Varsity Magazine Vol 3 No 29

Home , Kohl Center, LaBahn Arena, Sam Dekker

IN FOCUS DID THAT JUST HAPPEN? When it wasn’t clowning around (inset), the men’s basketball “Bench Mob” was busy reacting to Ryan Evan’s highlight-reel put-back dunk during the Badgers’ 71-49 routing of No. 13 Ohio State last Sunday. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA DO THE HARLEM SHAKE Football players Warren Herring, Chris Borland, Melvin Gordon, Beau Allen and James White joined the Grateful Red to do the “Harlem Shake” at the Kohl Center before Sunday’s men’s basketball game against Ohio State. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS IN THEIR ELEMENT The men’s hockey team played in its third outdoor game, taking on No. 2 Minnesota at Soldier Field in Chicago as part of the OfficeMax Hockey City Classic, Sunday, Feb. 17. PHOTO BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO IN FOCUS IN FOCUS GREAT OUTDOORS Ryan Little (20) and Jefferson Dahl (14) celebrate after Sean Little (18) scored the Badger’s third goal against No. 2 Minnesota in the OfficeMax Hockey City Classic. The Badgers remained undefeated (3-0) all-time in outdoor games by knocking off the Gophers at Soldier Field. PHOTO BY NEIL AMENT SENIOR MOMENT Brianna Decker made sure her class had a reason to celebrate on the Badgers’ senior day, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime Sunday to secure a weekend sweep of Minnesota Duluth. The win also clinched at least a third-place finish for the Badgers in the WCHA standings. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS

FEBRUARY 21, 2013 CONTENTS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 29

» STILL THE SAME OL’ SAM DEPARTMENTS Through high school heroics, a gold medal win with Team USA and the sky-high expectations that fol- 16 LUCAS AT LARGE 28 lowed him to UW, Sam Dekker just keeps playing. by Mike Lucas 18 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez 20 (MRS.) THE VOICE « IT’S PRETTY by Linda Lepay COOL TO BE 38 J.J. WATT 22 BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW Even as his profile continues to grow, the former Badger 24 5 THINGS TO WATCH isn’t all that different from the Where to catch the Badgers on TV and the web kid who grew up in Pewaukee 26 BADGERING Deanna Latham » PASSING THE 48 INSIDE SPORTS TORCH? Swimming, Basketball, 62 Jessica Flax helped Hockey, Wrestling, turn UW into a multi-events Softball, Track

powerhouse, and she doesn’t 64 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY plan on fading away quietly. Big Ten champions

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

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Brian Lucas Director of Athletic Communications

Julia Hujet Editor

Brian Mason Managing Editor

Mike Lucas Senior Writer

Matt Lepay Columnist

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Contributors Paul Capobianco, Tam Flarup, Patrick Herb, Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom, Anna Poulter-Hendrickson, Jeremy Wodajo

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Ball eager to shine at NFL combine hen Wisconsin tailback Brown sounded impressed by set. Ball reiterated Wednesday that Montee Ball found Ball. he’s not bothered by anyone who Whimself alone with Jim On the value of physical and thinks “I’m not a special’’ running Brown, maybe the greatest running mental training, Brown told the back. back of all time, he made sure not Dallas News, “He possesses both of Ball interprets that as meaning to waste the opportunity. them, so he’s going to be ready for that he does everything well even “I got some tips from him about everything they throw at him.’’ though he may not be especially the game,’’ he said. The reference was to the NFL fast, nor especially big. At that, he’s Their paths crossed last weekend Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. up to 216 pounds and lowered his in Dallas. Ball received the Doak Since early January, Ball has times. Walker Award while Brown was been training in Florida at the IMG “I do believe that I can help my- recognized as the 2012 Legends Academy, which offers special self (at the combine),’’ Ball said. “I Award recipient at the same ban- instruction and direction to college honestly don’t know what questions quet. players in advance of the combine. they want me to answer. But I feel “It took awhile for him to open UW cornerback Devin Smith has faster and stronger.’’ up,’’ Ball conceded. also taken part in the Bradenton- Earlier this week, NFL network But once Brown did, Ball said based program whose director of analyst Mike Mayock said, “I just that he couldn’t have been more football operations is Chris Weinke, happen to like Montee Ball a lot. hospitable. the former Heisman winner from When I put the tape on, he’s a “He told me, ‘You really need Florida State. downhill (runner), a tough kid.’’ to apply your intelligence to the “The first couple of weeks,’’ Ball Mayock projected Ball to be game.’’ said, “it was tough adjusting to the drafted late in the second round or Ball wasn’t sure what he meant schedule. You get up at 6 and you early in the third. Ball was given a so he asked him to explain. have film, meetings, conditioning third round grade by the NFL be- “He said, ‘You need to sit down and lifting until 5 every night. fore returning for his senior year. with your offensive linemen and “Once you adapt, it’s pretty cool. “I really do think I helped my- make sure that you’re all on the We do a lot of stuff here other than self by coming back,’’ Ball said. “I same page,’’’ he related. just running or physical training. showed my maturity, I became a “He also said, ‘You need to go There’s a lot of mental conditioning better blocker and I showed my full speed in practice so it’s second and communication training. strength through my yards after nature in the game and you need to “Obviously, we all want to run contact.’’ stay in top-notch condition year- fast; we all want to be the strongest; Mayock agreed. “He’s shown round.’’’ we all want to jump the highest and toughness, balance, vision,’’ he said. Brown, who just turned 77, farthest. But I want to be consistent “He’s a one-cut, north-south run- looked to be in playing shape to in doing what I’ve been doing. ner and I think he fits most of the Ball. “I just want to be me.’’ offenses in the NFL.’’ “He’s still a big guy and he’s got Ball feels that will come out in Ball can’t wait to take the next huge hands,’’ he said. “They showed the interviews. “I’m really looking step at the combine. After all the some clips of him at the banquet, forward to sitting down with the weeks of training, and the long and he was extremely powerful.’ GMs and coaches,’’ he said. “I want build-up, he said, “I’m ready to go “I was so grateful I had the them to see a different side of me.’’ there and knock it out.’’ He said he chance to meet him. I told him, ‘I’m More than anything, he believes may even call Russell Wilson for trying to be like you someday.’’’ that his football IQ will be a big as- advice. Good choice.

