CONTENTS DECEMBER 7, 2016 ▪ VOLUME 7, ISSUE 17 DAVID STLUKA

REWRITING HISTORY National honors, postseason pushes, sold-out matches and one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. Lauren Carlini is leaving behind a legacy that will impact Wisconsin far into the future.

FEATURES FOOTBALL

DAVID STLUKA DAVID IN [FOCUS] SIGHTS ON DALLAS The week's best photos

The Badgers’ next task? Ditch THE VOICE the disappointment of a loss in Bowl is feather in UW’s cap Indianapolis and turn their focus to the Cotton Bowl. BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW

WHAT TO WATCH LUCAS AT LARGE Where to catch the Badgers

BEYOND HIS YEARS ASK THE BADGERS Plans after winning lottery? Wisconsin freshman point guard

D’Mitrik Trice’s early success is not DAVID STLUKA

surprising to his family and coaches. BADGERING Greg Gard (Men’s Basketball)

-SCROLL FOR MORE- INSIDE FOOTBALL Fleck’s record, ties to WMU Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711

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Brian Lucas Director of Athletic Communications

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© 2016 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM Trice playing, leading beyond his years DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA

hortly after taking a win- face Creighton at CenturyLink sive switch during last Saturday’s dow seat near the front of Center in Omaha, Nebraska. game, a 90-70 win over Oklaho- Sthe team bus, Wisconsin “It was my first road game,” ma at the Kohl Center. freshman D’Mitrik Trice took Trice recalled, “and I was a little Hayes was right about the a quick look around — like any nervous.” switch, he agreed. good point guard sizing up the It was a freshman moment for “In that (game) situation, he floor — and realized that he was someone who has rarely played told me what I had to do and I wearing his practice sweats over like one. respect his opinion,” said Trice, his uniform, a wardrobe mal- “I definitely feel like a fresh- who has appreciated Hayes’ function. man,” countered Trice, who has guidance during his transition “Wait,” he cautioned himself, been the target of good-natured to college basketball. “He has “should we be wearing some- ribbing from the upperclass- always been there to help. He’ll thing else?” men, a rite of passage. “If they’re always ask me randomly if I need Without drawing any atten- messing around and joking with anything or how he can help.” tion, he got off the bus, grabbed me, off the court or on the Coming off a near triple-dou- his travel bag from the under- court, I always tell the guys, ‘I’m ble against Syracuse last Tuesday neath baggage compartment, only a freshman once, so I’m night, Hayes had 28 points, 6 pulled out his game sweats and enjoying it.’” assists and 0 turnovers against returned to his seat, where he Timing is everything. As he Oklahoma and was named the nimbly changed into them and was getting the words out of Big Ten Player of the Week. waited for the rest of his team- his mouth after Monday’s prac- Trice, meanwhile, had a sea- mates to get on board for the tice, senior Nigel Hayes playfully son-high 16 points on Saturday. ride to the arena. yelled at Trice from the distance He was 4-of-4 from beyond the The Badgers were about to about failing to execute a defen- 3-point arc.

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 1 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA “THE GAME HAS NOT SPED UP FOR HIM BECAUSE HE’S UNDER THE LIGHTS IN FRONT OF 18,000 PEOPLE OR BECAUSE HE HAS A REALLY GOOD PLAYER GUARDING HIM. HE PLAYS AT THE SAME SPEED AND HE DOES THE THINGS THAT MAKES HIM … (PAUSE) … HIM.”

