris Groy said. Borland have reached their “I would think it went better than most would ex- own comfort levels during the pect,’’ Borland added. “first quarter,’’ or phase, of the Not that he was surprised. After getting an early coaching transition from Bret opportunity to visit with Andersen and some of his WBielema to Gary Andersen. assistants, Borland said, “Personally, I anticipated Groy, a senior guard, has found something com- it going well knowing what type of guys they are.’’ forting in something old; an offensive system that It didn’t hurt that the Badgers have a senior- is similar for linemen in some respects to the one laden roster with veteran players who have experi- that was in place two years ago. enced three straight Rose Bowls. “We’ve got a lot of Borland, a senior linebacker, has found some- mature, responsible guys,’’ Borland said. thing comforting in something new; a 3-4 defen- Some have been subjected to more changes than sive scheme that is much different than any previ- others. Groy will have his fourth different O-line ous one used during his time here. coach in three seasons; Borland will have a fourth Leading up to the start of the “second quarter” different linebackers coach in four seasons. ― Saturday marks the opening of spring practice, In this context, Borland has been so grateful for or the second of four phases ― Groy and Borland the direction that everyone has been getting from sounded most comfortable with the transition so the top, Andersen. “He’s a great leader,’’ Borland far. said. “You can tell that right off the bat.’’ “We realize we have to come together as a team,’’ What has been most telling? “He doesn’t BS

46 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 POSITION BY POSITION:

DEFENSE by MIKE LUCAS

DEFENSIVE LINE: Beau Allen has the body and agility and strength to be an ideal nose guard in the 3-4 alignment. Ethan Hemer is one of the most industrious tackles in the Big Ten. Warren Herring, who started his career as a rush end, and Bryce Gilbert were the backups to Allen and Hemer. Pat Muldoon and Tyler Dippel will be among those moving from defensive end to tackle in the new scheme. Both have started games and made plays. Also moving inside are Konrad Zagzebski and James Adeyanju.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: This is the most intriguing element in the defensive conversion from a 4-3 to a 3-4. That is, how quickly and success- fully will David Gilbert and Brendan Kelly make the transition from defensive ends who previously lined up in a three-point stance. Both have to be ex- you about anything,’’ Borland said. “He’s straight-forward. cited by the prospect of making plays That’s what guys respond to. They like to know where they in space and having a greater impact stand and what they need to do.’’ on the defense as a whole. Vince Said Groy, “From the second that he (Andersen) came in, Biegel, who was injured as a fresh- I felt he was being honest with us and he was telling us the man, would seem to be ideally suited truth. He wasn’t trying to sway us a certain way.’’ for this position. Some others will get Andersen has been clear about what’s expected and what’s a chance this spring to show what they can do, including Sherard Cadogan, important. “Number one on the list,’’ he said, “has been the Joe Schobert and Jesse Hayes. relationships that we’ve been able to build in a very short period of time.’’ The starting point has been the winter conditioning pro- « Ethan Hemer gram and the weight room, which is now under the supervi- sion of Evan Simon, who was Andersen’s strength coordinator at Utah State. “Coach Simon and Coach Andersen have been really honest about how we’re going to work and how we’re going to go about things,’’ Groy said. “It’s been a nice, smooth transition. “He (Simon) came in and said, ‘This is how it’s going to be, this is how I’m going to coach you and this is my personal-