16 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Facilities projects helping us catch up he Badger Day outing in Gary said that he’d probably go rooms are finished in the McClain Naples, Fla., has been going back to work after the Wednesday Facility. So are the locker rooms for T strong for more than 30 night Mendota meetings. our cross country and track teams. years. Fran Hoffman got it started He was fine with it. I don’t think We also have the footings poured in the early ‘80s. More recently, it’s asking too much for a coach to for our academic center. We’re Danny Tzakis has been the orga- take an hour out of his time to visit ahead of schedule on that. When nizer. with the people who support our everything is completed, we won’t I remember coming down here program. Our coaches agree. have to take a back seat to anyone. my first year with Pat Richter and At Tuesday’s outing, I updated It’s important to understand that Elroy Hirsch. It’s a good way to everyone on all of our facilities we’re just trying to stay current. connect with a lot of our alums, and and what’s going on in the athletic We’re not trying to outdo anybody. we always run into old friends. department. And then we opened it But if you don’t stay up, you’ll fall This event has always been more up for questions. behind, especially in our league. of a friend-raiser than a fund- There are some really exciting A good friend put it all in con- raiser. Tuesday, we drew a record things happening. text. When schools are putting up crowd of well over 300 to the Grey LaBahn Arena is open and op- buildings on campus, they call it Oaks Country Club. erating and drawing great reviews progress. When we do it in athlet- It was the first chance for a lot of from everyone, including some ics, it’s an arms race. people to meet and visit with Gary former Badger players who are now If you want to be in the game, Andersen. playing in the NHL. you have to do it. I’ve always felt it was important When you talk to them, they’ll Some of the costs for our new fa- to make our coaches available to tell you there’s no better facility cilities were reflected in our budget. our boosters. anywhere. As an athletic director, you’re I really believe that’s one thing This season, our women’s hockey always concerned with the rising that separates us from other pro- team will play their first-round costs of running a program along grams: the access that our fans WCHA playoff series at LaBahn, with keeping Camp Randall and the have with head coaches like Gary whereas in the past we had to farm Kohl Center filled. and Bo Ryan. out those games to a facility in While you’re balancing your That extends to the Mendota Verona. books, you want to be sensitive to Gridiron Club and Overtime Club. We just opened up our indoor not pricing out your fans. You want Our coaches meet once a week with golf facility, which is very function- to make it affordable for everyone. these groups. There’s no one else in al. It was also very much needed. One of the commitments that the country that is doing that. It’s a great addition to our overall we’re making ― and the Big Ten is When I go through the inter- athletic program. emphasizing ― is to improve the in- viewing process with coaches, I tell As part of our SAPC project, game, in-stadium experience. them that this type of access is part our Student-Athlete Performance Our new video board in Camp of the deal. Center, we’re about a month away Randall will be among the largest in Our people think it’s important. I from opening up our weight room the country. think it’s important. in the north end of Camp Randall For now. Everybody handles the time Stadium. The landscape is ever-changing commitment a little bit differently. The locker room and training in our business.

18 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS (MRS.) THE VOICE LINDA LEPAY • MRS. VOICE OF THE BADGERS

I desperately need your help with Matt am here this week to share is not tuned in to “what the kids 50-year-old I know. I don’t mean with you a big problem. In fact are listening to.” During the Gram- he’s an old soul; I mean he still Ithis issue is so pervasive that mys I felt like a Tanzanian native talks about the 1980s like it was it affects almost all aspects of my tour guide, pointing out singers last week. It dawned on me that his life. It’s sad; it’s pathetic, and it’s and bands and explaining their exposure to popular music ended totally preventable. It may not be significance. the day he was fired downsized a problem for you (yet), but could Here’s who Matt recognized: from a Top 40 station in Colum- you help a person out during these • Justin Timberlake bus, Ohio. The date was April of trying times? • Prince 1986. This explains why he knew My husband is utterly unhip. Here’s who he didn’t know: who Prince was. (And didn’t Prince This became apparent to me • Everyone else look smashing at the Grammys during the past couple weeks as with his fancy walking stick and pop culture and Badger sports Here’s where I need sunglasses?) It also explains why merged together to give us high he waxes nostalgic when Wang entertainment. In fact people ev- your help. If you see Chung is mentioned. erywhere are dancing, having fun Matt in person, my Look, if Tubby Smith can bust a and being silly. advice is to smile at move to Ke$ha, I’m pretty certain Here’s what I’m talking about: him warmly and talk that Matt can learn about the ways 1. Ke$ha inspires the men’s bas- of 21st century music. He just has ketball team. You’ve probably seen about popular music to be a willing student. All work the YouTube video of the Badgers the way you would and no play makes play-by-play in the locker room jumping around to a 3-month old guys dull. to “Die Young” after they beat (Another note from Linda’s hus- Michigan. Even Ke$ha got a kick beagle. Talk slowly band: Hey, Gophers, get your own out of it, tweeting that this was the and smile a lot. I song, OK?) ‘hottest/cutest thing’ she’s ever think the he’ll learn Here’s where I need your help. If seen. best that way. you see Matt in person, my advice 2. The Grateful Red embraces is to smile at him warmly and talk the Harlem Shake. Heck, everyone about popular music the way you is doing it, including Jon Stewart At one point I started talking would to a 3-month old beagle. and Stephen Colbert. about the The Black Keys and The Talk slowly and smile a lot. I think In addition to the dancing White Stripes, which left Matt baf- the he’ll learn best that way. frenzy, the Grammy Awards were fled. I even pulled up a YouTube In the meantime, keep danc- recently given out. This is music’s video of The White Stripes’ “Seven ing and rocking, Badger Nation. big night where millionaire musi- Nation Army” so he could listen I’ll do my best to keep Matt in this cians mingle with billionaires such to the bass line that is, gasp, being decade. as Jay-Z and Beyonce. played in stadiums and arenas all (Final note from Linda’s hus- These three events have meant over the country. band: Next, she’ll tell me it’s no that there’s a lot of tutoring is go- (Note from Linda’s husband: I longer cool to listen to Earth, ing on at the Lepay house. For a AM aware of The White Stripes. Wind & Fire. By the way, do NOT guy who has made a career watch- Wow. Tough crowd!) undersell the greatness of Wang ing young people play sports, Matt Matt is perhaps the oldest Chung. Kids today would love it.)

20 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 LINDA LEPAY • MRS. VOICE OF THE BADGERS BY THE NUMBERS

52,051MEN’S HOCKEY The OfficeMax Hockey City Classic brought in 52,051 spectators, making it the second-largest crowd to witness a Badgers hockey game. A record 55,031 fans watched the Culver’s Camp Randall Hockey Classic in 2010.

51MEN’S TRACK & FIELD The 10th-ranked Badgers head to the 2013 Big Ten Indoor Champion- ships this weekend. Including last year’s outdoor title, UW has claimed 25 conference crowns under 30th-year head coach Ed Nuttycombe. Since Nuttycombe took over in 1984, the Badgers have won 51 Big Ten track and cross country titles. Indiana and Minnesota are tied for second over that span with nine championships apiece. 14 WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Following Brianna Decker’s game-winning goal in overtime on Feb. 17, the women’s hockey team is now undefeated in the last 14 games that have gone into extra periods.

MEN’S BASKETBALL 5With wins over Indiana and Michigan, the Badgers are the nation’s only team to own multiple wins over teams currently ranked in the AP top 4. UW also owns five wins over top-15 teams, the most in a single season in school history.