Funny thing is, Trice entered the week leading the Big Ten in 3-point shooting but his perim- eter shooting wasn’t necessarily something that stood out during the recruiting process. “I really didn’t look at him with offense in mind — that it was what we needed from him,” said UW coach Greg Gard. “I wanted an insurance policy, someone to solidify the backcourt and give us a sound decision-maker. Anything “His confidence level is high this. Nor is his father. They are that was going to come on top of right now,” said associate head one in the same. Travis Trice Sr., that was going to be a bonus. coach Lamont Paris. “From a a former college point guard at “We recruited him to make basketball standpoint, he’s mak- Purdue and Butler, coached his good decisions and facilitate and ing shots. But he has continued son at Wayne High School in then have the other parts grow.” to make the simplest play — nor- Huber Heights, Ohio. They were Trice is sprouting. He’s averag- mally — and that’s what we saw a winning combination, too. ing 16 minutes per game, more in him (as a prospect) and that’s In late March of 2015, Trice than anyone else off the bench. what he has done since the day scored 19 points to help lead Of course, he’s got another great he got here. Huber Heights Wayne to a 65- mentor in senior point guard “He has played at a reasonable 57 win over Westerville South Bronson Koenig, who has taken pace. The game has not sped up in the Division I state champion- him under his wing and schooled for him because he’s under the ship game at Ohio State’s Value him on what he needs to know lights in front of 18,000 people City Arena. South coach Ed Calo and how to get better. or because he has a really good said afterwards of Wayne’s quar- “I’ve learned a lot from him,” player guarding him. He plays at terback, “He (Trice) controlled Trice said. “He always has my the same speed and he does the the tempo of the game.” back.” things that makes him … (pause) Four months earlier, Trice was, Such input and support from … him.” in fact, quarterbacking Wayne at Hayes and Koenig has seemingly Trice’s high school basketball the Horseshoe in Columbus. But accelerated his growth. coach is not surprised by any of his Huber Heights football team

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 2 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM

came up short, 31-21, to Lake- and do anything incredible. He Because Huber Heights Wayne wood St. Edward in the state just knows that he has to go in was so successful on the grid- finals. It was a tough loss to get and fit in. That’s why he has had iron, Trice’s season would extend over since he didn’t lose often. so much early success — just into December and it would take As a two-year starter, Trice was seeing where he can make that a few months for him to get his 25-3. team better.” legs back for basketball. Playing When speaking of Trice’s lead- Intangibles aside, it’s hard to both sports took a physical toll. ership skills, Gard has frequently ignore that Trice is shooting 54 “He graduated from high school maintained that if he could lead percent from the field (20-of- weighing 158 pounds,” his dad 10 players in a football huddle, 37), 65 percent from beyond the noted. he should be even more at ease arc (13-of-20) and 89 percent It was a reason why recruiters leading four on the basketball from the free throw line (8-of-9). questioned his size resulting in floor. And that has come to fru- As previously mentioned, it has Trice spending a year at IMG ition during his first nine games been the bonus area for Gard, Academy in Florida. “What es- manning the point for the Bad- especially the 3-point shooting. sentially happened was that he gers. got a chance to concentrate on Once again, Travis Trice Sr. has basketball and his body,” Trice Sr. “THE ONE THING THAT IS not been surprised. said. “He put on 20 pounds and GREAT ABOUT D’MITRIK IS “The one thing that is great it made all the difference in the THAT HE’S ONE OF THE MOST about D’Mitrik,” said the elder world.” EVEN-KEELED GUYS I THINK Trice, “is that he’s one of the One of his son’s role models YOU’LL EVER BE AROUND. most even-keeled guys I think is Houston Texans wide receiver IT’S A GREAT QUALITY FOR A you’ll ever be around. It’s a great Braxton Miller, a former Wayne POINT GUARD. HE’S STEADY.” quality for a point guard. He’s High School and Ohio State steady. He’ll show a little emo- quarterback and two-time Big tion here and there. But he’s al- “To be honest, it doesn’t sur- Ten MVP. Miller, a long-time ways thinking — always thinking prise me at all,” Trice Sr. again in- friend of the Trice family, has the game.” sisted. “I read one of the articles been a strong, positive influence Trice referenced his son’s abil- that said something about his on D’Mitrik. ity to win over the locker room, unexpected success. I sent that “That’s his big brother,” Trice regardless of the sport. article to the other people in our Sr. said. “Braxton calls him, ‘Lit- “If you asked his teammates, family — aunts, uncles, grandpar- tle Bro.’ Braxton got a chance to they would know exactly what ents — we all have a group mes- see some of the Syracuse game I’m talking about,” he said. sage. What I put on that was, ‘I and he and I were texting, and “That’s my son and I’m a little bi- expected it.’ he shot me a message that he ased. But he’s pretty special. He “He’s a team first guy and was ‘Proud of his Little Bro.’ He’s really cares about what goes on he’s a facilitator first. But he’s always giving him advice and with other people. He’s a genu- got a very tight handle. I think communicating with him.” ine person and it kind of shows the best part of his game is his Miller grew up with D’Mitrik’s by the way he plays. mid-range. Right now, he’s really older brother, Travis Trice, the “He’s truly an extension of the stroking the 3. A lot of that had former Michigan State guard. coach on the court. He knows to do with the fact that he has The Spartans were 112-38 that he has a team (in Wiscon- gotten all the football out of his during Trice’s career, the sec- sin) that he doesn’t have to go in system.” ond-most wins for a recruiting

