THE OFFICIAL ONLINE MAGAZINE OF WISCONSIN ATHLETICS

JANUARY 11, 2011 • VOL. 1 NO. 6 Varsity is published weekly by: Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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Director of Athletic Communications Brian Lucas | Email

Editor - Varsity Brian Mason | Email

Lead Writer Mike Lucas | Email IN THIS ISSUE Columnist Mike Lucas 4 Men’s 22-23 Matt Lepay

By the Numbers 5 Women’s Basketball 24-25 Contributors Karl Anderson Badgering Mike Bruesewitz 6 Men’s Hockey 26-27 Paul Capobianco Mandy Hansen Five Things to Watch 8 Women’s Hockey 28-29 Patrick Herb Allison Metcalf This Week in Badger Athletics 10-11 Skate with the Badgers on Sunday 30 Diane Nordstrom Next in Line 12-16 Wrestling 32-33 Photography Jon Leuer more than filling a role for UW David Stluka / Greg Anderson / Greg Dixon Badgers Give Back 34 Bob Campbell / Neil Ament NFL Decisions: John Clay 18 This Week in Badger History 36 Problems or Accessibility Issues? NFL Decisions: J.J. Watt 20 Email: [email protected] The Voice with Matt Lepay 38

© 2010 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. Welcome Home The UW men’s hockey program honored 2010 Hobey Baker Award winner Blake Geoffrion prior to Friday’s game against Canisius as part of ‘Blake Geoffrion Night’ at the Kohl . (Greg Anderson photo)

Men’s Basketball 22-23

Women’s Basketball 24-25

Men’s Hockey 26-27

Women’s Hockey 28-29

Skate with the Badgers on Sunday 30

Wrestling 32-33

Badgers Give Back 34

This Week in Badger History 36

The Voice with Matt Lepay 38 PAGE 4 WITH MIKE LUCAS Departures a byproduct of UW’s success doesn’t.” the Badgers and entering the NFL until after the national letter of intent As part of what he described as draft. “If we’re doing good things as signing date (the first week of Feb- a “whirlwind” since the Rose Bowl, a football program, that’s all part of ruary),” he said, adding that he has Bielema has been tying up loose the deal,” Bielema said of devel- too many other things on his mind ends on his staff (“I met with Paul oping players and putting them in and far greater priorities for now. MADISON, Wis. -- Seeking to fill a vacancy on his staff, UW coach at my house one night from 11 to 1 an advantageous position where “Obviously, I wish we would have Bret Bielema has been the “inter- in the morning”), finalizing recruiting they have options by the end of played a cleaner game.” viewer” instead of the “interviewee” (“We hit the ground running in-state their college careers. “It’s the same Bielema, one of the featured during this week’s American Foot- last week”) and advising J.J. Watt thing with people coming after my speakers at the AFCA convention, ball Coaches Association conven- and John Clay (“Both wanted to get coaches.” has some very special thoughts tion in Dallas. Bielema has been their pre-draft grades and they both If you’re wondering if Bielema about the 2010 Badgers. interviewing candidates to replace settled for what they felt was good has watched the tape yet of Wis- “Overall, it was a group that defensive coordinator Dave Do- enough”). consin’s two-point loss to TCU in enjoyed every minute they had eren. Watt and Clay are bypassing the Rose Bowl, he hasn’t. “I never together,” he said. “You don’t realize how much their final year of eligibility with watch the bowl game, win or lose, That was reflected in their play. people think of your program until you go through this process,” said Bielema, noting the large number of inquiries that he has fielded since Doeren was named the head coach at Northern Illinois. “It’s a great compliment to what we have going here at Wisconsin.” It’s no secret that some of Bielema’s assistants have attract- ed national interest from some very high-profile programs, most notably offensive coordinator Paul Chryst and offensive line coach Bob Bostad. Both are expected to stay with the Badgers. “Paul is going to get two or three of- fers every year,” Bielema said of Chryst’s marketability. “Some of them he acts on. Some of them he Replacing the production of J.J. Watt on the defensive line — not to mention finding a new defensive coordinator — are among the adjustments Bret Bielema and the Badgers must make in the offseason. BY THE NUMBERS 2 21 Men’s Track & Field | The Badgers, who open their Women’s Basketball | Senior forward Lin Zastrow season this weekend with the Badger Track Classic, scored a career-high 21 points in the Badgers’ 47-42 return a pair of All-Americans in sophomores Moham- victory over last Sunday. med Ahmed (outdoor 10,000 meters) and Zachary Mellon (indoor 800 meters). 91 92.2% Women’s Hockey | With three goals against Ohio State Men’s Basketball | Since Bo Ryan took over the pro- over the weekend, junior Hilary Knight moved her ca- gram in 2001-02, the Badgers have won a staggering reer total to 91 in just 102 career games and became 92.2 percent (71-6) of their home games in Big Ten the program’s all-time leader in goals scored. Conference play. In fact, seven of the 11 teams in the conference have not won at the Kohl Center in Ryan’s 10 seasons. Badgering... MIKE BRUESEWITZ

The sophomore forward from St. Paul, Minn., has started 13 games for the Badgers this season and is averaging 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. You may also know him as the guy whose head — and hair — is pictured on the set of ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption.”

What would the scouting report on you look like? “The guy’s got flaming red hair, a goofy-looking kid. But he gets on the floor and gets rebounds and has been shooting well from 3 lately. He’s always looking to make the extra pass.”

What is your best basketball memory? “Either the Duke game last year or winning the section finals my junior year of high school.”

What’s your favorite place to visit? “So far it has to be a place way up north (in Minnesota) called Two Island Lake where I went camping with my dad. That place is sweet. It’s really calm and peace- ful and there aren’t a lot of people around.”.

What is your major and what do you hope to do with it? “Life Science Communications, and I’m going to get a business certificate from the business school. I want to do something in business where I can get out and work with people and not have to sit behind a desk all day.”

What’s hanging on your bedroom walls? “I have a picture from my 3-year-old niece, a watercolor painting that’s quite nice. It adds a little class. I also have a mullet poster showing several of the different mul- let cuts ... definitely after the season I’m going to get a mullet. I also have my first No. 31 jersey from AAU.”