47 POSITION BY POSITION: ity.’ We went with it, accepted him and moved on. “There have been tough workouts, hard workouts; by MIKE LUCAS OFFENSE they’ve been grinders for sure. But they are short, quick and to the point. We go from one station to an- QUARTERBACK: It’s difficult to handicap other; we go from one lift to another. the competition without first seeing the “Bang, bang, bang. Get it out, get it done. You’re drip- spring compatibility ― plus the adaptability ping wet in sweat. But it’s fast, quick. Normally we’re a ― of Curt Phillips, Joel Stave and Danny little slower when we go about our lifts, we take a little O’Brien with a new play-caller in Andy Ludwig. Phillips, Stave and O’Brien have more time between sets.’’ each started games, which has likely given The difference now is that the intensity never wanes Ludwig a head start on knowing what he has, for that one hour or so in the room. or doesn’t have. The tape doesn’t lie. One of “We get the same amount of work done, we just do the unknowns is Bart Houston. What can he it in a shorter amount of time,’’ Borland said. “They’re bring to the offense? How is he different from trying to build in a cardiovascular component into the the others? He did run some option in high workouts, and it’s paying off. school. The other unknown is junior college “The guys are getting in good condition without transfer Tanner McEvoy. What will be his overworking them. There has been a little bit more ex- impact in the fall? plosiveness involved with the lifts; maybe not quite as much brute strength type of stuff. RUNNING BACK: Can Robin take over for Batman? Montee Ball will no longer cast a “He (Simon) is a great communicator before and af- shadow over his close friend, James White ter the lifts. He’s very clear about what he wants ac- who can finally establish his own identity as a complished and the guys appreciate that. He’s doesn’t senior. Everybody wants to see more of Mel- have to scream and yell a lot. vin Gordon; in particular, they want to see “We know how to work. That’s what we do in this more of Gordon running north-south instead program. It helped the transition as well.’’ of east-west as a decoy on the fly sweep. Can Andersen has been encouraged by the “want to’’ of Jeff Lewis make a serious push for playing the players and their ability to adjust to a new voice time? After moving over from linebacker at and format. “We’re out of there a little faster and do the start of fall drills, Derek Watt was a pleas- things a little different,’’ he said. ant development at fullback. Watt showed Impacting the transition in a positive manner has sign of becoming a reliable receiving threat been the relationship that Simon has developed with out of the backfield. the staff holdovers in the weight room: Brian Bott, TIGHT END: The Badgers should be strong Jamil Walker and Jeff Zuhlke. and deep here with the trio of Jacob Ped- “It has been awesome,’’ Andersen said. ersen, Brian Wozniak and Sam Arneson. The winter phase extends behind weight lifting, Each has their own strengths and meshed though it’s limited in scope. Still, as little as you’re al- well in terms of their role-playing. Pedersen’s lowed to do from a football standpoint, Andersen said, touchdown-to-reception ratio has been high, the results have been noteworthy. although there was a drop-off last season “The eagerness of the kids to take those two hours of due in large part to catching passes from meeting time that we get a week,’’ he said, “and really three different quarterbacks. Pedersen will apply themselves and put in extra time on their own be in many All-America discussions. Woz- has been very impressive.’’ niak has upside as a receiver. Arneson is still Borland has already begun immersing himself in untapped. He was injured early last year. It the playbook since the Wisconsin defense will be un- will be interesting to see how Austin Traylor dergoing a significant makeover during the spring in and Austin Maly factor into the mix during spring drills. converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme.

48 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 “Last year, we had one defense that adjusted to every offense. This year, we’ll do a lot more things on our side of the ball, not necessarily predicated on what the offense is doing,” said Borland. “It’s going to be a fun defense to play in and a fun defense to watch.’’

“It’s important to have an idea of where you’re headed, so when practice starts you know what to do,’’ he said. “There’s a difference between making sense on paper and going through it physi- cally.’’ Based on what he has seen on video of the 3-4, Borland is excited about its potential. “It’s good for us because there’s a lot more ver- satility within the scheme,’’ he said. “It’s going to free up guys to make more plays; this will put our playmakers in position to do something special. “Last year, we had one defense that adjusted to every offense. This year, we’ll do a lot more things on our side of the ball, not necessarily predicated on what the offense is doing. DAVID STLUKA “We’ll be blitzing a lot and moving a lot and flying to the ball,’’ said Borland, UW’s second-lead- Beau Allen and Ethan Hemer are the anchors ing tackler last year with 104 stops. “It’s going to be inside. Also returning are their backups, Warren a fun defense to play in and a fun defense to watch.’’ Herring and Bryce Gilbert. Meanwhile, David Gil- Groy got an up-close and personal look at the 3-4 bert and Brendan Kelly loom as outside lineback- against Utah State last season. ers. “It won’t be a stereotypical Big Ten defense at all,’’ Tyler Dippel and Pat Muldoon were also key con- he said. “It will be very challenging (for an offense). tributors last season. A wild card in the front seven They will be moving, slanting, rocking and all kinds could be Vince Biegel, who was injured and red- of stuff.’’ shirted as a freshman. Even with the graduation loss of their leading By contrast, the UW secondary has only one re- tackler, Mike Taylor, the Badgers will field a deep turning starter in Dez Southward. front seven. “We have all older guys so the transi- “Dez is going to be a great player; he has been tion is easier schematically,’’ Borland said. working his tail off and he’s going to take a big