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 3 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM

class in school history. As a D’Mitrik Trice acknowledged continue? You hope it does. senior, he was named MVP af- that the competitive level has Overall, the odds would say no. ter leading the team in scoring always been “super high” with But that’s not what makes him (15.3) and assists (5.1). Travis Trice, who’s now playing a valuable asset to us. That just The last two summers, Travis in Australia. “A lot of the moves adds to it. He makes basketball and D’Mitrik Trice have made that he has learned throughout plays.” each other better. the years, he has passed down From the perspective of a “It’s a battle, it’s a lot of one- to me,” D’Mitrik said. “He has former college basketball guard on-one,” Trice Sr. said. “The thing just given me tips to focus on and successful high school bas- that I love when they’re doing going into this year.” ketball coach, Travis Trice Sr. has their workouts, everything is com- Stay humble. Stay the course. expressed his thoughts on his petitive. They don’t let the other Those were two tips from Travis middle son. But what about his one have anything easy. This Trice, who always had people viewpoint as a father? What does summer, while they were here, skeptical of his size, strength he admire the most about him? we had some of the best open and speed. As such, he encour- “First and foremost,” he said, gyms that you could imagine.” aged D’Mitrik, “To go out there “how he respects his faith. Isaiah Trice, the youngest of with the mindset that nobody D’Mitrik is a Christian man, a Travis and Julie Price’s three can guard you. You’ve always God-fearing man … he’s sincere boys, also took part in the work- been doubted your whole life, so in everything that he says and outs and scrimmaging, along prove your worth.” does. I think that makes him with D’Mitrik’s teammate from D’Mitrik Trice hasn’t wasted special. He’s not someone who’s IMG, Aleem Ford, now also a any time in doing that. influenced by the crowd. He’s freshman teammate with the “He’s got a knack,” said Paris, his own guy.” Badgers. “Some great games marveling at Trice’s consisten- And that has allowed D’Mitrik and great competition,” Trice Sr. cy in almost always making his Trice, in Paris’ words, to do the cooed. first shot of the game. “Will that things that make him … him. ▪ DAVID STLUKA