This Week in Badger Athletics

Things Friday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) to Watch Women’s Hockey (Finally) Back at Home 5 Thanksgiving sure seems like a long time ago, doesn’t it? Well that Tuesday (6 p.m., ESPN); Saturday (2 p.m., BTN) was the last time the women’s hockey team played at the Kohl Cen- Big Week for Men’s Basketball ter. It was also the last time the No. 1 Badgers lost a game. After Though it is still very early in the three road series and a holiday tournament, UW returns home to host Big Ten season, the No. 20 men’s St. Cloud State on Friday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.). During its basketball team faces a huge chal- current eight-game winning streak, Wisconsin has scored at least five lenge this week when it plays a pair goals seven times and is outscoring its opponents 46-17. of games against Top-25 teams. The Badgers head to East Lansing, Saturday Mich., for a matchup with No. 24 Michigan State on Tuesday at 6 Dance Team at Nationals p.m. CT. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN. UW has not The Wisconsin Dance Team will compete at won at the Breslin Center since 2004, though head coach Bo Ryan is the 2011 College Cheerleading and Dance 12-5 all-time against MSU and head coach Tom Izzo. Team National Championship Jan. 14-17 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at On Saturday, the Badgers host 16th-ranked Illinois at 2 p.m. on the Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The Badgers Big Ten Network. The Badgers and Illini hooked up on Jan. 2 with will compete in the Division 1-A Jazz and Hip Illinois prevailing 69-61 in Champaign. Illinois boasts the most wins at Hop semifinals on Saturday, with the finals on the Kohl Center for an opposing team since Ryan took over (three), Sunday. Results during the weekend can be including a 63-56 win in Madison last year. found at the event’s official website.

Thursday (7:30 p.m., BTN) Sunday (4:30 p.m. / 5:15 p.m.) Women’s Hoops Hosts Purdue Skate with the Badgers Currently sitting alone in second Following Sunday’s women’s hockey place in the Big Ten standings, the game, the popular “Skate With the Bad- women’s basketball team looks to gers” promotion returns to the Kohl Cen- sweep the season series with Pur- ter. Fans can skate with the women’s team due when it hosts the Boilermakers from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. The men’s team on Thursday at the Kohl Center. takes the ice from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. This comes on the heels of the women’s team’s The Badgers beat Purdue, 68-60, successful “Outdoor Meet & Greet” held in the Big Ten opener on Dec. 30. It last Sunday at Vilas Park in Madison that was Wisconsin’s first win at Mackey attracted more than 400 people. Arena since 1984.

This Week in Badger Athletics SPORT NOTES

MEN’S BASKETBALL • Need to Know: Senior Lin Zastrow returned WOMEN’S HOCKEY • This Week: No. 20/21 Wisconsin (12-3, 2-1 from a head injury to lead all players with a • This Week: No. 1 Wisconsin (20-2-0, 12-2- Big Ten) faces a pair of tough tests when it career-high 21 points vs. Minnesota on Sunday, 0 WCHA) returns to action at the Kohl Center travels to defending conference champion and going 7-of-13 from the field and 6-of-6 from the when the Badgers host St. Cloud State (0-20-1, 24th-ranked Michigan State on Tuesday at 6 line, including two freebies with 11 seconds 0-15-1) this weekend. Friday’s game begins at p.m. on ESPN. The Badgers then look to even remaining to seal the win. 7 p.m., and the teams conclude the series at 2 the season series with No. 16 Illinois on Satur- p.m. Sunday afternoon. day at 2 p.m. at the Kohl Center. • Last Week: The Badgers extended their win- • Last Week: The Badgers ran their home ning streak to eight games with a road sweep of winning streak with 12 games by knocking off No. 10 Ohio State. Five Badgers found the net Michigan 66-50 at the Kohl Center. Jordan Tay- in Friday’s 6-2 win before the Badgers topped lor led all scorers with 20 points, while adding the Buckeyes, 5-3, at the OSU Ice Rink to com- eight rebounds and three assists. plete the sweep Saturday night.

• Need to Know: Wisconsin boasts an NCAA- • Need to Know: With three goals against OSU best 1.81 -to-turnover ratio on the season. last weekend, junior Hilary Knight became Wis- The school assist-to-turnover record is 1.43 MEN’S HOCKEY consin’s career leader for goals. Knight’s career established in 2009-10. • This Week: The Badgers (14-7-3, 6-6-2 total of 91 surpassed the previous record of 89 36* WCHA) go on the road for the first time since goals held by Jinelle Zaugg, who played at UW MPG WOMEN’S BASKETBALL early December when they take on Minnesota from 2004-08. • This Week: Wisconsin (8-8, 3-1 Big Ten) Duluth (14-4-3, 9-3-2) at new Amsoil Arena on 2011 CHEV Y CRUZE plays Purdue (11-5, 2-2) for the second time in Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Cruze is filled with performance, safety and two weeks when the Boilermakers come to the technology features you won't believe come in a compact. Kohl Center at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, live on • Last Week: UW swept Canisius at the Kohl G the Big Ten Network. The Badgers then travel Center, winning 3-0 on Friday and 6-5 in over- 10 standard air bags to Michigan (9-7, 2-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday. time on Saturday. Junior defenseman Justin G 5 passenger seating Schultz scored both game-winning goals. G • Last Week: With their 47-42 win over Min- 10 year 100,000 mile warranty nesota on Sunday, the Badgers took over sole • Need to Know: UW’s overtime victory Sat- possession of second place in the Big Ten urday snapped a 26-game overtime winless standings at 3-1. Wisconsin trails only Michigan drought dating back to 2007 and marked its first State (3-0). UW fell at No. 11 Michigan State home overtime win since 2005. The Badgers went 0-8-18 during the 26-game stretch. 62-43 last Thursday. www.badgerlandchevy.com *Estimates based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available. WRESTLING MEN’S TRACK & FIELD WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD • This Week: Wisconsin returns to the UW • This Week: The Badgers open the 2011 • This Week: Wisconsin begins the 2011 indoor Field House to host Illinois in its Big Ten Confer- indoor season at home by hosting the Badger season with the first of four home meets at The ence opener at 1 p.m. Sunday, marking just the Track Classic at The Shell this weekend. The Shell by hosting the Badger Track Classic this Badgers’ second home dual meet this season. meet begins at 1 p.m. Friday with the men’s weekend. The women’s events begin at 11 a.m. pentathlon and continues Saturday, beginning Saturday. Admission is free. • Last Week: In going 3-1 on the weekend, the at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Badgers placed third at the NWCA/Cliff Keen • Need to Know: Junior Dorcas Akinniyi, a Big National Duals, with five wrestlers finishing 4-0 • Need to Know: Head coach Ed Nuttycombe Ten champion and All-American in both the at the tournament. begins his 28th season at the helm of the UW indoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon last program with a pair of returning All-Americans year, headlines the Badgers’ returners for 2011. • Need to Know: The trio of Tyler Graff (133 in sophomores Mohammed Ahmed and Zach- Head coach Jim Stintzi’s recruiting class also lbs.), Andrew Howe (165 lbs.) and Travis Rutt ary Mellon. The Badgers’ 2011 recruiting class was ranked 10th nationally by Track & Field (184 lbs.) all boast 18-1 overall records after also was ranked No. 7 nationally by Track & News. winning all four of their matches at the NWCA/ Field News. Cliff Keen National Duals over the weekend.