22 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013

5 THINGS TO WATCH FEB. 21 - 27

SATURDAY 2/23 • Noon • BTN

Wildcat weekend • Women’s basketball at Northwestern The season is winding down and the Badgers will make their first and only trip to Evanston to play the Wildcats. BTN will cover all of the action from tip-off to final buzzer starting at noon.

1 SUNDAY 2/24 • 10 AM • BTN Already a classic • BTN Classic: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Need some Badger basketball? Relive Wisconsin’s 71-49 win over Ohio State at 10 a.m. on BTN. The game is already a classic.

SUNDAY 2/24 • 4:30 PM • BTN 2 All Access: Ben Brust • BTN: The Journey BTN profiles Ben Brust, who overcame adversity on and off the court, in this week’s episode of The Journey. Go behind the scenes at 4:30 p.m. on BTN.

MONDAY 2/25 • 7:30 PM • BTN 3 Big Ten preview • Men’s hockey vs. Penn State Get a taste for the new Big Ten hockey league when new- comer Penn State visits Madison. BTN will air all of the action live from the Kohl Center at 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY 2/26 • 8 PM • BTN 4 Series sweep • Men’s basketball vs. Nebraska Wisconsin looks to take the season series from Nebraska on its home court at the Kohl Center. BTN will provide coverage of the Badgers’ second to last home game at 8 p.m. 524 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 2 4 BADGERING...

DEANNA LATHAM »» WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD A sophomore, Deanna Latham has come on strong in her second indoor season and owns the conference’s top score in the pentathlon heading into this weekend’s Big Ten indoor championships. The Newbury, Mass., native took third as part of 1-2-3 finishes for UW athletes in both the Big Ten indoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon last season. She also qualified to compete in the 2012 USA Olympic Trials. So far this season, Latham has already broken UW’s school record in the 60-meter hurdles with a run of 8.39 seconds. Did you know what the school record in the 60 hurdles was before you broke it? “Actually I did. That’s because, two weeks before, we had a meet at Iowa State, as well, and I hadn’t been running in the 8.4s, but I did then and I thought I got it. My coach (Nate Davis) was all excited for me, but then I talked to my parents and found out I was a hundredth of a second away from it (an 8.40). Going into (the Feb. 8 Cyclone Classic), I knew exactly what it was and I wanted to get it. It came together.”

Where you always a strong hurdler, or is that something you’ve developed at UW? “In high school, I started hurdling late in my sophomore year, but by my senior year, I was an All-American. I came in pretty strong, but Nate (Davis) has done so much for my hurdling since I’ve been here, it’s amazing. I feel the best I’ve ever felt in the hurdles. I feel fast and powerful and I’m ready to run faster.” What’s your favorite discipline in the pentathlon and heptathlon? “I’m really starting to like the hurdles. It’s pretty stressful, but it’s also really fun. When a race comes together and you finish well, there’s nothing better.” How much have teammates Dorcas Akinniyi and Jessica Flax helped you develop? “I’ve learned a lot from them. They’re two years older than me and have two years more experience, so the biggest thing for me has just been practicing with them every day. I get to look up to them at the meets, too. When I first started, I could not keep my cool and was freaking out, but looking up to Dorcas and Jessica, they’re so calm and they always know how to act and compose themselves. Working with them and competing with them has made me the athlete that I am today.”

What led you to change your major from elementary education to zoology? “I just switched to zoology because I want to be a science teacher. I always thought that I’d want to teach third grade, and that’s why I originally pursued elementary education, but I decided middle school science sounds pretty fun. Kids are at that age where they can make jokes, and I think it would be a good time.”

26 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013

DON’T DOUBT DEKKER He came to UW accompanied by sky-high expectations, but Sam Dekker’s freshman focus has been on fitting in and contributing to a Badgers team that continues to aim toward its own set of lofty goals

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DON’T DOUBT DEKKER

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA isconsin freshman Sam Dekker the screen. “I’ll be watching Duke and Rasheed Su- has enjoyed staying in touch laimon will hit a 3,’’ he related, “and I’ll go, ‘Nice with some of the players that job, ‘Sheed.’ They’ll go, ‘Do you even know him?’’’ he competed with on the AAU Yeah, he does. Sulaimon was also on Team USA. circuit, and elsewhere. Whether But it’s not the first time that someone has doubt- Wit’s Michigan’s Glenn Robinson III or Mitch Mc- ed Dekker ― far from it. Gary, North Carolina’s J.P. Tokoto or Memphis’ “I think I’ve always had doubters because I went Shaq Goodwin, they’re all going through the same to such a small high school,’’ said Dekker, who led transition to college basketball, so it can be instruc- Sheboygan Lutheran to its first WIAA state cham- tive. “We text almost every day,’’ Dekker said. pionship. “Some people thought my competition Goodwin, a power forward out of Atlanta, Ga., level in high school wasn’t as good as it was for has become one of his closest friends. Dekker and some other kids, so they thought I wouldn’t be able Goodwin both played for Florida coach Billy Don- to compete at this (college) level. That was some- ovan on the gold-medal winning national team at thing that drove me and made me work harder. the 2012 FIBA Americas U18 Championships last “There were even close friends of mine that kind June in Brazil. There was plenty of bonding time of thought, ‘Do you really think you’re going to over the three weeks of training camp and competi- be able to play (in the Big Ten)?’ The whole time, tion. “We grew real close,’’ said Dekker. I said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be fine.’ A lot of people There will be times now when Dekker will be back home didn’t see me (playing AAU ball). It’s watching a game in the company of his Badgers not filmed. There are no big crowds. There’s only teammates and he will recognize a familiar face on family and some coaches watching. People will go

30 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 DAVID STLUKA

off what they think they know, and they don’t al- along and broke it. John played at Lawrence Uni- ways know.’’ versity. “One of the best shooters to this day that Tryg Jacobson helped filled in the blanks on what I’ve ever seen in my life, much better than me,’’ others didn’t know about Sam Dekker. A year ago, said Sam Dekker, whose older sister, Hanna, 22, is he produced an enlightening 35-minute documen- going to UW-Milwaukee. Dekker paused and add- tary on Dekker and Sheboygan Lutheran’s cham- ed, “I never beat John in basketball until my junior pionship season. Jacobson is the former chairman year.’’ of Jacobson Rost Advertising and the founder of That was after Sam Dekker’s growth spurt. He Jake’s Café, a Creative Community of over 25 small went from 6-foot-1 as a freshman to 6-7. “I didn’t businesses in Sheboygan, 113 miles from Madison. have any growing pains,’’ he said, pointing to the In one of the film’s sound bites, Dekker talked summer before his sophomore year of high school. about how “I’ve had a basketball in my hands my “But I just had these periods where I felt uncoordi- whole life. I’ve always been in love with it (the nated and uncomfortable. That was me ― right in sport). I’d go to the practices and shoot-arounds the middle of a growth spurt ― so obviously you’re when my dad was coaching. I pretty much idolized going to have some trouble getting used to your my brother. I thought he was the greatest person body.’’ ever. He would beat me up (but) playing with the In another revealing clip from Jacobson’s doc- older guys strengthened me to be a tougher per- umentary ― Jacobson is a trusted family friend son.’’ who saw all the stages in Sam’s growth ― Dekker John Dekker, 24, is six years older and held the confided, “Being in the national spotlight, I had to city scoring record in Sheboygan before Sam came grow up pretty quick. I’ve had to mature at a dif-