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 4 OF 4 THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY ▪ VOICE OF THE BADGERS Cotton Bowl a feather in Badgers’ cap ssuming he remains the Yes, you can assume the visiting plays football too and it plays it Western Michigan coach team was none too happy about well. Western Michigan plays this Athrough the Cotton Bowl, having a questionable call or two game extremely well. It scores P.J. Fleck and his Broncos pro- go against it. Northern Illinois had 43 points a game and it rolls up gram will be the big story leading 455 yards of total offense com- nearly 500 yards of offense. up to the Jan. 2 matchup in Ar- pared to 275 for the Badgers. The Badgers just went up lington, Texas. He has both sizzle Wisconsin managed just 68 rush- against a seriously talented quar- and substance. Fleck’s “Row the ing yards. Quarterback Brooks terback. They’ll see another one Boat” theme sounds cool and his Bollinger was under siege — the in Zach Terrell, who has thrown players’ performance to date is Huskies sacked him 10 times. for 32 touchdowns and just 3 even better. Yet the Badgers managed to interceptions. His top receiv- WMU already has beaten find a way to win. er is Corey Davis, who had 91 Northwestern and Illinois. Now — count ’em — 91 catches for the Broncos look to improve THIS IS A CHANCE TO CLOSE 1,427 yards and 18 touchdowns. their record vs. the Big Ten this OUT A SPECIAL SEASON. This promises to be one more season to 3-0, and their overall A CHANCE TO WIN FOR stern test for the Badgers. mark to 14-0. THE 11TH TIME, WHICH Already I have heard the noise. Fleck has seen the Badgers PROBABLY IS THREE OR This is a no-win bowl game. To up close, but it has been awhile: FOUR MORE VICTORIES that, I say bull(bleep). This is a Sept. 14, 2002 at Camp Randall THAN MOST THOUGHT THIS chance to close out a special sea- Stadium. TEAM COULD GIVE YOU. son. A chance to win for the 11th Fleck had an outstanding col- time, which probably is three or lege career at Northern Illinois. Wisconsin’s last meeting with four more victories than most He left the Huskies program as Western Michigan was on a thought this team could give you. one of the school’s all-time best steamy August night in 2000. It is a chance for a team that receivers and punt return men. To some, it is referred to as the began the season by playing in His 2002 season was brief. Fleck “Shoe Box game.” Earlier in the the most storied of NFL stadi- appeared in just three games, day, the Badgers were deal- ums and now can close by play- with three catches for 27 yards. ing with player suspensions ing in the grandest of NFL ven- He shows up in the participa- related to NCAA sanctions re- ues — Jerry’s World — home of tion chart for that 2002 game in garding extra benefits given to the Dallas Cowboys. It also is a Madison but had no statistics. student-athletes. They went bowl game with a rich history. The rest of the team gave Wis- into the season opener a very Of course what happened last consin all it wanted. Actually, short-handed team. Saturday will sting. It stings more one could argue NIU outplayed Josh Hunt made a name for for these players than any of the the Badgers that day, but Wis- himself with an 89-yard punt re- rest of us will ever understand. consin scored a late touchdown turn for the Badgers’ first touch- Then they will move on. They to slip past the Huskies, 24-21. down of the year. There was always do. Three penalties — a holding and nothing easy about Wisconsin’s They get to play for each other two pass interference calls — 19-7 victory against the Broncos. one more time. I am pretty sure helped the home team on its What’s the point here? Simple. they will do everything they can game-winning drive. The Mid-American Conference to make it count. ▪

THE VOICE PAGE 1 OF 1 ASK THE BADGERS

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING? YOU WOULD DO? JACK MCLAUGHLIN JACK MCLAUGHLIN PAM RUSCHELL DAVID STLUKA

HALEIGH NELSON TOM BARLOW ANN-RENÉE DESBIENS ERIC PEISSIG Senior ■ Volleyball Junior ■ Men’s Soccer Sr. ■ Women’s Hockey Junior ■ Wrestling Cary, N.C. St. Louis, Mo. La Malbaie, Quebec Menomonie, Wis.