36* MPG 2011 CHEV Y CRUZE Cruze is filled with performance, safety and technology features you won't believe come in a compact. G 10 standard air bags G 5 passenger seating G 10 year 100,000 mile warranty

www.badgerlandchevy.com *Estimates based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available. MADISON, Wis.

rian Butch, then a fifth-year senior, had a favorable first SENIOR JON LEUER MAY BE THE Bimpression of Jon Leuer, then a freshman. On more than one occasion, Butch, a three-year starter, was matched against Leuer, who was on the scout team. “The biggest thing about Jon was his ability to go inside-outside,’’ he said. The 6-foot-11 Butch was im- pressed with how the 6-10 Leuer could score in the paint or stretch a defense with his perimeter shooting – not unlike Butch, who could also step out and shoot. But AS A WISCONSIN LEADING MAN, BUT HE’S there was something else about DOING MUCH MORE THAN JUST FILLING A Leuer that stood out. “He’d go ROLE FOR THE BADGERS. with the flow,’’ Butch said. That spawned a flashback to Leuer’s first league game. Coming off the bench, he scored 25 points BY MIKE LUCAS in 24 minutes at Michigan. “Most freshmen on the road for the first time in the Big Ten are going to get swallowed up,’’ Butch said. “That explains what Jon is all about. Nothing really fazes him.’’

Leuer played sparingly the rest spurt. “I was 5-11 during my freshman of the 2007-08 season and scored year of high school,’’ Leuer said. “And just 16 points over his final 19 by my junior year, I was 6-8.’’ appearances. “As a freshman, there That sounds painful. “To be are so many ups and downs,’’ Butch honest, it wasn’t as big of a transition said. “But he stayed even-keeled. It as you might think,’’ Leuer said. seemed like he never got too worked “I think I lost some mobility from up about anything.’’ growing that fast. But I really didn’t The poker-faced Jon Leuer? have any growing pains. I felt like I “Exactly,’’ said Butch, pointing to adjusted to my body fairly quickly. By the value in having an unflappable the time I was a senior, I was 6-9 to demeanor. “What I like is the way he 6-10.’’ lets the game come to him. At the Leuer, who starred at Orono end of the night, you look at the stat High School, was raised in Long sheet and he has 20 points and 10 Lake, Minn., 15 miles outside of rebounds and there’s a W.’’ Minneapolis. “Nice neighborhoods During a recent practice at the and really nice people,’’ he said Kohl Center, the 26-year-old Butch proudly of his hometown. “Parents was visiting with some friends courtside. Butch was passing through “Jon Leuer will be in the Madison on his return trip to Denver, where he’s rehabbing a knee injury NBA,’’ Butch said, sustained while playing in an NBA matter of factly. “He’s summer league game with the Nuggets. an NBA player.’’ “Jon Leuer will be in the NBA,’’ Butch said matter of factly. “He’s an were really involved with their kids NBA player.’’ and school and sports. It was a good Marveling at Leuer’s ball-handling environment to grow up in.’’ skills, Butch noted, “During my Holly and Mike Leuer, who freshman year, it was overwhelming played football at Mankato State, for me to be out there dribbling encouraged their kids – Jon and because I never did it in high school. and his two older sisters Maren and I remember when Jon was on the Katie – to be active in sports. “I was a scout team as a freshman, it looked quarterback, running back and wide normal for him to have the ball in his receiver,’’ Jon Leuer said. “But once I hands.’’ got a little bit taller, football wasn’t an It was the norm for Leuer who was option anymore.’’ a point guard in the fifth grade. Two So he focused on basketball, years later, he was a shooting guard. his first love. “My dad coached me Soon thereafter, he began to outgrow in football and basketball when I the backcourt because of a growth was growing up, but I think he really Leuer’s inside-outside game sets him apart from many big men in the college game. His ability to shoot from distance (see left) and take defenders off the dribble (above) are products of his time as a 5-foot-11 guard before a growth spurt turned him into a 6-10 forward. wanted me to play basketball because he helped me out a lot.’’ physical. But that’s just an adjustment I’ve knew football took a toll on your body,’’ he Today, he’s seeing things from a had to make. You don’t change what you said. “He was always helping me out in different perspective as defenses have do. You just keep focused on getting the the driveway by rebounding for me.’’ collapsed around him. job done.’’ There have been fewer and fewer “I’ve seen quite a few double-teams, That comes back to what Butch was misses (and rebounding opportunities) as especially in the post,’’ said Leuer, the saying about Leuer’s makeup. “You never Leuer’s game has continued to develop All-America candidate who is averaging want to force it,’’ Leuer said. “You’ve got at the Big Ten level. Coming into this 19.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game to let the game come to you. The more season, he’s one of the marquee players as a senior. “But it’s still about making you do that, the easier it is to get into a in the conference. And he still credits the right reads, taking advantage of rhythm. And once I’m in a rhythm, the his early exposure to playing guard for your opportunities and finding your game is a lot of fun.’’ shaping his skills. teammates.’’ Playing in a rhythm? “It’s making the Reflecting on his formative years, he Have opponents tried to “muscle’’ right passes,’’ he said, “taking the right said, “That experience that I got from Leuer out of his comfort zone? “In certain shots, rebounding and doing all the things handling the ball and seeing the game games they have,’’ he said. “They’ve tried you need to do defensively to help your from a guard’s experience definitely to take me out of what I do by playing team. You have to learn what a good “It was a confidence boost, first and foremost,’’ Leuer level. One thing I took from the pros was that the little things always matter, no said of playing against Team USA, “being able to com- matter what level you’re playing at. pete against some of the best players in the world and “They’re all-stars and making millions of dollars, but at the training camp they knowing I could hold my own against them and play at were diving on the floor for loose balls that high level.” and doing everything they could to help the team. Seeing that and playing against shot is, and that comes from playing Leuer got a once-in-a-lifetime shot last them and feeling how hard they were and watching the game, and just being a summer to measure his game against playing was something that I definitely student of the game.’’ NBA superstars (Kevin Durant and Co.) took away.’’ What’s a good shot for Jon Leuer? while competing for the USA men’s Select There’s another element to being a pro “An open shot,’’ he said. “Any open shot Team, which was assembled to prepare – consistency. “At the college level, guys that I can get I’m looking to take it. Or, the national team for the FIBA World can put up huge games,’’ Butch said. “But if I feel like I have an advantage on my Championships. what makes an NBA player is consistency man where I can take him off the dribble “It was a confidence boost, first and doing it every game.’’ and pull up or get to the rim, I’m going to and foremost,’’ he said, “being able to Leuer has been the model of do that because those are always good compete against some of the best players consistency this season, posting double- shots.’’ in the world and knowing I could hold my figure points in all 15 games and scoring It has been well-documented how own against them and play at that high at least 16 points in all but one. What’s the best advice Brian Butch could give Leuer? “Savor it all and do whatever you’ve got to do to win,’’ Butch said. “You want to savor everything because it’s some of the best times you’ll ever have. When you become a professional, it’s completely different, it’s a business.’’ What else would he say to Leuer? “Be a team leader, show the young guys what needs to be done,’’ Butch said. “That’s another huge part of being a Badger. That’s what we do. That’s why a guy like me can come back to Madison and still feel like I’m a part of the program.’’ Butch learned that lesson from Mike Wilkinson, who’s playing in Russia with . Wilkinson attended the Coppin State game at the Kohl Center. “I learned from Wilkinson and Wilkinson learned from Kirk Penney,’’ Butch said, “and hopefully that’s what gets passed down. We’re a family.’’