49 DAVID STLUKA

jump,’’ Borland said. “There are a few other spots tackle, where does he expect to be? “I think I will open but no shortage of talent. be a guard in the spring with Costigan out,’’ said “It’s an opportunity for guys to win jobs. It’s just Groy, who has heard talk about moving to tackle. “I a matter of who steps up.’’ would prefer to stay at guard. I think it’s my natural In sum, it’s the essence of spring practice. position.’’ “It’s a proving ground for young players in the Rob Havenstein is the returning starter at right program,’’ Andersen said. “And to be real frank, it’s tackle, while Dallas Lewallen and Tyler Marz will a fresh start for some kids who maybe didn’t have compete on the left side. Zac Matthias, meanwhile, the opportunities they thought they deserved. has started games at right guard. “Whether they did (deserve it) or didn’t, it doesn’t Groy is confident that Dan Voltz has what it takes matter. But a fresh start is a fresh start and it can to be a good center. bring some excitement to certain kids at certain “I trust him and he’s a really smart kid,’’ Groy spots.’’ said. The Badgers must replace two starters on the When asked about the quarterback competition, offensive line: Rick Wagner and Travis Frederick. Groy laughed and said, “I’m pretty sure we have Moreover, a third starter, Kyle Costigan, will be more quarterbacks than O-linemen. We have a limited in the spring because of injury rehab. plethora of guys who have had experience.’’ Given that Groy has lined up at guard, center and That includes three players who started last

50 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 “Everybody has got so much POSITION BY POSITION: experience and a majority DEFENSE by MIKE LUCAS of the seniors have played in INSIDE LINEBACKER: Mike Taylor has games,’’ Groy said. “Every po- been a fixture in this position group for so sition group has a couple of many years, it will be strange not seeing No. 53 alongside of No. 44 Chris Borland. Not seniors and they’re willing to that you will see a lot of No. 44 this spring. lead and take charge.’’ Borland is healthy but Gary Andersen doesn’t need to see what he can do. He knows all about Borland’s playmaking ability. Ethan Armstrong was one of the most unsung year: Danny O’Brien, Curt Phillips and Joel Stave. linebackers in the Big Ten largely because “They’ve played in serious games and it will sort it- he was overshadowed by Taylor and Borland. self out, I’m not worried about that,’’ Groy said. Derek Landisch, who started at Penn State, Nor does he have any concerns about tailbacks. and Conor O’Neill have some seasoning, Montee Ball has moved on, but James White, Mel- while Marcus Trotter got invaluable snaps as vin Gordon and Jeff Lewis are in the mix, along a backup. with incoming freshman Corey Clement in the fall. SECONDARY: There will be no attempt to “They can flat-out play,’’ Groy said. “It will be a separate corners from safeties because of competitive group back there.’’ the uncertainty regarding the personnel go- Groy was on the same page with Borland on the ing into the spring. Andersen suggested as value of having such a large senior class. Monday when he said corners could move “Everybody has got so much experience and a to safeties and safeties to corner. The only majority of the seniors have played in games,’’ Groy constant is Dez Southward, a difference-

DAVID STLUKA said. “Every position group has a couple of seniors maker at safety. Michael Trotter took over as and they’re willing to lead and take charge.’’ a starter when Shelton Johnson was hurt last “We have quality leaders, too,’’ Borland interject- year. Darius Hilary and Peniel Jean have ed. “We have veteran guys who are going to know some playing experience as nickel backs. what to expect and how to win. They know how to Michael Caputo saw most of his action on get it done, and it’s going to help us.’’ special teams. So did Terrance Floyd. Be- Groy admitted to struggling with the transition cause of injuries, very little is known about last spring from offensive line coach Bob Bostad Hugs Etienne, Devin Gaulden and Reggie to Mike Markuson and from offensive coordinator Mitchell. Keelon Brookins, who’s rehab- bing from a knee injury, and Sojourn Shelton Paul Chryst to Matt Canada. are mid-term high school graduates (as was “I’ll take some blame for that,’’ Groy said. “We Etienne last year). weren’t ready for transition. It was something where you believed in what you were taught for three and four years; something was pounded into « Dez Southward your heads for so long, then when somebody tells you different, you don’t want to believe him. “The old coaches had been here so long we weren’t ready to accept change. This year, we realize we have to accept the change and we’re more accepting of doing this together. We have to accept our coaches for who they are and go from there.’’