“I would buy a life- “If I were to win “The first thing I “If I won the lot- time supply of Girl the lottery, I would would do would be tery, I would make Scout Thin Mint buy my mom a new to pay off all of my the wrestling room cookies, sponsor house and make sure siblings’ and parents’ into a McDonald’s an animal shelter all of my family is debts. I would have ball pit for a day and so I could play with taken care of for the to make a plan after then pay off student puppies at will and rest of their lives. that, as there would loans.” hire my own personal Then I would set be too many people I barista.” aside a bunch of it would want to help.” for a private jet, so I could travel and see everything I want to in the world. I would also donate a big chunk of it to people in need all over the world!” BADGERING DAVID STLUKA GREG GARD

It’s been nearly a year since Greg Gard got his shot at becoming the men’s basketball coach at Wisconsin. His long- time mentor, Bo Ryan, stepped down on Dec. 15, 2015 and Gard, the associate head coach, took over on an interim basis. The promotion became a full-time gig on March 7, shortly after Gard guided the Badgers to a third-place finish in the Big Ten Conference and shortly before UW advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Gard has a veteran-laden club capable of another deep national tournament run. He took a moment before a recent practice to talk about opponents he’d like to get on the schedule, the most unsung member of his staff and that time he came close to taking another coaching job in-state before his current opportunity came along. Interview by Andy Baggot: What’s the closest you came to leaving Wisconsin before Bo retired? “Probably the second time that Green Bay came.”

When was that? “Ironically, that spring before I got the job (with the Badgers). Right after the second Final Four.”

SCROLL What was your state of mind then? Were you impatient? “No. We just didn’t know what would happen. That was probably the closest. I really had a good meeting with the athletic director (Mary Ellen Gillespie). We clicked. I’ve always gone into those types of meetings, interviews, and I’m also interviewing them, trying to feel them out, too, and see if this is somebody I really want to work for. She said all the right things. She answered the questions the right way. It was going to be in the state. There was a lot of plusses to it.”

Why aren’t you in Green Bay then? “Great question. Probably a week or less after I said no, my dad was diagnosed with cancer here (Glen Gard died Oct. 30, 2015). We’ve thought about that as a family; yeah, you could be here or there. I’d had two interviews that spring — Bowling Green and Green Bay. I don’t know. Finan- cially was probably the tipping point. (Gillespie) couldn’t take the steps. We had a (salary) number and she couldn’t get there as hard as she tried. Things happen for a reason.”

What’s your favorite moment as a recruiter? “I couldn’t say one specific kid because that would tick off all the other kids. I think the favorite moment — it’s not a specific moment — is just developing the relationships over the years. I have players and parents that still stay in contact with me that didn’t come here and play just because we had a good relationship. For whatever reason, they chose not to come to Wisconsin. We get told no a lot more than we get told yes. I think everybody does. It’s very competitive. You like to get that phone call that says, ‘Hey, I’m coming to Wisconsin.’ But my favorite part of recruiting is the relationships you had to build throughout the years.”

Is there a specific opponent you want to schedule? “Hmmm. I’d love to play in Phog Allen at Kansas. That would be neat.”

Are you trying to make that happen? “We’re trying. I always thought another one would be Gallagher-Iba at Oklahoma State. We’ve talked about that one, too. As I get older, I have an appreciation for the history of the game and the places. Obviously we’ve played in some very neat ones, like the Palestra (Pennsylvania) and Cameron Indoor (Duke). We’ve been to some very historic ones. Another one would be Pauley Pavilion (UCLA) … Rupp Arena (Kentucky) would be another … I’d probably put Phog Allen, Pauley Pavilion and maybe Gallagher-Iba as my top ones.”

Who’s the most unsung member of your staff? “A.J. Van Handel, our video coordinator. He lives and breathes Wisconsin basketball. He’s here at 3 in the morning during camp doing things. Prior to camp, he’s accessible most hours of the day. He puts in a ginormous amount of time and effort and really cares about what he’s doing.”