NFL Draft Decisions Clay confident time is now to pursue the pros

By Mike Lucas UWBadgers.com

UW tailback John Clay showed that he had done his homework. Upon addressing his decision to forgo his final season of eli- gibility with the Badgers and enter the NFL draft, he showed his age, too. Clay turned 23 last Tuesday. “At my age, that plays a factor,’’ he said. “As a running back, you’re not guaranteed that long in the ’league.’ I think the average is a little over three years in the NFL.’’ That was a focal point for Clay when he discussed his future with his mom and dad, Sara and John Clay, Sr. at their home in Racine. What would be best for him today? “I told them that I think I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life,’’ he said, “and I think The 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a 2010 second-team All-American, John Clay finished his UW the time is now.’’ career with 3,413 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Badgers. Their response? “They told me whatever I wanted to do,’’ he said, “they were going to all underclassmen. What was his impres- That was reassuring, Clay said. to be in my corner supporting me, whether sion of where he might be drafted? “Top What did Clay see as the strongest argu- I wanted to come back to school or leave.’’ three rounds,’’ he said. “I felt good when I ment for returning to the Badgers? “Just be- Everyone was on the same page after “I heard that. And I had more confidence in ing able to say that I played my senior year sat down with my whole family and talked making my decision.’’ and I finished what I started by playing my about what was the best situation.’’ Clay informed UW coach Bret Bielema of whole career there,’’ he said, adding that he With everything on the table, Clay ac- his intentions late Friday morning. also thought “about having my parents on knowledged that “my family had the most “Coach B said he didn’t want me to go, the field for senior day at Camp Randall.’’ influence’’ on his decision. That included but he knew that I had to do what was best Given his resume, Clay would have again his sisters, Amelia and Ieshia. “I listened to for me,’’ Clay related. “He told me that he been on everybody’s short list for the Heis- what everybody had to say,’’ he said. “And was going to be in my corner too and, if I man Trophy if he had come back. “I thought I formed my own opinions from what they needed help with anything, all I had to do about it,’’ he said. were telling me.’’ was give him a call. Others also had a say. Clay went through “If I needed any direction in any kind of CONTINUE READING the NFL evaluation process that is available way, he said he would be there for me.’’ ON UWBadgers.com

NFL Draft Decisions In making difficult decision, Watt follows dream

By Mike Lucas UWBadgers.com

When J.J. Watt woke up Thursday morn- ing, he still had not made up his mind on whether he should return for his senior year of eligibility at Wisconsin or enter the NFL draft. “The last thing I was thinking about was football,’’ he said. “I was just trying to relax and enjoy some time at home (in Pewau- kee) with my family. But then it came time for a sit-down talk.’’ As he once again sorted through the information and potential scenarios, his parents, John and Connie Watt, were at his side — just like they had been throughout the decision-making process.

“We talked it through and we went back J.J. Watt leaves the Badgers following a season in which he ranked third nationally in tackles for loss at 21. and forth and back and forth,’’ J.J. Watt said. During this lengthy process, he had been was a much closer decision than everyone step closer to achieving that goal by leaving collecting advice. Now he was drawing from thinks.’’ school and entering the draft. it. In the end, it came down to what J.J. “It’s been a dream of mine for as long as “The best advice I got? Weigh the pros Watt wanted to do. I can remember,’’ he said, “and to have that and cons of leaving and weigh the pros and “It was 100 percent my decision,’’ he opportunity in front of me now was ex- cons of coming back,’’ he said. “Then you said. “I took into consideration everything tremely difficult to pass up. I’m very excited have to be able to live with the best or worst that everyone told me. I gathered as much about the new challenges that lie ahead of both situations.’’ information as possible. At the end of the and I can’t wait to start on this journey. From the very beginning, he knew it was day, it was my decision, and no one else’s. “When I went to sleep (Wednesday) not going to be a slam-dunk; one way or And there will be no looking back. I’ve al- night, I was still undecided,” he said. the other. ways lived my life this way.’’ “It was an extremely hard process,’’ he Dream big. Work hard. J.J. Watt has said. “And it was a much more difficult deci- always dreamed of playing in the National CONTINUE READING sion than the outside world thinks. It also Football League. And now he will move a ON UWBadgers.com

This Week in Badger Men’s Basketball

STARTING FIVE 3. In his 10th season at UW, Bo Ryan’s UP NEXT: UW FACES STIFF TESTS IN 1 . Over the last five seasons (2006-07 to .712 (109-44) win percentage in Big Ten MICHIGAN STATE, ILLINOIS present), Wisconsin has gone 27-19 (.587) play is the top mark in conference history • After an idle weekend, Wisconsin looks in true road games. That mark ranks as the 4. Ryan is 12-5 all-time vs. Michigan for its first Big Ten road win of the season seventh-highest win percentage among State, winning five of the last seven meet- when it travels to No. 24 Michigan State on teams in the six BCS conferences. UW is ings. Tuesday, Jan. 11. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. 1-2 in true road games this season. 5. Senior Jon Leuer, who was just named (CT) on ESPN. The Badgers and Spartans 2. Through three Big Ten games, the to the Wooden Award Top-30 List, is also split the season series last year. The home Badgers have turned the ball over a total on the watch list for the Naismith Trophy team has won each of the last 10 meetings, of 13 times, including a Div. I-low two times and the Senior CLASS Award. Leuer is av- with UW taking the last three games played vs. Minnesota and three at Illinois. UW eraging 19.3 points per game, UW’s highest on a nuetral court. leads the nation in both fewest turnovers mark since Alando Tucker averaged 19.9 • UW then returns home looking to even (8.1 per game) and assist-to-turnover ratio points per game in the 2006-07 season. the season series with No. 16 Illinois on (1.81). Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. 2010-11 Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME Nov. 14 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M W, 99-55 Nov. 16 NORTH DAKOTA W, 85-53 Nov. 20 at UNLV L, 68-65

Old Spice Classic (Orlando, Fla.) Nov. 25 vs. Manhattan W, 50-35 Nov. 26 vs. Boston College W, 65-55 Nov. 28 vs. Notre Dame L, 58-51