51 POSITION BY POSITION: “It’s kind of a refresh- OFFENSE by MIKE LUCAS ing time,” Groy said. “We need to get back into the WIDE RECEIVER: Jared Abbrederis needs some help. Nobody has a greater apprecia- swing of things and get tion for his skills than Gary Andersen who to know the offense. You had to game-plan for Abbrederis last year while he was at Utah State. Jordan Fredrick have to blend with the got a lot of valuable playing time as a starter coaches and get a feel and made some clutch receptions late in the year. Andersen needs no introduction to for their coaching style. Kenzel Doe, either. Doe’s 82-yard punt re- turn for a touchdown sparked the Badgers to their win over the Aggies. Reggie Love is an interesting study because he’s still so raw. Wisconsin’s new offensive line coach, It’s no secret the Badgers have to find some T.J. Woods, has already won over Groy. answers, whether it’s from the returners or “Coach Woods has been amazing so freshmen. far, he’s awesome,’’ said Groy. “He’s the OFFENSIVE LINE: There was at least one kind of guy who will speak his mind and occasion last season when the coaches gave get after us when he needs to. But you thought to lifting the redshirt from fresh- know he’ll be a real close friend off the man Dan Voltz because of injury concerns field. It’s something we kind of needed at center. But it didn’t happen. If Voltz can as a group. fill the void left by Travis Frederick, it would “We need to be coached hard, there’s allow Ryan Groy to stay at left guard. Once no doubt about it. We’re a young group healthy, Kyle Costigan will likely retain his (on the offensive line), there’s not a lot of starting status at right guard. Zac Matthias experience across the board. But we’re shared the spot with Costigan. Right tackle talented and we need to be taught the DAVID STLUKA Rob Havenstein is the other returning start- right techniques and learn how to finish er. Dallas Lewallen has played both guard (he smiled) and all of that good stuff. and tackle. His biggest challenge has been “The system we’re running now is similar to Coach staying healthy. Tyler Marz was used in the “Barge’’ formation and will compete with Chryst’s offense. It’s going to be a great offense. A lot Lewallen at left tackle. There should be no of the calls and the schemes in the offensive line are shortage of competition in the two deep. similar to what Coach Bostad had. It’s very comforting, to be honest. We have a set plan and we know what to expect the whole time.’’ Groy was quick to point out that first-year offen- « Jared Abbrederis sive coordinator Andy Ludwig has definitely put his mark on the offense. “There are a lot of different vari- ations in the passing game, that sort of stuff,’’ Groy said. “But the running game ― as far as calls and schemes ― is very similar in my opinion.’’ All of this is preliminary to the start of spring drills and executing the concepts on the field. “I think of getting the juices flowing again ― getting the plays in, getting everything down, being crisp and

52 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013 clean,’’ Groy said. “It’s kind of a refreshing time. individual, especially for the younger guys or the We need to get back into the swing of things and guys who didn’t get a lot of reps in the fall,’’ Bor- get to know the offense. You have to blend with the land said. “It’s a time for them to improve and pre- coaches and get a feel for their coaching style. pare for next year. You can also begin to develop “This spring, as a team, we have to really un- an identity as a team in the spring.’’ derstand the new coaches and understand where It will be a learning phase for everyone, to be they’re coming from and understand their coach- sure, as the players gain a better understanding of ing points and what they want out of each position what the coaches want, and the coaches get a bet- group. Everybody has to be on the same page and ter read on what the players can do. everybody has to know their responsibilities.’’ “There are going to be ups and downs,’’ Andersen Borland has only been healthy enough to par- said, “and the offense is going to play better than ticipate in one spring practice during his UW ca- the defense and the defense better than the offense reer and Andersen plans on keeping a close tab on and so on and so forth. But we want to see consis- the number of reps that Borland gets this spring, tent effort and smiles on their faces and I want to which will also hold true for some of the other UW see them get better every day.’’ seniors, including White and Southward. So far, so good. Groy and Borland were both “The spring is a good time to get better as an smiling while talking about the transition.