31 ferent rate than a lot of people and there are times “Being in the national when it’s tough for me to be a regular high schooler because everything I do is going to be monitored …’’ spotlight, I had to grow up That spotlight ― which came with his growing pretty quick,” Dekker said. profile as an elite prospect and an early verbal com- “I’ve had to mature at a mitment to Wisconsin ― often frustrated Dekker, who told Jacobson, “Sometimes you’ll be like, ‘I just different rate than a lot of want to be a kid tonight. I want to have fun with people and there are times my friends.’ But I can’t because there’s going to be someone watching me and what I’m saying and when it’s tough for me to be what I’m doing.’’ a regular high schooler Asked about being under that microscope, Dekker said Monday, “You kind of had to watch your back because everything I do is a lot more and watch how you acted. People would going to be monitored …’’ DAVID STLUKA

32 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 recognize you when you went places. You had to be As a senior, Dekker spent his study hall answer- more straight-edged; a really good kid all the time ing the phone in the school’s office. “I’d pick up and because people would notice if you did something say, ‘Good morning, Lutheran High, this is Sam,’’’ wrong. But I was raised by good parents (Carol and Dekker recounted. By then, everybody knew who Todd); they taught me right from wrong.’’ they were talking to: Sam I Am. No other identifi- On top of it all, Todd Dekker was the head coach cation was needed. Especially on the court. at Sheboygan Lutheran. “At home, he was dad,’’ There are many noteworthy snapshots in the Sam said. “But if you did something wrong at Dekker photo album, including the night that he school, if you got sent to the office or something, I scored 58 points in Lutheran’s 80-73 victory over would hear from the coach. My dad is retired from Random Lake. Dekker converted on 19-of-24 field coaching now and sometimes he’ll call me and say, goals, 5-of-10 from beyond the 3-point arc, and 15- ‘Can I be a coach or a dad right now?’ I’ll say, ‘Hey, of-17 free throws. “I hit my first four or five shots be a coach’ and he’ll tell me what I have to work and that got me going,’’ he said. “It was not like I on.’’ was forcing shots, I was just hitting them.’’ There was one stop on the road to the Kohl Cen- ter where he really put on a show, Lutheran’s 63- 61 semifinal win over Chippewa Falls McDonell. Dekker made his only 3-pointer with 1 minute and 12 seconds remaining, and that turned out to be the difference. He finished with 35 points, 16 re- bounds, seven blocks and four assists. “That was a hard-fought game,’’ he said with a sigh. Nobody, of course, will ever forget Dekker scoring 12 of his record 40 points in the final 50 seconds of Sheboygan Lutheran’s thrilling 67-66 win over Racine Lutheran in the WIAA Division 5 state championship game. Dekker hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds left. That culminated a 25-4 season for Lutheran (which lost three of its first six) and solidified Dekker’s legendary prep status. “It’s something I’ll always remember,’’ he said. In his driveway, Dekker visualized hitting that shot. “A lot of times it was me playing for the Bad- gers or me playing for the Bucks,’’ said Dekker, who in the documentary told Jacobson, “You always practice that ― coming down and hitting a fade- away to win. It’s almost surreal. All those driveway shots became a real shot that you actually hit and it will be in your memory … forever.’’ But the game-winner wasn’t always a jump shot. “There were times when I was hitting a walk-off homer for the Brewers; I would throw the ball up in the air and hit it over the fence in the backyard,’’ he said Monday. “Baseball was always in the picture. That’s probably still my favorite sport. I was a

33 “In high school, I kind of thought, ‘How would I react in those big games – going to Indiana, going to Mar- quette?’’’ Dekker said. “I’m happy I haven’t shrunk in the spotlight in those games. I’m happy to see myself going out there and being a difference-maker. There’s a little pride factor. I made it, but I have a lot further to go.’’

shortstop and pitcher. Once I hit my growth spurt, everyone thought I was a weirdly tall shortstop.’’ He loved the position. It’s a passion that he shares with UW coach, Bo Ryan, who also played shortstop as a youth. Since the start of the season, Ryan has been trying to get Dekker to share a passion for playing defense. “Obviously it’s my number one issue right now,’’ Dekker said. “They remind me every day of the things I do wrong. They need to remind me because I’ve got to keep working on it.’’ Dekker gets a lot of reminders from home, too. “My parents are very grounded and they let me know what is most important in life,’’ he said. “My dad is always reminding me that your faith, your family and your education comes before basketball. They’ll send me a text message randomly during the day, ‘Did you do your work? Were you nice today?’ All that stuff.’’ So how would he evaluate his freshman orien- tation? “In high school, I kind of thought, ‘How would I react in those big games ― going to In- diana, going to Marquette?’’’ he said. “I’m happy I haven’t shrunk in the spotlight in those games. I’m happy to see myself going out there and being a difference-maker. There’s a little pride factor. I made it, but I have a lot further to go.’’ Doubters beware. JOHN FISHER

34 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013

HAVING A BLAST You might recognize the man that’s become the face of defense in the National Football League. Just two years removed from his time as a Badger, it’s ‘pretty cool’ to be J.J. Watt right now.

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM JUAN DELEON

BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM ouston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt punctuated many of his thoughts on where he has been (the Pro Bowl and the cover of Sports Illustrated) and where he His going (Ireland and a USO Tour) with “neat’’ and “cool.’’ If you didn’t know Watt, the former Uni- versity of Wisconsin second-team All-American, the words might sound incongruous coming from a professional athlete of his stature, the 2012 De- fensive Player of the Year in the National Football League. But this really is who he is; who he was raised to be in Pewaukee. Besides, it is pretty neat and cool right now to be Justin James Watt. Relative to his whirlwind offseason, which has included personal appearances and travel to New Orleans, Honolulu, New York and Los Angeles, the 23-year old Watt conceded, “I don’t know when a deep breath is coming; it’s going to be awhile. I’m having a blast, this is what I dreamed about.’’ Dream big. Work hard. Enjoy the moment. “It is really neat and everything I’m doing is really cool,’’ acknowledged Watt, one of the young faces of the NFL. “But everything that has happened is what I’ve worked for ― it’s what I envisioned. It’s not like everything is just happening overnight. A lot of people will look at my success and say, ‘It must be so cool to have a Sports Illus- trated cover and to do all of this and that.’ Yeah, everything is really cool. But hearing that alarm go off at 6 or 7 in the morning to go work out was not necessarily the coolest thing in the world (at the time). To me the coolest part is seeing that hard work pays off.’’ It has paid dividends for Watt, who capped his second season with the Texans by earning Defen- sive Player of the Year honors. He won in a land- slide, too, claiming 49 of the 50 votes (Denver’s Von Miller got the other). It was hard to argue with Watt’s numbers. He led Houston in tackles with 107, which included 20.5 quarterback sacks, one shy of Michael Strahan’s single-season record. He also lived up to his moniker, “J.J. Swatt,” with 16 pass breakups, which spawned a Swatt Team out- break in Houston. In becoming the first defensive