Dec. 1 N.C. STATE W, 87-48 Dec. 4 SOUTH DAKOTA W, 76-61 Dec. 8 MILWAUKEE W, 61-40 Dec. 11 at Marquette W, 69-64 Dec. 13 GREEN BAY W, 70-56 Dec. 23 COPPIN STATE W, 80-56 Dec. 28 MINNESOTA W, 68-60 Jan. 2 at Illinois L, 69-61 THE SERIES VS. MICHIGAN STATE SUCCESS ON THE ROAD Jan. 5 MICHIGAN W, 66-50 • This will be the 128th meeting between • Wisconsin’s incredible success at the Jan. 11 at Michigan State 6 p.m. Wisconsin and Michigan State, with MSU Kohl Center is well documented (144-11, Jan. 15 ILLINOIS 2 p.m. leading the all-time series, 68-59, and own- .929 under Bo Ryan — fourth best in the Jan. 20 INDIANA 8 p.m. ing 43-14 advantage in games played in nation), but the Badgers have also been East Lansing, Mich. one of the nation’s best on the road. Jan. 23 at Northwestern 12 p.m. • The Badgers have won five of the last • Over the last five seasons (2006-07 to Jan. 29 at Penn State 3 p.m. seven meetings between the schools. present), UW has gone 27-19 (.587) in true Feb. 1 PURDUE 6 p.m. • UW is 12-5 against the Spartans un- road games. That mark ranks as the 7th- Feb. 6 MICHIGAN STATE 12 p.m. der Bo Ryan, including a 2-5 mark at the highest win percentage among BCS con- Feb. 9 at Iowa 7:30 p.m. Breslin Center and a 3-0 record on neutral ference teams. Feb. 12 OHIO STATE 1 p.m. courts. Wisconsin’s last win in East Lansing Feb. 16 at Purdue 5:30 p.m. was in overtime, 68-64, on March 2, 2004. BALL SECURITY Feb. 20 PENN STATE 5 p.m. • Excluding neutral games played in the For the second straight season, Wiscon- Feb. 23 at Michigan 5:30 p.m. Big Ten Tournament, the home team has sin leads the nation in fewest turnovers at Feb. 27 NORTHWESTERN 5 p.m. won each of the last 10 meetings in this just 8.1 per game. Pacific ranks a distant March 2/3 at Indiana TBA series. second with 10.5 TOs per game. Michigan March 6 at Ohio State TBA • Bo Ryan and MSU head coach Tom (10.7 TOs per game) owns the Big Ten’s Izzo currently rank first and third in career second-best mark. Big Ten Tournament (Indianapolis, Ind.) Big Ten winning percentage. Ryan owns March 10-13 the top mark at .712, while Izzo’s .699 per- CONTINUE READING centage is third behind Bob Knight (.700). ON UWBadgers.com This Week in Women’s Basketball Badgers seek sweep of Purdue, travel to Michigan

Wisconsin (8-8 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) plays Purdue (11-5, 22) for the second time in two weeks when the Boilermakers come to the Kohl Center on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m. live on the Big Ten Network. The Badgers travel to Michigan (9-7, 2-2) on Sunday for a 1 p.m. tip off from Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.

NOTES • With its win over Minnesota on Sunday, the Badgers took over sole possession of second place in the standings at 3-1. Wisconsin trails only Michigan State (3-0). • In their last four games, the Badgers have tallied 15 or fewer turnovers in each game. Wisconsin is averaging just 13.2 TOs per game during the stretch. • Senior Lin Zastrow returned from a head injury to lead all players with a career-high 21 points vs. Minnesota on Sunday. The 6-foot-4 forward missed the Michigan State game on Thurs- day but returned to the UW starting lineup, going 7-of-13 from the field and 6-of-6 from the line, including two freebies with 11 seconds remaining to seal the win. She also pulled down three rebounds while leading all players with three assists and three blocks. • Just how much do the Badgers miss post player Lin Zas- trow? A lot! Zastrow has missed four games this season—three during Thanksgiving week and one Big Ten game at Michigan State. Wisconsin is 0-4 when Zastrow does not play. The Bad- gers average just 50 points without the 6-4 post compared to 60.8 points with her. • Minnesota scored just 42 points on Sunday, the fewest points scored by a team in Big Ten play this season. 2010-11 Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME Nov. 12 at Saint Louis W, 60-32 Nov. 14 William & Mary W, 65-38 Nov. 18 at Green Bay L, 69-43 Nov. 21 Kansas L, 93-86 (ot) Nov. 24 Marquette L, 66-52

Concord Thanksgiving Classic (Moraga, Calif.) Nov. 26 vs. BYU L, 67-55 Nov. 27 at Saint Mary’s L, 56-50

Dec. 2 Duke (#5) L, 59-51 Dec. 5 at Oklahoma State L, 50-42 Dec. 9 at Drake W, 60-49 Dec. 12 Milwaukee W, 68-53 Dec. 15 at Wyoming W, 63-59 Dec. 30 at Purdue W, 68-66 • In Big Ten games, Wisconsin leads the eighth for strength of schedule. Jan. 2 Penn State W, 77-62 conference with a turnover margin of plus • Head coach Lisa Stone needs just Jan. 6 at Michigan State L, 62-43 5.5. The Badgers average just 12.8 turn- five wins to reach 500 for her career. The Jan. 9 Minnesota W, 47-42 overs per game in league play while forcing eighth-year head coach of the Badgers is Jan. 13 Purdue 7:30 p.m. opponents into an average of 18.3 TOs per 495-230 (.683) in her 26th year of coach- Jan. 16 at Michigan 12:30 p.m. game. ing. Stone won her 100th game at Wiscon- Jan. 20 at Minnesota 7:30 p.m. • Wisconsin has one of the toughest sin on Dec. 13, 2009 vs. SIU Edwardsville. Jan. 23 Illinois 5 p.m. schedules in the nation according to sever- She is 120-112 (.517) at Wisconsin. Jan. 30 at Northwestern 2 p.m. al national ranking web sites. RealTimeRPI. Feb. 3 Michigan State 7 p.m. com has the Badgers at sixth while UW Feb. 6 at Indiana 1 p.m. ranks eighth for strength of schedule ac- Feb. 10 Northwestern 7 p.m. cording to RPIRatings.com while. Col- CONTINUE READING Feb. 16 at Iowa 7 p.m. ON UWBadgers.com legeRPI.com also has Wisconsin ranked Feb. 19 Michigan 1 p.m. Feb. 23 Indiana 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Ohio State 3 p.m. GAMEDAY PROMOTIONS: Thursday vs. Purdue TWO TICKETS & A CINCH BAG: Fans will have an opportunity to purchase two Big Ten Tournament (Indianapolis, Ind.) reserved game tickets for only $20 and receive a free cinch bag. Click here and enter March 3-6 promotional code CINCHBAG to take advantage of this special offer. This Week in Badger Men’s Hockey