53 INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB

SCHEDULE (20-9, 11-5) Last Week Feb. 26 Nebraska W, 77-46 March 3 Purdue L, 56-69

This Week Thursday at #10 Michigan St. 8 p.m. Sunday at Penn State 11 a.m.

Next Five Mar. 14-17 Big Ten Tournament TBA Mar. 19-24 NCAA Rounds 1-3 TBA

ably the Big Ten’s most lethal weap- on off the bench, but he has also been the conference’s top scorer among sixth men. Dekker, who is averaging 9.4 points per game in Big Ten play, has reached double-figures in six straight contests for UW, tying his career-high with 19 points in a win over Nebraska on Feb. 26. Over his last six games, the freshman is displaying the numbers of an All-Big Ten performer, shooting 60.5 percent from the field, 52.0 percent Sam’s Club: Dekker in a from 3-point range and 86.0 percent from the free throw stripe. Dekker’s league of his own impact has put him in position to be- Freshman vying for Big Ten Sixth Man award come just UW’s second Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award winner (Ja- son Bohannon, 2008) and may also ntering the season, ex- white in the fall. push him into the running for post- Epectations were high With three-fourths of his season All-Big Ten accolades. for Badgers freshman Sam first collegiate season in the Dekker. books, Dekker has met those Road warriors The Sheboygan native expectations and is now » Wisconsin, which travels to take and 2012 Wisconsin Mr. emerging as one of the Big on No. 10 Michigan State this Basketball award winner Ten’s most deserving Sixth week, has won each of its last two was regarded as one of the Man of the Year candidates road games against top-10 Big most promising freshmen in the country’s deepest con- Ten teams, winning at No. 8 Ohio in the country even before ference. State, 63-60, and No. 2 Indiana, he donned the cardinal and Not only is Dekker argu- 64-59, this season.

54 » VARSITY MARCH 7, 2013

INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE (11-18, 3-13) Last Five Feb. 14 #18 Purdue L, 48-58 Feb. 18 at Illinois L, 53-60 Feb. 23 at Northwestern L, 52-54 Feb. 28 #20 Nebraska L, 53-55 Mar. 3 at Michigan State L, 48-54

This Week Thursday vs. Illinois 2 p.m. at Big Ten Tournament Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Paige, Gulczynski honored » Junior Morgan Paige was named third-team All-Big Ten by league coaches and media, while sophomore Jacki Gulczynski was a con- sensus honorable mention pick. Paige, a 5-foot-9 guard, ranks sixth in the Big Ten at 16.1 points per game. She has scored in double figures in 25 of 29 games this season, including eight games with 20 or more points. The Marion, Iowa, native scored a career-high 33 points Badgers wrap up season in leading Wisconsin to an upset of No. 7 Penn State on Jan. 31. Paige at Big Ten tournament has been UW’s leading scorer in 18 Wisconsin faces Illinois in first round games this season. Gulczynski, a 6-1 forward, is one of only three sophomores on the tough season will come The Badgers have lost their coaches’ honor squad. She ranks Ato an end this week as last five games, but have been second on the team at 12.6 points the 11th-seeded Badgers face within three points with less per game, with her average going up No. 6 seed Illinois in the first than four minutes to play in to 14.6 points per game in Big Ten round of the 19th-annual Big three of those losses. UW has play. The Carol Stream, Ill., native is Ten Tournament on Thursday. been outscored 41-28 over the also one of the team’s top rebound- Wisconsin has been playing last five minutes of play in its ers, averaging 5.9 boards per game. with only nine players since last five games, including a Gulczynski was also named the mid-December and the heavy 13-3 rally by then-No. 18 Pur- team’s Sportsmanship Award recip- minutes are taking a toll on due and a 7-2 advantage by ient for displaying positive sports- the team. then-No. 20 Nebraska. manship.