40 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 ANDREW RICHARDSON “It is really neat and everything I’m doing is really cool,’’ acknowledged Watt, one of the young faces of the NFL. “But everything that has happened is what I’ve worked for – it’s what I envisioned. It’s not like everything is just happening overnight.”

lineman to win the award since 2006 ― when it went to Miami’s Jason Taylor ― a gracious Watt made sure to thank everyone who has had a hand in his success. “To be recognized as the best at what you do is what everybody strives for, so it’s an extreme honor,’’ Watt said. “I’m very appreciative to my teammates and coaches for making me look good and allowing me to do the things that I do to get this award. To me, the award is so cool because it’s a testament to everybody, not just me. Obvi- ously, at the end of the day, I made the plays. But it goes to the scout team guys for giving me a look, to my coaches for calling the plays, to my teammates for running their assignments right and to my parents for raising me the way they raised me.’’ Watt’s mom and dad, Connie and John, and his two younger brothers, Derek and T.J., at- tended the awards ceremony in New Orleans. “It was really neat to have my whole family there,’’ said Watt, who added his name to a list of previ- ous DPOY winners that featured just two former Green Bay Packers, Reggie White and Charles Woodson. “It was the coolest because my mom and dad have been there my entire life; they’ve seen me play youth football; they’ve seen all the work that has gone into where I am today. So to share that moment ― to share that night with them ― was very special.’’

41 Derek Watt, a redshirt freshman, began to cre- ed as a tight end or defensive end. Some feel that ate his own identity this past season as Wisconsin’s he may grow up to be the biggest of the brothers. starting fullback; a position that he learned on the “He’s a big kid, and he definitely has a chance to be fly since he didn’t make the move from linebacker (the biggest),’’ J.J. Watt said. “He has more muscle until August and the start of training camp. definition than I had at his age, and he’s about the “I’m so proud of him; I mean playing fullback in same size as I was then. But he’s farther along in the Big Ten is a tough position and he played re- the weight lifting process. He’s a really good ath- ally well,’’ J.J. said. “He’s such a hard worker and lete and he has a chance to be special. Obviously, he’s so dedicated to what he does. And he likes to I think the exact same way about Derek. I felt the hit. That’s the one thing about Derek; he’ll lay the same way about myself.’’ leather on you. He’s only going to get better in time. J.J. Watt has one wish for both of his brothers. “I I already know that he has great hands and he can don’t like it when people say Derek is J.J.’s brother catch. Once he starts putting on more weight, he’s or T.J. is J.J.’s brother,’’ he said. “I understand that going to be even more powerful.’’ is going to happen. But I want them to be able to T.J. Watt is a member of the Badgers’ 2013 re- create their own legacy and make their own mark cruiting class. Although he played quarterback as without having to be compared to me. Of course, a senior, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Watt is project- we all understand how it works. They understand

42 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 “I love the Badgers to death,’’ Watt said. “I’m excited about Gary Andersen and what he brings to the football program. I loved seeing the Badgers win over Michigan in basketball. I was watching while I was in L.A. and I had people saying ‘On, Wiscon- sin’ as they walked by me.”

Badgers.’’ That was even true in Hawaii, where Watt took part in his first Pro Bowl. This was the ultimate test: a half-speed game for a full-speed player. “I went as hard as I could go without really making people upset at me. It was difficult not giving everything you have,’’ said Watt, who had blood splattered over his uniform, helmet and face after cutting open his finger. “That was old school, I liked it. When I think of old football players, I JUAN DELEON think of blood all over their jerseys, so that was pretty neat. Guys didn’t yell at me, but a couple that as well. The biggest thing I want them to do, of times, they were like, ‘Man, you’re actually go- and I hope they always do, and they’ve done so ing hard.’ But everybody knew that we had to pick far, is make the family name proud. We want to up the pace and play this year if we wanted to the be known as hard-workers who give everything we game to stick around.’’ have to the program that we’re playing for.’’ Reflecting on his second season in the NFL, While Houston is his off-season home, he still which produced 95 plays that resulted in no gain makes frequent trips back to Wisconsin, and he or negative yardage, Watt said, “I don’t think there still holds the Badgers close to his heart. was a turning point. My success in the league has “I love the Badgers to death,’’ he said. “I’m excit- been a gradual growth; moving from an outside ed about Gary Andersen and what he brings to the defensive end to an inside guy, a 5-technique and football program. I loved seeing the Badgers win a 3-technique. That transition took some time. In over Michigan in basketball. I was watching while I my rookie year, I had some trial-and-error and I was in L.A. and I had people saying ‘On, Wisconsin’ was still struggling to figure it out at this level. But I as they walked by me. The same thing happened at grew as a player. I came into this season very, very JFK Airport in New York. I had someone yell out confident. I came in knowing exactly what to do from across the terminal, ‘On, Wisconsin.’ That’s and how to do it and I just hit the ground running.’’ so cool that I can go everywhere and I can run into Offensive coordinators did everything they could

43 VIDEO: J.J. WATT’S REMARKABLE FRIENDSHIP to negate Watt’s presence. “Obviously, as the season can get better at. I want to do bigger and better. I’m went on, teams started to throw more and more at looking to raise my game to a whole another level.’’ me,’’ he said. “Whether it was double-teams or tri- For now, he wants to explore some other things ple-teams or chips, I always had to find new ways to in life outside of football. Watt is taking a trip to Ire- get to the running back and the quarterback. That’s land with one of his best friends from high school. something I love; I love the challenge. It’s a sign “He has some Irish blood and I’m taking him along of respect if they’re putting two and three block- with me as a kind of a birthday and Christmas pres- ers on you. And it makes it so much sweeter when ent to him,’’ said Watt, adding those early bonds I get the quarterback and I had to fight through a are still the strongest. “They’re the most important double-team because you know that they gave you to me because they knew me before all of this. They their best shot and you still beat them.’’ were my friends and they trusted me, and I trusted Throughout his maturation process, Watt fo- them, before all of the fame. They will be with me cused on one thing. “Don’t forget what got you forever. I have a very small corps of friends. There here,’’ he said. “That keeps me who I am. That’s in are not many people who I let into my circle.’’ my blood. Nobody in the entire world has bigger But he’s grateful for their loyalty, and he takes goals for me than me. Nobody has bigger expecta- care of them. But why Ireland? “I wanted to go tions. So every single night before I go to bed, I look someplace where nobody has any clue as to who in the mirror because I have to be able to look at I am,’’ Watt said wistfully. “Besides that, Ireland myself in the eye and say, ‘I’m doing everything I intrigues me; the cliffs, the castles, some of the his- can to be in the best in the world at what I do.’ I tory. I’m really excited to see a different culture. I want to make next season better than this season. I think every off-season I’m going to try and make know a lot of people will look at me and say, ‘How it a point to go to a different country and check it can you do any better?’ But there’s a lot more that I out. I’ve got a great schedule where I get to do a lot