Wisconsin (14-7-3, 6-6-2 WCHA) takes Under-18 Team, 4-1 in its lone action of last game winning streak came in the 1999¬¬- its first road trip since Dec. 3-4 and just its weekend. 2000 campaign and its last nine-game win- second since Nov. 5-6 when it visits Min- ning streak was during the 1989-90 season. nesota Duluth (14-4-3, 9-3-2 WCHA) this NOTES • Wisconsin’s 6-5 overtime victory last week. Both Friday and Saturday’s games • Beginning with this week, Wisconsin Saturday against Canisius snapped a 26- begin at 7 p.m. at new AMSOIL Arena. plays three of its next four weekends of game overtime drought for the UW dat- The Badgers produced their third con- hockey on the road. ing back to a 4-3 overtime victory over St. secutive sweep last weekend with a 3-0 • UW is in the midst of a seven-game Cloud State on March 17, 2007 in the third- and 6-5 overtime victory over Canisius, winning streak, their longest since the place game of the WCHA Final Five. UW while Minnesota Duluth topped the U.S. 2005-06 season. The Badgers last eight- went 0-8-18 during the 26-game overtime 2010-11 Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME Oct. 8 Boston University L, 4-3 Oct. 10 Holy Cross W, 6-0 Oct. 15 ALA. HUNTSVILLE W, 7-0 Oct. 17 ALA. HUNTSVILLE W, 5-2 Oct. 22 at Denver L, 4-2 Oct. 23 at Denver T, 2-2 (ot) Oct. 29 MICHIGAN TECH W, 5-2 Oct. 30 MICHIGAN TECH W, 4-1 Nov. 5 at Minnesota W, 6-0 Nov. 6 at Minnesota T, 3-3 (ot) Nov. 12 NORTH DAKOTA L, 1-0 Nov. 13 NORTH DAKOTA L, 4-2 Nov. 19 MINNESOTA DULUTH L, 6-5 (ot) Nov. 20 MINNESOTA DULUTH L, 3-2 (ot) Nov. 26 MICHIGAN T, 4-4 (ot) stretch. UW’s last home overtime victory percentage in all games. Gudmandson’s Nov. 27 MICHIGAN STATE W, 4-1 before Saturday came Oct. 7, 2005 in a 3-2 2.01 goals-against average and .930 save Dec. 3 at Alaska Anchorage L, 2-1 victory over St. Lawrence. percentage in WCHA contests rank second. Dec. 4 at Alaska Anchorage W, 3-1 • Sophomore Justin Schultz, who leads • Wisconsin sophomore defenseman Dec. 10 BEMIDJI STATE W, 3-2 the nation’s defensemen with 13 goals, John Ramage returns to the team this week Dec. 11 BEMIDJI STATE W, 3-0 scored the game-winning tally in both Bad- after captaining Team USA to a bronze Dec. 30 MASSACHUSETTS W, 5-1 ger contests last weekend. medal at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Cham- Dec. 31 MASSACHUSETTS W, 4-2 • Sophomore forward Craig Smith re- pionship. Ramage now owns gold and Jan. 7 CANISIUS W, 3-0 corded UW’s first four-point game of the bronze medals from the event as he was a Jan. 8 CANISIUS W, 6-5 (ot) season with two goals and two assists last member of the championship squad in the Jan. 14 at Minnesota Duluth 7 p.m. Saturday against Canisius. He now shares 2010 event. Jan. 15 at Minnesota Duluth 7 p.m. the WCHA scoring lead with 31 points with • In three of the previous six seasons, Jan. 21 MINNESOTA STATE 7 p.m. UMD junior forward Jack Connelly. UW’s leading scorer was a freshman. This Jan. 22 MINNESOTA STATE 7 p.m. • Wisconsin finished its non-conference season, sophomore defenseman Justin Jan. 28 at Michigan Tech 6 p.m. schedule at 8-1-1. Schultz ranks second with 30 points, just Jan. 29 at Michigan Tech 6 p.m. • Senior goaltender Scott Gudmandson one off the team lead, while freshman Feb. 11 at Nebraska Omaha 7:30 p.m. is 7-1-0 in his last eight starts with a 1.13 forward Mark Zengerle ranks third with 28 Feb. 12 at Nebraska Omaha 7 p.m. goals-against average, .951 save per- points. Feb. 18 MINNESOTA 7 p.m. centage and two shutouts. Gudmandson Feb. 19 MINNESOTA 8 p.m. started eight consecutive games until last Feb. 25 at St. Cloud State 7 p.m. Saturday. CONTINUE READING Feb. 26 at St. Cloud State 7 p.m. • Gudmandson leads the WCHA with a ON UWBadgers.com March 4 COLORADO COLLEGE 7 p.m. 1.77 goals-against average and .933 save March 5 COLORADO COLLEGE 7 p.m. 2010-11 Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME Oct. 1 Rensselaer W, 7-0 Oct. 2 Rensselaer W, 6-0 Oct. 8 Bemidji State W, 7-1 Oct. 10 Bemidji State W, 2-0 Oct. 22 Ohio State W, 6-5 (ot) Oct. 23 Ohio State W, 5-2 Oct. 29 Minnesota State W, 3-2 Oct. 30 Minnesota State W, 6-1 Nov. 5 at Minnesota L, 7-5 Nov. 6 at Minnesota W, 5-0 Nov. 19 at Robert Morris W, 7-1 Nov. 20 at Robert Morris W, 7-1 Nov. 26 Minnesota Duluth W, 3-2 (ot) Nov. 28 Minnesota Duluth L, 3-1 Dec. 4 at North Dakota W, 4-3 Dec. 5 at North Dakota W, 6-2 Dec. 10 at St. Cloud State W, 5-0 Dec. 11 at St. Cloud State W, 6-1 Jan. 1 vs. Northeastern W, 7-2 Jan. 2 vs. Mercyhurst W, 7-4 Jan. 7 at Ohio State W, 6-2 Jan. 8 at Ohio State W, 5-3 Jan. 14 St. Cloud State 7 p.m. Jan. 16 St. Cloud State 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at Minnesota Duluth 7 p.m. This Week in Jan. 22 at Minnesota Duluth 7 p.m. Jan. 28 Minnesota 7 p.m. Badger Women’s Hockey Jan. 29 Minnesota 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at Bemidji State 6 p.m. The No. 1 Wisconsin women’s hockey to perform various duties around the Kohl Feb. 5 at Bemidji State 4 p.m. team (20-2-0, 14-2-0 WCHA) returns to Center, including being a stick kid, puck Feb. 11 North Dakota 7 p.m. action at the Kohl Center when the Bad- kid, PA announcer, media correspondent, Feb. 13 North Dakota 2 p.m. gers host St. Cloud State (0-20-1, 0-15-1 camera operator or video board operator. Feb. 18 at Minnesota State 7 p.m. WCHA) this weekend. Friday’s game be- Sunday also features a Wisconsin Men’s Feb. 19 at Minnesota State 3 p.m. gins at 7 p.m., and the teams conclude the Basketball Ticket Stub Offer. Fans who series at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon. bring their Wisconsin Basketball vs. Illinois Sunday’s game features three promo- game ticket stub will receive admission to tions for fans, including Kids Take Over the the game for only $1. Kohl where kids 12 and under can sign up NOTES • Wisconsin has sole possession of first place in the WCHA standings with 42 points in 16 games. Minnesota Duluth (10-5-1- 0) and Minnesota (10-6-0-0) are second and third with 31 and 30 points, respectively. Bemidji State (8-5-3-2) rounds out the top half of the league standings with 29 points. • Wisconsin owns a 39-7-2 all-time record against St. Cloud State. The Badgers swept the Huskies on the road in St. Cloud, Minn., Dec. 10-11, with a 5-0 shutout win and a 6-1 victory. The teams split two series, 2-2-0, last season. The last meeting between UW and SCSU at the Kohl Center saw St. Cloud State earn a 4-3 win on Jan. 23, 2010. • Junior Hilary Knight became Wisconsin’s career leader for goals with three tallies against OSU last weekend. Knight’s ca- reer total of 91 goals surpassed the previous record of 89 goals held by Jinelle Zaugg, who played at Wisconsin from 2004-08. • Meghan Duggan continues her career-best point streak. After picking up five points in two games against Ohio State last weekend, the senior winger enters this weekend’s series against St. Cloud State on an 18-game point streak. • Four Badgers won gold with Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team at the 2011 MLP Cup in Kreuzlingen, Swit- zerland last week. Mallory Deluce, Carolyne Prevost, Brittany Haverstock and Stefanie McKeough helped Canada to four- straight shutout victories, including a 6-0 blanking of Sweden in the gold medal game. • The Badgers maintained the No. 1 ranking in this week’s US- CHO.com national poll after reclaiming the top spot the week of Jan. 3. UW also took the top spot in last week’s USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll. Wisconsin opened the season ranked No. 5 in both national polls. • Wisconsin’s 5-3 victory over Ohio State (Jan. 8) marked the team’s 20th win of the season. This year is the Badgers’ 10th 20-win season in program history. UW last reached the 20-win platform in 2008-09, when the team finished 34-2-5. Head coach Mark Johnson’s teams have secured at least 20 wins in each of his eight seasons leading the Badgers.