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE (16-11-7, 12--7-7) Back to where it started Last Five Title hopes alive, Badgers back at Coliseum Feb. 17 vs. Minnesota W, 3-2 Feb. 24 Penn State W, 5-0 Feb. 25 Penn State L, 3-2 (OT) ne of the most unpre- consin returns to what was March 1 at #13 Neb. Omaha W, 4-3 March 2 at #13 Neb. Omaha W, 6-2 Odictable seasons in Wis- its home ice from 1967-98. consin men’s hockey history A place that saw the Badgers This Week will come down to one final, capture two of the program’s Friday #8 St. Cloud State 7 p.m. unpredictable regular-sea- three WCHA titles. Saturday #8 St. Cloud State 7 p.m. son series. Fitting. “This is the home of Wis- Coming Up Wrapping up their home consin hockey,” Madison March 15 WCHA Playoffs TBD and regular-season slates native Keegan Meuer said. March 16 WCHA Playoffs TBD this weekenend against “This is where it all started.” March 17 WCHA Playoffs* TBD WCHA-leading St. Cloud After their slow start to the * - if necessary State, the Badgers prepare season (1-7-2), the Badgers for what will be a memo- have gone 15-4-5 over their rable, and perhaps historic, last 24 games, a run capped weekend of hockey. last weekend by a road series others, could lead to a share of the With a share of the confer- sweep of then-No. 13 Ne- program’s fourth conference title. ence title still within reach braska Omaha. and postseason implications Now tied for fourth in Mersch reaches milestone on the line, Wisconsin re- the WCHA standings, three » Scoring three goals last weekend at turns to where it all began: points for Wisconsin this Nebraska Omaha, Michael Mersch The Coliseum. weekend would clinch home became UW’s first 20-goal scorer In its 50th season of hock- ice in the league playoffs. since 2009-10. He is one of five ey in the modern era, Wis- Four points, plus help from players in the nation with 20 goals.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LA DUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (23-9-2, 17-9-2-2) Last Week March 1 St. Cloud State W, 5-0 March 2 St. Cloud State W, 4-1

This Week Friday vs North Dakota 4 p.m. Saturday WCHA Final Face-Off 7 p.m.

Next Three March 15 NCAA Quarterfinals TBA March 22 NCAA Frozen Four TBA March 24 NCAA Frozen Four TBA

If you only compare point totals among the eight forwards up for the Patty Kaz, Decker’s numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, but her performance needs to be phrased in the correct context. Last year, teams were not able to single out Decker like they have this year, but she has still put up 29 goals and been the catalyst for the Badgers’ offense all season. It’s easy to look good when you have two or three other Patty Ka- Decker deservedly a zmaier-quality skaters playing with you, and Decker would be the first Patty Kaz top-10 finalist to admit that she wouldn’t have won Senior forward among nation’s best – again last year’s award if it weren’t for the teammates she had supporting her. Minnesota has the best support- t Monday’s weekly press for the Patty Kazmaier and ing class this year, and that shows Aconference, UW head put them in the situation with four Gophers being named top- coach Mark Johnson com- that Brianna’s in, and I’m 10 finalists. The Lamouruex twins at mented that he believed Bri- not sure they would have at- North Dakota always play extremely anna Decker’s unique situ- tained (what she has).” well together, too. And the compe- ation this season makes her Johnson’s statement was tition seen in the WCHA by far ex- one of the best candidates phrased in the context of ceeds that of any other conference in for the Patty Kazmaier Me- how much pressure teams the nation. With all that in mind, it’s morial Award. have been able to put on easy to wonder how the other seven “You take some of the Decker this season, com- forwards would have done in Deck- other kids that might be up pared to years past. er’s position.