44 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 of cool things. But I also have my workouts which “Nobody in the entire world have been very carefully planned so I don’t miss a beat in terms of making sure I’m ready for next has bigger goals for me than season.’’ m e,” Watt said. “Nobody has The USO Tour has always been high on his priority list. As part of his signature sack celebration, bigger expectations. So every Watt will bounce up to his feet and salute. “It’s single night before I go probably the thing that I’m most excited about to bed, I look in the mirror this off season,’’ he said of the trip. “Going to see our troops, I’m going to thank them for everything because I have to be able to they do for us. People try to say football is like war. look at myself in the eye and It’s not. Troops fight our wars. They do battle. We just play a game. They allow me to play this game say, ‘I’m doing everything ― to do what I want to do ― so I can’t wait to thank I can to be in the best in the them.’’ world at what I do.’” Watt has become quite creative with his sack cel- ebrations without being disrespectful. On the con- trary, he has a found a way to share his “moment’’ with others. That was the case when he heard of some orphaned children who had lost their parents in a 2011 car accident. Two young boys sur- vived the crash but were paralyzed from the waist down. Watt went to their home and played wheelchair basketball with them. At dinner, they told him they’d be watching when the Texans played Jacksonville and they wondered if Watt could send them a signal. Watt promised to dedicate a sack to them. Sure enough, after sacking quarterback Chad Henne, Watt mimicked pushing a wheelchair. There has always been a big kid in the big body ― dating back to all his hours of community ser- vice with the Badgers and all the trips that he has made to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison. Evolving out of this was the Justin J. Watt Foundation, which was designed to provide after-school athletic opportunities for children in situations where there was insufficient funding, or no funding at all, for such programs. J.J. Watt’s end game has always been simple: he wants kids to be kids. The Foundation is “going phenomenal’’ in Wisconsin and Houston. “It’s neat to see,’’ he added. Things have been going so well that Watt even made time in January to get married. Not really. But it’s a good story. A friend sent Watt a video of Breanna, a 6-year-

45 old girl who was crying because she wasn’t old Watt had the time of his life. “It was a really special enough to marry her favorite player. Watt was moment with a young fan who I really appreciate,’’ touched and that led to this tweet: “Does anyone he said. “Any time I can give back, I try to because I happen to know this cute little girl? We have to find appreciate our fans so much. I’ve e-mailed with her her and turn those tears into a smile.’’ There’s noth- mom and I’m planning on doing something for our ing more powerful than social media. Within days, one-year anniversary next year.’’ Watt got her contact information. Maybe he can take her to the Super Bowl. That’s “I contacted her mom and I told her to bring Bre- still the team goal for the Houston Texans, who fell anna with her to the stadium, but I didn’t want her to short this season. “I want that Lombardi Trophy in know that I was going to be there,’’ Watt explained. our hands at the end of the year, that’s all that mat- “When she walked in, I was waiting on a knee with ters in this league,’’ said Watt, who pointed out that flowers and a Ring Pop and I proposed. I said, ‘I he has a Mid-American Conference championship know that you’re not old enough to marry me for ring from his only season at Central Michigan and real, but would you mind being my pretend wife for a Big Ten championship ring from the 2010 season the day?’ She said, ‘Yes.’ So I gave her a white 99 at Wisconsin. “Now I need to add to the collection,’’ jersey to serve as her wedding dress and we did a he said. first dance to her favorite artist, Justin Bieber.’’’ That would be neat, really cool.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S SWIMMING BY JEREMY WODAJO @BadgerSwimDive

SCHEDULE This Week Wed.-Sat. Big Ten Championships

On the Horizon March 21 NCAA Championships

ships, which begin Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minn. “If you look at our schedule, we’ve had arguably the toughest of any team in the country, and that’s by design,” Hite said. “I feel like, if you want to be the best, you’ve got to seek out the best. “We’ve been put to the test and (we want) to make sure that they’re ready for the Big Ten and NCAA Champi- onships.” The Badgers, who moved to No. 16 in the CollegeSwimming.com Top 25 this past week, have competed against five teams currently ranked among the Top 15 teams in the country. “There are going to be no surpris- es,” Hite added. “We’ve seen the best Confidence high as teams and the best swimmers. We’re championships loom prepared.” Minnesota to host Big Ten Championships Growing Ivy » Coach Hite has been pleased with s it prepares to hit the best teams in the country the progression of sophomore Ivy Awaters for the 2013 Big this season, including trips Martin, who was named the Big Ten Women’s Swimming to Stanford, California, USC Ten’s Swimmer of the Week on and Diving Championships, and Michigan during the Feb. 5. Martin’s late-season ascen- Wisconsin can rest assured early portion of the 2012-13 sion was highlighted during the they will be ready for what- slate. Big Ten Quad Duals, where she ever the competition may Head coach Whitney Hite garnered five first-place finishes bring during the four-day believes those experiences and erased a 15-year-old school event. will have a positive impact record in the 100-yard freestyle The Badgers have com- on his team’s confidence (49.75). She also set a pool record peted against some of the heading into the champion- in the 50-yard freestyle (22.32).