How has team chemistry changed since last season? “I think we’ve learned to appreciate moments and experiences and people. Part of that is going through experiences and moments with those people. I’ve read just about everything that comes out of (UW football coach) Paul Chryst’s mouth and I know we march to the same drummer. Al- most everything that comes from him resonates with me. That’s what I appreciate. I’ve told our team, ‘This is pretty neat. That Syracuse game was pretty fun, wasn’t it?’ I’ve said, ‘You’re going to come here 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 years from now and you’re not going to think about the points you scored. You’re going to think about the moments, the experiences, the locker room after a win, the tough times you had to go through and the people you were with and how they support- ed you. That’s what you’re going to remember. You’re not going to remember you scored 1,000 points or had 500 rebounds or that type of thing.’ It’s going to be those other things that they don’t understand right now, but as they take that next step and get further away from this, they’ll have a great appreciation.”

Is there a bad habit you kicked? “I used to be a Mountain Dew fiend. I had one yesterday and I couldn’t even stomach it. I had to toss it. Too much sugar.”

What’s the oddest job you’ve done to make money? “When I was an Iowa County deputy, I would chaperone dances and wedding receptions. Kind of the Rent-A-Cop. I did that. That was a little odd, especially if you saw people you really knew show up to that dance and you’re there in your uniform.”

What’s the biggest public misconception about student-athletes? “That they’re robotic and programmable and they should perform at the same level every day or every night. I think people forget that they’re human. They think, whether it’s individual or team, that they’re automatically out-of-the-box, snapped together erector sets that (should) give an in- stantaneous high-level performance. They don’t realize all the other components that go on the other 22 hours of their day. There’s a humanistic element that totally gets lost. I feel bad because I think social media and everything has thrown gas on that fire storm. We’re all in the world of instant gratification. The fans are, too. When a player or team doesn’t meet expectations, so to speak, they’re up in arms (saying) ‘Why not?’ There are a lot of variables in these kids’ lives that they’re trying to navigate through. Most people, unless you’re on the inside every single day, have no idea how much the (kids) have to deal with in terms of balancing their daily life and the outside expectations.”■ DAVID STLUKA National honors, postseason pushes, sold-out matches and one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. Wisconsin senior setter Lauren Carlini is leaving behind a legacy that will impact the Badgers far into the future.

t may seem like a strange way to begin measuring “I know a lot of people were really upset about Lauren Carlini’s massive impact on the Wisconsin that,” Carlini said. “I was hearing about it on Twitter. Ivolleyball program, but there’s perspective to be “Nothing super negative,” she noted, but the vibe found in criticism. was intense enough that she felt bad for those who It has accumulated over the course of Carlini’s weren’t able to catch her act. peerless four-year career with the Badgers, a time Even when Carlini is on hand for the camps, there’s measured largely in achievement and applause. only so much the headliner can do to please. The grousing is rooted in the summer camps con- “We’ve got a few thousand campers coming ducted by UW coach Kelly Sheffield and his staff. through here,” Sheffield said. “She can’t coach ev- Some participants come to Madison from long dis- erybody.” tances expecting that a certain two-time, first-team That Carlini is in such public demand is evidence All-America setter and U.S. Olympic candidate is of her unique reputation at Wisconsin. going to provide them with individual attention. She arrived in 2013, the premier prospect in the That was not always realistic. nation, and immediately helped deliver the Badgers “Everyone wants to meet Lauren, there’s no ques- — a 12th seed — to the NCAA championship match. tion,” Sheffield said. “We’ll get emails and complaints That gave way to a Big Ten Conference title in all the time from people upset that she didn’t get to 2014, the first No. 1 ranking in program history ear- work with them.” lier this season, and now four consecutive NCAA That was especially the case this summer when Sweet 16 appearances. Carlini spent three weeks training with the U.S. na- Third-seeded UW is two wins away from another tional team, a prestigious assignment for someone national championship appearance and a shot at its who aspires to be an Olympian in 2020 and play first NCAA crown. The road is made easier by the professionally when her college career has run its fact that the school is hosting a regional for the first course. time since 2000. GREG ANDERSON