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INSIDE WRESTLING BY RYAN EVANS @Badger_Wrestle

SCHEDULE (7-8, 4-4) Big Ten tourney awaits This Week Graff leads UW into Big Ten championships Saturday Big Ten All Day Championships Sunday Big Ten All Day isconsin heads to Big Ten title after second- Championships Champaign, Ill., this and fourth-place finishes in W Coming Up weekend to compete in the 2011 and 2010, respectively. Mar. 21-23 NCAA All Day 2013 Big Ten Championships, Davis described Graff as Championships an event that head coach Wisconsin’s “best guy going Barry Davis says, year in and in” to the Big Ten champion- year out, may be the toughest ships, but will have his work prepare for big matches like the ones tournament in the country. cut out for him to reach the he’ll face at this weekend. Including the NCAAs. top of the podium. Graff, the “He’s got as good a shot as anybody “It may be tougher [than No. 3 wrestler at 133 lbs., is to win it,” Davis said of Graff. “To beat the NCAA tournament] be- the third seed for Big Tens the No. 1 and No. 2 guys in the county. cause it’s so compact with behind Ohio State’s No. Is that possible? Yes.” ranked guys at each weight 1 and defending national class,” Davis said. champion Logan Stieber and Badgers wrestling on BTN Having as many ranked Iowa’s No. 2-seeded Tony » Big Ten Network will provide cov- wrestlers as the Big Ten con- Ramos. erage of both days of the 2013 Big ference should make for an Davis said Graff will have Ten Championships. Sessions I exciting, competitive tour- to wrestle “mistake free” and II on Saturday will be available nament in Champaign this matches to win a Big Ten ti- via the Big Ten Digital Network weekend, including at 133 tle, but that he belives Graff’s (BTDN) at BTN.com, and Sunday’s lbs., where junior Tyler Graff Olympic redshirt last season final session will be broadcast live will be looking for his first taught him how to train and on BTN starting at 1:30 p.m.

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INSIDE SOFTBALL BY ANNA POULTER-HENDRICKSON @BadgerSoftball

SCHEDULE (14-3) This Week Saluki Invitational Saturday vs. Belmont 10 a.m. Saturday at Southern Illinois 2 p.m. Sunday vs. UIC 9 a.m. Sunday vs. Eastern Kentucky 11 a.m.

Next Week Louisville Classic Mar. 15 vs. North Carolina 9 a.m. Mar. 15 vs. E. Michigan 11:30 a.m. Mar. 16 vs. Ball State 9 a.m. Mar. 16 vs. E. Michigan 11:30 a.m. Mar. 17 at Louisville 9 a.m.

change its place in the college softball landscape and it is slowly doing just that. Nebraska, fresh off knock- ing off previously unbeaten and No. 2-ranked Oklahoma, was the top vote getter and Iowa, coming off a weekend with a pair of wins over ranked opponents, received two votes. The Badgers face both Nebraska and Iowa during conference play and have the opportunity to play Badgers (and Big Ten) Michigan in the Big Ten tournament. More league teams ranked leads to looking for respect the possibility of more at-large bids Signature wins lead to rankings and respect to the NCAA tournament and in the end, more respect.

ith more than 300 ranked in the USA Today/ Badgers defeat No. 16 Stanford WDivision I softball NFCA Division I Softball Poll » For the first time since the 2005 programs, being ranked in in 2002, coming in at No. 25 season, the Badgers defeated a the top 25 puts you in a spe- for three weeks in March. ranked opponent. UW shut out cial place. It’s a place that Finding a place in the polls No. 16 Stanford to earn its 12th the Badgers are striving to would give the Badgers, and win of the season on March 1. The reach. Not only is Wisconsin the Big Ten, the respect it is win also marked the first time in looking for signature wins looking for. school history that the Badgers this season, it is also looking This week’s poll boasts one posted a “W” against the Cardinal to gain a little respect. Big Ten team, No. 14 Michi- as UW had fallen in four previous The Badgers were last gan. The league is looking to matchups.

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INSIDE MEN’S TRACK & FIELD BY BRIAN MASON @Badger_Track

SCHEDULE Last Week March 1 Wisconsin NTS NCAA Qualifier March 1 Alex Wilson Invite NTS March 2 Alex Wilson Invite NTS