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INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall

SCHEDULE (11-13, 3-8) Last Five Feb. 3 Illinois L, 56-64 Feb. 7 at Ohio State L, 59-65 2ot Feb. 10 Indiana W, 65-53 Feb. 14 #18 Purdue L, 48-58 Feb. 18 at Illinois L, 53-60

This Week Saturday at Northwestern Noon

Next Five Feb. 28 Nebraska 7 p.m. March 3 at Michigan State 1 p.m. Mar. 7-10 at Big Ten Tournament Hoffman Estates, Ill.

ple have stepped up in different ways ― different ones at different times. And we expect that to continue.” Wisconsin pulled off what may be the biggest women’s basketball upset of the season with a 63-61 victory over No. 7 Penn State on Jan. 31. The win marked the highest ranked team UW has beaten since downing No. 5 Bay- ‘We don’t have a lot, lor in 2008. It was also Penn State’s only Big Ten loss of the season. but we have enough.’ UW won its 11th game of the season Badgers continue to battle down the stretch against Indiana on Feb. 10, surpass- ing last season’s nine-win total. With only nine players, the Badgers ven playing with only Wisconsin’s 4-9 non-confer- have had to rely on their starters to Enine athletes for most ence record in 2011-12, the play a lot of minutes. All five starters of the season, the Badgers Badgers equaled their over- average more than 32 minutes a game. haven’t given up and contin- all win total from 2011-12 Kelsey has been adamant about her ues to battle. As coach Bobbie with a win over Ohio State on team not dwelling on what it doesn’t Kelsey is fond of saying, “We Jan. 20, their first over the have. “I think they understand that don’t have a lot, but we have Buckeyes in 12 years and 20 we can’t worry about what we don’t enough.” games. have,” she said. “Let’s worry about After finishing the non- “We’ve surprised ourselves what we do have. If we harp on who conference season 8-5, a with perseverance through can’t play, well, they still can’t play marked improvement from adversity,” Kelsey said. “Peo- and you are still upset about it.”

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INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO @BadgerMHockey

SCHEDULE (13-10-7, 10-7-7) A look at the future Last Five Penn State visits for 2013–14 preview Feb. 2 at North Dakota L, 4-1 Feb. 8 Bemidji State T, 2-2 (OT) Feb. 9 Bemidji State W, 3-2 irst-year program Penn contests are, like every game Feb. 15 Minnesota L, 3-2 Feb. 17 vs. Minnesota W, 3-2 FState takes its first trip the rest of this season, im- to Madison, Wis., for NCAA portant for the Badgers’ This Week men’s hockey games this hopes at continuing on into Sunday Penn State 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the the NCAA postseason. Monday Penn State 7:30 p.m. Kohl Center. The Nittany Li- Penn State is 12-13-0 on Coming Up ons, who have victories over the season, including 10- March 1 at Nebraska Omaha 6:30 p.m. Michigan State and Ohio 11 against NCAA Division I March 2 at Nebraska Omaha 7 p.m. State this season, among competition. PSU carries a March 8 St. Cloud State 7 p.m. other teams, will be one of seven-game winning streak March 9 St. Cloud State 7 p.m. the six programs competing into the series, with three of March 15 WCHA Playoffs TBD next season in the first year those wins agianst Division I of Big Ten hockey (Wiscon- competition. sin, Penn State, Minnesota, the building, fans can submit ideas Michigan, Michigan State, Coliseum Fun for bed-sheet signs on the Wiscon- Ohio State). » Wisconsin will close out sin men’s hockey facebook page. Beginning next season, the 2012–13 regular sea- Winners will have their sign hung the Badgers will meet PSU son with a series against during the games and will receive four times a year, so the Nit- St. Cloud State at the Coli- two tickets to the March 8-9 series. tany Lions will become a fi- seum at Alliant Energy Tickets are available for the games miliar foe to Badger hockey Center. In honor of the at Ticketmaster.com and at the Al- supporters. For now, the program’s past history in liant Energy Center box office.

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INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ROSS LA DUE @BadgerWHockey

SCHEDULE (19-9-2, 15-9-2) Last Week Feb. 16 Minn. Duluth W, 3-1 Feb. 17 Minn. Duluth W, 3-2 (OT)

This Week Friday at Bemidji State 7 p.m. Saturday at Bemidji State 4 p.m.

Next Five March 1 WCHA Playoffs 7 p.m. March 2 WCHA Playoffs 7 p.m. March 3 WCHA Playoffs 4 p.m. March 8 WCHA Final Face-Off TBA March 9 WCHA Final Face-Off TBA

eighth NCAA tournament appear- ance leads through North Dakota. Looking ahead to the WCHA Fi- nal Face-Off, barring any upsets in the first round of playoffs, Wisconsin and North Dakota are set to meet in the semifinals, as the two teams have claimed the second and third seeds. Additionally, if Minnesota were to get knocked out early, it still seems likely that either Wisconsin or North Postseason picture Dakota will be selected for the NCAA tournament, even if a third team starting to take shape wins the Final Face-Off title to earn Road to NCAA leads through North Dakota the automatic bid. However, the one thing we have learned is that it is almost impossible he Badgers secured championship game of the to predict outcomes in the WCHA Thome ice for the first Final Face-Off. this season. round of WCHA playoffs this Obviously, the Badgers Minnesota State, Bemidji State past weekend, but even big- can’t focus that far ahead and St. Cloud State are all poten- ger was securing at least a quite yet, and there are a tial first-round opponents that both third-place finish in the con- variety of other things that North Dakota and Wisconsin need to ference. could happen until then. But focus on getting past before worrying Getting the third seed one thing is looking fairly about playing each other. gives Wisconsin the advan- certain as we approach the But if that game happens, don’t be tage of not needing to play end of the regular season; surprised if the winner gets selected No. 1 Minnesota until the the Badgers’ quest for an for the NCAA tournament.

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INSIDE WRESTLING BY RYAN EVANS @Badger_Wrestle

SCHEDULE (7-8, 4-4) Last Week - NWCA National Duals Feb. 17 #24 Northern Iowa L, 15-24 Kent State L, 10-33

Coming Up Mar. 9-10 Big Ten All Day Championships Mar. 21-23 NCAA All Day Championships

its decision to cut wrestling from the 25 core sports of the Summer Games. However, Graff said that he is opti- mistic about wrestling’s Olympic future because of the sport’s worldwide appeal and that that community will bond together to petition and fight the IOC’s decision. “I honestly don’t believe it’s going to happen,” Graff said. “Around the whole world, with the amount of participants worldwide, I think that support is just about to show its numbers.” The “Save Olympic Wrestling” campaigns kicked off immediately Graff, Thielke hoping to following the IOC’s decision last week, with a number of articles and realize Olympic dreams online petitions. For Thielke’s part, Wrestlers hopeful for sport’s 2020 Games status he said he and his family are doing all that they can to spread to word about helping preserve the ancient sport’s ast week’s IOC decision one in the wrestling commu- centuries old spot in the Olympic L to cut wrestling from nity really saw this coming.” Games. the 2020 Olympic Games Both Graff and Thielke “We’ve already signed a couple pe- hit home especially hard stepped away from school titions and gotten involved,” Thielke for Badgers’ freshman Jes- last season in order to train said of his family. “We’re trying to se Thielke and junior Ty- in attempts to qualify for the spread the information and get peo- ler Graff, a pair of wrestlers 2012 Games, and while nei- ple involved and interested.” hoping to qualify for the ther made it to London, both Wrestling now must grapple with Games in coming years. have high hopes for 2016 seven other sports vying for one spot “I was shocked more than and did for 2020 before the in the 2020 Games. That final deci- anything,” Thielke said. “No IOC’s executive board made sion will be made in September.