CONTINUE READING ON UWBadgers.com ‘Skate with the Badgers’ set for Sunday This Sunday, Jan. 16, the Wisconsin which will skate from 4:30 p.m. until 5:15 with the Badgers,” please make plans to hockey programs will hit the Kohl Center p.m. begin gearing up at 4:45 p.m. ice to skate with their friends and fans dur- The men’s team will skate from 5:15 to Fans should enter through Gate B. Park- ing the annual ‘Skate with the Badgers.’ 6:45 p.m., in sessions. ing is available in lots 88 and 91. Following the Wisconsin women’s hock- Doors for the women’s hockey game For the safety of participants, those ey game against St. Cloud State, which open at 1 p.m. and fans wishing to partici- entering the ice must be wearing skates. begins at 2 p.m., the men’s and women’s pate in the women’s hockey “Skate with Additionally, no sticks or pucks will be al- hockey teams will welcome the public to the Badgers” can begin to bring in their lowed on the ice. the Kohl Center ice. skating gear at 4 p.m. For those interested Please note, skate rental is not available First up is the women’s hockey team, in participing in the men’s hockey “Skate through UW Athletics.

This Week in Badger Wrestling

The No. 4 Wisconsin wrestling team opens Big Ten Conference action against No. 10 Illinois at 1 p.m. at the UW Field House on Sunday. Fans who are unable to attend Wiscon- sin’s dual against Illinois on Sunday are in- vited to watch all of the bout-by-bout action live on UWBadgers.com. The Badgers are fresh off a third place finish at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Du- als in Cedar Falls, Iowa, last weekend. The Cardinal and White defeated South Dakota State and No. 22 American in the first two rounds, but dropped the semifinal dual to No. 12 on Sunday. Wisconsin sealed the third place trophy with a 20-19 victory over No. 5 Minnesota its final dual of the weekend. The Badgers had five undefeated wres- tlers at the Duals, including redshirt sopho- With four wins over the weekend, Travis Rutt moved his record at 184 lbs. to 18-1 on the season. more No. 3 Tyler Graff (133 lbs.), redshirt Zilverberg, 7-0, to extend his overall record Prior to placing third at the NWCA Na- sophomore No. 10 Cole Schmitt (149 lbs.), to 15-4 (excluding open tournaments). tional Duals last weekend, Wisconsin also junior No. 2 Andrew Howe (165 lbs.), junior Schmitt’s efforts in Cedar Falls helped walked away with second place hardware No. 5 Travis Rutt (184 lbs.) and redshirt him earn the Badgers’ second Big Ten at the Cliff Keen National Duals (Dec. 3-4) freshman Derrick Borlie (197 lbs.). Conference Wrestler of the Week accolade and the Midlands Championships (Dec. Buoying the Cardinal and White last of the season. The award marks the red- 29-30). weekend was Schmitt, who captured a 4-3 shirt sophomore’s first league award of his decision over American’s No. 8 Ganbayar career. In addition, he is now ranked No. 7 Three Badgers, three losses Sanjaa and defeated No. 9 Brian Stephens at 149 lbs. The trio of Graff, Rutt and Howe are all (Virginia Tech), 6-5. 18-1 on the season (excluding open tourna- In addition, Schmitt opened the tourna- Top-three finishes for Badgers ments) and all boast a 9-0 dual record after ment by pinning South Dakota State’s In addition to an impressive 8-1 overall sweeping their competition at the NWCA James Hamilton at 5:31 to help Wisconsin dual record, the No. 4 Badgers have placed National Duals. defeat the Jackrabbits, 42-3. To wrap up the in the top three in all of their regular-season Graff and Rutt’s lone losses of the sea- weekend, he shut out Minnesota’s Daniel tournaments this year. son came at the 2010 Cliff Keen Invite in Schmitt earns Big Ten weekly award 2010-11 Schedule

Redshirt sophomore Cole Schmitt is Big DATE OPPONENT TIME Ten Conference Wrestler of the Week for Nov. 19 at UNC-Greensboro W, 34-12 the week of Jan. 10, the league announced Tuesday. The honor is Schmitt’s first weekly ACC Challenge (Chapel Hill, N.C.) conference honor of his career. Nov. 21 at North Carolina W, 27-3 To earn the award, the New Glarus, Wis., vs. No. 15 Virginia Tech W, 24-19 native secured four wins at 149 lbs. to vs. UT-Chattanooga W, 25-16 help the Badgers place third at the NWCA National Duals last weekend in Cedar Falls, Dec. 3-4 Cliff Keen Invite 2nd, 101.5 Iowa. Dec. 11 Northern Iowa W, 23-14 The No. 10 wrestler at 149 lbs. in the Dec. 29-30 Midlands 2nd, 95.5 country at the time, Schmitt captured a 4-3 decision over American’s No. 8 Ganbayar NWCA National Duals (Cedar Falls, Iowa) Sanjaa and defeated No. 9 Brian Stephens Jan. 8 South Dakota State W, 42-3 (Virginia Tech), 6-5. American W, 23-16 In addition, Schmitt opened the tourna- Jan. 9 Virginia Tech L, 20-19 ment by pinning South Dakota State’s Minnesota W, 19-17 James Hamilton at 5:31 to help Wiscon- Cole Schmitt is the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week after Jan. 16 Illinois 1 p.m. sin defeat the Jackrabbits, 42-3. To wrap going 4-0 at the NWCA National Duals. Jan. 21 Nebraska 7 p.m. up the weekend, he shut out Minnesota’s Jan. 30 at Minnesota 1 p.m. Schmitt is the second Badger to receive Daniel Zilverberg, 7-0, to extend his overall Feb. 4 Michigan 7 p.m. the accolade this season. record to 15-4 (excluding open tourna- Feb. 6 Purdue 1 p.m. ments). After sweeping his competition last Feb. 11 at Northwestern 7 p.m. CONTINUE READING weekend, Schmitt is now ranked No. 7 at Feb. 13 Ohio State 1 p.m. ON UWBadgers.com 149 lbs. Feb. 18 at Penn State 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at Michigan State 12 p.m.