This Week Friday- NCAA Indoor All Day Saturday Championships

lons — averaging 6,007 points per competition. Keep in mind that only eight collegians have topped 6,000 points. Ever. Of the 13 scores of 6,000-plus in NCAA history, Cato owns three. If he can top the 6,000 threshold again, Cato will become the first in NCAA history to ever do so four times. But how does he get there? The answer lies in the jumping events, long a major strength of Ca- to’s. Among the top five seeds — including UW sophomore Zach Ziemek — no one can match Cato’s personal- Cato jumping at the best marks in the high jump and long jump. Only Arkansas’ Kevin Lazas — chance for NCAA title the No. 2 seed who will enjoy a home Big Ten champ is No. 1 seed in heptathlon track advantage — has gone higher than Cato in the pole vault. Based on personal-best marks, e was second a year ships as the top seed in the Cato has a 129-point cushion on La- Hago, but this time event after posting a lifetime- zas when combining scoring potential around, everyone is look- best score of 6,090 points to in the high jump, long jump and vault. ing up at Japheth Cato. win his third-consecutive Big If he can continue his consistency The challenge is making Ten title two weeks ago. in the jumps, Cato will be in conten- sure they’re still looking up at The good news is that no tion Saturday afternoon. him on Saturday. one in the nation has been as And that’s where the newest weap- Cato, the NCAA runner-up consistent as Cato over the on in his arsenal, confidence in his in the heptathlon last season, last two years. He has topped ability to close out the meet in the fi- enters this weekend’s 2013 the 5,900-point plateau in nal event — the 1000 meters — may NCAA Indoor Champion- each of his last five heptath- come into play.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD BY BRIAN MASON @Badger_Track

SCHEDULE Last Week March 1 Wisconsin NTS NCAA Qualifier

This Week Friday- NCAA Indoor All Day Saturday Championships

in the high jump last year while teammate Dorcas Akinniyi went on to score a runner-up finish. Latham, third at the Big Ten meet for the second-straight year, will make her NCAA indoor debut. She finished 10th in the heptathlon at the NCAA outdoor meet last season. Along with the duo of Flax and Latham, the Badgers will send throwers Kelsey Card and Taylor Smith to Fayetteville, Ark., as well. Card, a sophomore, made the most of “Last Chance Weekend” with a season-best throw of 55-3 1/2 last Friday to jump into the top Final four: Badgers set 16 in the event and punch a ticket to the NCAA meet. She enters as for NCAA indoor meet the No. 14 seed after scoring All- UW sending pairs in pentathlon and throws America honors with a sixth-place finish as a freshman last year. Smith’s path was less dramatic, t just wouldn’t be the For the second-consecu- as she sewed up her spot with a Isame without the Bad- tive year, Davis’ group will school-record heave of 70-6 1/2 gers. send a pair of teammates to take third in the weight throw at In six of the seven years to compete in the NCAA the Big Ten championships. that assistant coach Nate pentathlon in senior Jes- Among Big Ten programs, only Davis has guided the Bad- sica Flax and sophomore league champion Illinois (8) has gers’ multi-event athletes, Deanna Latham. more qualifiers for the NCAA meet UW has been represented Flax, the Big Ten cham- than the Badgers. by at least one competitor pion, saw her chances at an Smith throws Friday at 12:30 in the pentathlon at the All-America performance p.m., while Card, Flax and Latham NCAA championships. derailed by a no-height compete Saturday.

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

With the win over Indiana, Bo Ryan passed Bud Foster for most wins in UW history.

March 9, 2012 Bo knows winning Bo Ryan became the winningest coach in UW men’s basketball history with his 266th win in a 79-71 victory over Indiana at the Big Ten tournament. Senior Rob Wilson tallied a career- high 30 points (previous high was 13), going 11-for-16 from the field and 7-for-10 from 3-point range. March 8, 1997 FOUR TIMES THE FUN: The men’s hockey team played in what was then the lon- gest collegiate men’s hockey game ever in a 1-0, four-overtime loss at Colorado Col- lege in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The game lasted 5 hours and 24 minutes. UW netminder Kirk Daubenspeck broke a 43-year-old WCHA mark by making 75 saves in 129:30 of ice time. ALSO March 9, 2008 THIS CAREER GOAL LEADER: Jinelle Zaugg of the women’s hockey team broke UW’s WEEK career goals record with two goals against Minnesota Duluth in the WCHA Final Face-off. Zaugg broke the previous record of 84 that was held by Meghan Hunter and finished her career with 89 goals.

March 13, 1976 CHAMPIONS: Pat Christenson, Lee Kemp and Jack Reinwand all won NCAA individual titles as the UW wrestling team placed fourth nationally, its best finish ever.

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