LAUREN CARLINI: REWRITING HISTORY PAGE 2 OF 6 The Badgers (27-4 overall) will face unseeded Ohio State (22-12) at 1 p.m. Friday at the UW Field House. The other regional semifinal has sixth-seed- ed Stanford (23-7) meeting unseeded Florida State (26-5) at 3:30 p.m. The survivors meet Saturday at 5 p.m. for a berth in the national semifinals, set for Dec. 15 and 17 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It goes without saying that Carlini, one of four se- niors, wants to bring a national championship to UW. But whether or not that mountain is scaled — the Badgers lost to Nebraska in 2000 and Penn State in 2013 — Carlini will go down as one of the most transcendent student-athletes, male or female, in school history. She stayed true to her commitment to Wiscon- sin even though there was a coaching change from Pete Waite to Sheffield prior to her freshman sea- son. She proceeded to trigger a renaissance for the 43-year-old program, one that’s been felt on a va- riety of fronts. Since Carlini arrived, the Badgers have won 112 of 136 matches (.824) overall and 12 of 15 (.800) in the national tournament. “She’s really taken Wisconsin volleyball to the next level and I want to learn from her,” said Sydney Hilley, a setter and top-five prospect from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. “She started a tradition of excellence and winning there and I want to keep that going.” Since Carlini came onboard, Wisconsin has seen per-match attendance go from 3,512 to a project- ed school-record of 5,915 and drawn 19 sellouts (6,012). “From a fan perspective, people want to watch winning teams, but more importantly, they want to be inspired,” Sheffield said. “She’s the leader of how our team operates in a match and the fans have been coming not just because we’ve been winning, but how we play.” Since Carlini showed up, UW has landed four top- 10 recruiting classes, including the five that signed in November and will begin playing in 2017. “She’s had a massive influence on who we are and how we go about things on a daily basis that makes

GREG ANDERSON it attractive to other people,” Sheffield said. Hilley will enroll at Wisconsin in January and be- gin working out with Carlini, all with an eye toward being ready to follow in her footsteps next season.

LAUREN CARLINI: REWRITING HISTORY PAGE 3 OF 6 “Obviously I have some really big shoes to fill,” look up to her,” Hilley said of Carlini, “and want to Hilley said. “I’m confident that I can.” be like her.” Carlini, from Aurora, Illinois, is the first four-time, Carlini, a retail and consumer behavior major who first-team all-Big Ten selection and could be the will graduate in May, is that rare mix of confidence, first three-time, first-team All-American in program awareness, moxie and focus. history. “I don’t remember in her four years a (repetition) But if Hilley were given a choice, she would take that was wasted,” Sheffield said. “Everything mat- Carlini’s leadership ters with her. instincts over her “I don’t know that technical skills. “I DON’T REMEMBER IN HER FOUR YEARS A I’ll ever have an “That’s such a huge (REPETITION) THAT WAS WASTED,” SHEFFIELD athlete that goes thing,” Hilley said. through it where SAID. “EVERYTHING“ MATTERS WITH HER. “Even if your setting she’s being purpose- I DON’T KNOW THAT I’LL EVER HAVE AN ATHLETE isn’t going well, you ful and mindful with THAT GOES THROUGH IT WHERE SHE’S BEING still have to be the everything. PURPOSEFUL AND MINDFUL WITH EVERYTHING.” person on the court “When you go that’s calming every- through practices, one down and keeping them fired up.” day in and day out, and your setter is that way, it Hilley has already demonstrated some Carlini-like certainly impacts everyone else.” assertiveness. On more than one occasion she’s Sheffield believes that the two most important el- traveled to Madison — of her own volition — to ements for success in his profession are culture and meet with top recruiting targets and help Sheffield talent, in that order, with talent being “a very, very, sell the program. very close second.” He said Carlini has helped fos- “She knows there’s so many girls out there that ter that culture along with fellow captains Haleigh