Big Ten Championships March 5-6 Las Vegas Dec. 4. Rutt fell to then-No. 4 one of the most anticipated bouts of the Steve Bosak of the No. 1 Cornell wrestling 2010 Midlands Championships on Dec. 30. program in the title match of the invitational. Howe fell to then No. 2-ranked Nebraska’s Graff’s only defeat was in the 133-pound Jordan Burroughs, the defending 2009 title bout to then No. 2-ranked Andrew NCAA champion at 157 lbs. Heading into CONTINUE READING ON UWBadgers.com Hochstrasser of Boise State. the match, Howe was riding a 51-0 winning- Howe dropped his first match since streak, but his impressive run came to an March 21, 2009 in what was debatably end when he fell to Burroughs, 10-7. Badgers Give Back Thank-a-Thon allows Badgers to reach out The Wisconsin Athletic Department’s effort each year,” said Marija Pientka, as- day Thank-a-Thon, and all participants en- 11th-annual Student-Athlete Thank-a-Thon sociate athletic director for development joy taking the time out to say “thank you.” was recently held Dec. 6-9 at Camp Ran- and a former UW women’s tennis student- The UW Athletic Department is self-sus- dall Stadium and the Kohl Center. athlete. taining and relies heavily on private gifts, A total of 320 student-athletes, repre- “It offers a unique opportunity for our as well as other external revenue sources, senting the majority of the 23 UW athletic student-athletes to reach out and thank to meet its annual funding needs. Contri- teams, volunteered their time to write let- those donors who contribute each year to butions to Wisconsin Athletics are used to ters to more than 3,200 randomly-selected UW Athletics. fund the scholarship and facility needs for donors nationwide to thank them for their “It also allows us to educate our student- all Badger student-athletes. financial support of Wisconsin Athletics. athletes on why private support is impor- Please contact the Athletic Development “The annual Thank-a-Thon is an impor- tant and the impact that it has on their Office at 608-262-1000 or tant component of our development efforts experience at the University of Wisconsin.” [email protected] to learn and it is great to see our head coaches The effort made by Badger student-ath- more about the benefits of supporting Wis- and student-athletes really embrace this letes was tremendous throughout the four- consin Athletics.

This Week in Badger History

Jan. 11, 1975

First home game for women’s basketball The first varsity women’s basketball home game is played, a 45-38 win over UW-Green Bay. The team went 11-7, and 6-2 at home, in its first year of intercollegiate competition under coach Marilyn Harris. Members of the team pictured here chasing a Pointer (scoring) in a game versus UW-Stevens Point on Feb. 22, 1975 at the UW Field House (a 56-45 Badger victory) include Kim Bertagnoli (30) and Kathy Galligan (35).

Also this Week... Jan. 13, 2001 — Len Herring breaks Reggie Torian’s indoor long jump school record at the Badger Track Classic, leaping 25-11 (7.90m).

Jan. 14, 1995— Michael Finley breaks Danny Jones’ school career scoring mark in the first half of the Badgers’ 74-67 win at home over Minnesota. Finley goes on to finish his career with 2,147 points.

Jan. 14, 1998 — The Badger men’s basketball team defeats Penn State, 76-57, in the final basketball game at the UW Field House.

The Voice: Breaking into the biz

By Matt Lepay As you probably know, a Columbus Dis- The Voice of the Badgers patch reporter “discovered” Williams by One aspect of my profession I have putting him on a video that went viral. grown to appreciate is those who do their All of a sudden, Williams was on my jobs extremely well without the “hey, look old radio station, WNCI, where he found at me” mentality that can be too common he had received a voiceover contract. He in the media industry. also got a national advertising gig. The With that in mind, I say congratulations morning shows fought over him. Oprah to the Wisconsin Sportswriter and Sports- wants him on her new network. NFL Films caster of the Year winners for 2010, Tom has been in contact, and maybe Williams thinks about Mr. Williams. Mulhern of the Wisconsin State Journal will have a future in Hollywood. I wonder about that young man or wom- and Dennis Krause of Time Warner Cable I have to admit, the man has a stun- an who is studying acting, trying to learn and the and Green Bay ningly good voice, but Williams also has the craft while working side jobs, trying Packers radio networks. quite a rap sheet. He admits to having his to make ends meet, waiting for that big Having known both “Mully” and Dennis life derailed by drugs and alcohol. There break. What does he or she think about for awhile, it is great to see these two true have been reports of other legal issues as the Golden Voice? professionals recognized by their peers. well, but thanks to last week’s newspaper Please do not misunderstand. I am Both have won the award before, and story, Williams has won the lottery. rooting for Ted Williams. I have no idea with good reason. They do their work with When I first heard about Williams, I what triggered all of his personal troubles. class, and fellow state media types have thought it was an old fashioned radio Someone with his pipes should be able to recognized their efforts. It is one thing stunt. Yeah, call me a cynic, but I have share his gift with the rest of us. to be noticed. It is another to earn and seen stuff similar to this before. Still, this Maybe the most important lesson in this sustain respect.They are two examples of one seems to be on the up and up. “feel good” story is that everyone has a what is good about the sports media. OK, now that we agree that the Ted skill, in this case a very noticeable skill. While I am at it, add one more honor for Williams story is legit, it makes me won- Who is to say someone else isn’t next in legendary Brewers announcer Bob Ueck- der about all those men and women in line, ready to pounce if the Golden Voice’s er, who finally was elected into the Nation- the broadcasting world who have been demons resurface? al Sportscasters and Sportswriters Asso- trying to do everything right, have plenty In other words, in today’s multi-media ciation Hall of Fame. And you thought Bob of talent, yet seem to remain in relative age, any one of us can be replaced by already was in every hall of fame. obscurity. Drive around small town Amer- the next YouTube star. I wish Williams I transition from state winners and hall ica on a given night, and there is a good the best of luck, and a word of caution. of famers to last week’s hot media story— chance you will hear someone who is Today’s media world can make you an Ted Williams, aka, The Golden Voice. In a calling a high school sporting event who is overnight sensation, but it also can be matter of a few days, Williams went from perfectly capable of doing the same thing incredibly cruel. the streets of Columbus, Ohio, seemingly for a major college or even a professional That alone is a sobering thought, isn’t down and out, to a nationwide sensation. sports franchise. I wonder what he or she it?