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INSIDE SOFTBALL BY ANNA POULTER-HENDRICKSON @BadgerSoftball

SCHEDULE (4-1) This Week Fri. vs. Ga. Southern 1:30 p.m. Fri. vs. Boston Univ. 3:45 p.m. Sat. vs. Boston Univ. 11:15 p.m. Sat. vs. Ga. Southern 3:45 p.m. Sun. vs. Ga. Southern 8 a.m. Sun. vs. Boston Univ. 10:15 a.m.

Next Week Feb. 28 at Cal State Fullerton 8 p.m. Mar. 1 vs. Stanford 3:30 p.m. Mar. 1 at Cal State Fullerton 8 p.m. Mar. 2 vs. Cal 1:15 p.m. Mar. 2 vs. CSU Bakersfield 8 p.m.

win games.” Tough pitching and key outs played a large role in UW’s 6-5, 11 inning win over Notre Dame, giving the offense time to wake up and score runs ― the Irish recorded five hits in the first seven innings, compared to the Badgers’ one. Twice UW had to use heads-up defense to prevent a run from scoring, getting outs at home plate, and twice, Badgers’ key to success with runners at third, Cassandra Darrah pitched her way out of a jam. is in all phases of game “I think that it is usually the last Offense, defense and pitching all play a role thing that comes together, but our goal is to get the defense rolling and still maintain the outstanding offen- W’s opening weekend phases of the game have to sive outburst we had the first week- Uwas highlighted by the be a top priority. end,” Healy said. “Our goal is to see long ball. One swing has the “Early in the season it is all different sides of the game come power to change the game really important to start put- together in the same weekend.” and, fortunately for the Bad- ting multiple parts of the Darrah’s performance in the circle gers, it changed the game in game together,” said head ― 10 strikeouts in 11 innings ― and their favor ― twice. coach Yvette Healy. “We the defense behind her gave Mary Sometimes it is hard to have seen where we pitch Massei the opportunity to become look past the glory of the of- well in a game and hit well the first Badger since 2008 to hit a fense, but for the Badgers to in a game and, if our defense walk-off home run, ending the game be successful this season, all falls behinds, it is hard to in thrilling fashion.

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

SCHEDULE This Week Friday- Big Ten 10 a.m. Saturday Indoor Championships

Coming Up March 1 Alex Wilson Invite 6 p.m. March 1 Wisconsin 3:30 p.m. NCAA Qualifier Mar. 8-9 NCAA Indoor All Day Championships

Institute in Geneva, Ohio, hosts the Big Ten’s best men and women this weekend, which puts the track competition on a 300-meter oval — another first for the conference. The oversized track — similar to those utilized annu- ally for fast meets at Iowa State, Notre Dame and Washington — is expected to help re-write the conference record books this weekend. “I like the 300-meter tracks a lot more,” said UW sophomore Austin Mudd, who is seeded No. 2 in the men’s 800 meters. “Running an 800 Badgers look to make on a 300-meter track, you run the first 200 and then you only have two most of bigger track laps to go. It feels so much faster. It’s New facility gives Big Ten meet a new look awesome.” The oversized effect is simple. While running the same distance as he first year of a com- track events at last year’s Big they would on a 200-meter track, Tbined men’s and wom- Ten championships. athletes have to make fewer turns and en’s meet at the Big Ten in- The second year of the can cover more of their meters on a door championships brought combined event, however, straightaway. with it the benefit of running will be even more intriguing “There’s no question there’s go- on a banked track. in terms of the facility. This ing to be a lot of great, great perfor- Faster than a flat 200-me- time around, the Big Ten will mances because the facility is just go- ter oval, the banked surface contest its indoor champion- ing to allow that to happen,” UW head at Nebraska’s Bob Devaney ships off-campus for the first coach Ed Nuttycombe said. “From an Sports Center was considered time in the meet’s history. athletic perspective, it’s going to be advantageous for athletes in The five-year-old SPIRE incredible.”

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

SCHEDULE This Week Friday- Big Ten 10 a.m. Saturday Indoor Championships

Coming Up March 1 Alex Wilson Invite 6 p.m. March 1 Wisconsin 3:30 p.m. NCAA Qualifier Mar. 8-9 NCAA Indoor All Day Championships

“That first time I won, that was a shocker,” Flax said. Don’t be shocked to see Flax atop the podium on Friday when the pentathlon wraps up at the 2013 Big Ten Indoor Championships, however. Though she enters the competition ranked No. 2 in the league behind teammate Deanna Latham, Flax once again has no plans on taking a back seat. Instead, her focus is on finishing an illustrious career on a high note. “The biggest thing is that I truly believe in myself,” Flax said. “I said that End of era doesn’t mean (in 2011), but I didn’t really think it. It was all talk. Now, it’s real to me.” end of Badgers’ success With Akinniyi’s indoor eligibility Flax plans to end Big Ten career on high note exhausted, it’s up to Flax and Latham to extend UW’s run of three straight Big Ten pentathlon titles. In fact, the or the better part of two son rolled around, however, Badgers have won each of the last six Fseasons, Jessica Flax Flax wasn’t taking a back seat conference crowns between the pen- played took a back seat to to anyone. tathlon and outdoor heptathlon. teammate Dorcas Akinniyi She surprised many by While it’s clear that Latham is the when championship season winning the Big Ten heptath- heir apparent to continue the multi- rolled around. lon in 2011 but, by the time events tradition Akinniyi and Flax be- That was clear when Akin- she repeated as champion gan four years ago, Flax is in no hurry niyi swept the Big Ten titles last May in Madison, it cer- to pass the torch just yet. indoor pentathlon and out- tainly came as no surprise to “I wouldn’t say I have anything to door pentathlon in 2010. her teammates and competi- prove,” Flax said. “I just want to finish By the time her junior sea- tors. strong. I want to end on a good note.”

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THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Bo Ryan became the 10th coach in conference history to win a league title in his first season.

February 27, 2002 Big Ten champions! Wisconsin clinched a share of its first Big Ten title since 1947 with a 74-54 win over Michi- gan at the Kohl Center. Devin Harris and Kirk Penney each scored 21 points and hit four 3-pointers. With the victory, the Badgers earned their first-ever No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament. February 21, 2009 FRESHMAN SENSATION: Freshman Ashley Wanland won the Big Ten title in the 200-yard breaststroke by shattering the conference record with a time of 2:08.14.

February 24, 1996 ALSO THE FIRST: The softball team recorded its first win in school history at the Arizona THIS State Classic in Tempe, Ariz., defeating No. 18 Notre Dame, 10-9. WEEK February 27, 2000 B1G WIN: The men’s track and field team captured its 15th indoor Big Ten championship title with a championship-record 150 points. The 67.5-point margin of victory was also a conference record as UW crowned six Big Ten champions. Sophomore Mi- chael Bennett was named Big Ten Athlete of the Championships, and Ed Nuttycombe was named Coach of the Year.

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