▼ TAP TO WATCH - Driven: Episode 14 GREG ANDERSON

LAUREN CARLINI: REWRITING HISTORY PAGE 4 OF 6 GREG ANDERSON

Nelson, a senior middle blocker, and Kelli Bates, a junior outside hitter. “You look at any winning pro- gram in any sport — profession- al, collegiate — the ones that are good year in and year out, you sit there and go, ‘They’ve got an enviable culture going on there,’” Sheffield said. “I think our culture is really, re- ally important. We’ve had really good leaders that helped push that. Lauren’s certainly been one of the very best leaders.” A three-year captain, Carlini did some soul-searching during the recent offseason and decid- ed that she needed to be a bet- ter leader. Why? “One thing that came out of last year, losing in the Sweet 16, was I didn’t feel that connection that I had with previous teams,” she explained. “It was that eye-opening mo- ment where I realized I need to do more. I need to be better for my team. I need to get to know them on a personal “I think it’s pretty obvious now how we interact on level.” the court, just how much closer we are,” she said. So last spring Carlini began the process of meet- UW assistant coach Brittany Dildine, who over- ing with her teammates individually in casual set- sees recruiting, said Carlini is selfless, thoughtful tings. It was coffee with Tionna Williams, a sopho- and genuine. more middle blocker. It was breakfast with Lauryn “She’s constantly looking for that edge for how Gillis, a junior outside hitter. It was lunch with Tori she could be a better teammate, a better leader, a Blake, a senior middle blocker. The conversations better captain for those around her,” Dildine said. “I rarely touched on volleyball. think that’s a unique quality. What did Carlini learn from the exercise? “She’s a giver. Very open to helping somebody “You have to care about people more than just as that is interested in finding success. When you sit a teammate and more than just on the court,” she down with Lauren one-on-one, you can tell she’s said. “They need to know that you care about them. all into you and that moment. There’s not a lot of “People are way more willing to do more for you distraction. if they know you respect them and care about them “Her team knows that she loves them with her and you are rooting them on and you are one of entire heart and soul.” their biggest fans.” When standout freshman outside hitter Molly Carlini said the project produced the desired re- Haggerty came on her official recruiting visit two sult. years ago, she stayed at the apartment Carlini

LAUREN CARLINI: REWRITING HISTORY PAGE 5 OF 6 shares with Nelson. “You’re not maxing out your potential if you’re not When Haggerty arrived on campus earlier this going 100 percent every rep and every drill,” she year, she said Carlini checked in routinely to make said. sure things were going smoothly, always following Sheffield told the story of a meeting a family after up if Haggerty had questions or issues. a recent home match. They’d just driven two hours “There’s people you meet that just kind of say to see the Badgers play for the first time. They were they’ll help because they have to, but she’s the thrilled with every aspect of the experience. type of person that does it because she wants to Why did they come? and really does mean The parents relat- it,” Haggerty said. “It ed that their daughter shows on the court, “SHE’S KIND, GIVING, UNDERSTANDING, had asked for a specif- too, how great of a NON-JUDGMENTAL,” DILDINE SAID. ic birthday gift back in teammate and person July. “EVERYTHING THAT“ YOU COULD PUT INTO she is.” “They came to see WHAT A GOOD TEAMMATE OR GOOD LEADER Dildine didn’t re- Lauren,” Sheffield said. WOULD BE. SHE REFLECTS MORE ON HERSELF cruit Carlini to UW, “It was kind of like go- BETTER THAN ANYBODY I’VE EVER MET. but she’s come to find ing to see (Michael) out why everyone in IT’S DONE IN A WAY OF STRENGTH.” Jordan before he re- the college volleyball tires. She wanted to world wanted her in the first place. see Lauren Carlini before she leaves here. “She’s kind, giving, understanding, non-judgmen- “A young kid dreaming big.” tal,” Dildine said. “Everything that you could put into Carlini smiled when the anecdote was revisited.

what a good teammate or good leader would be. “I don’t see myself at that level,” she said. “Other DAVID STLUKA “She reflects more on herself better than anybody people do. I’ve ever met. It’s done in a way of strength.” “It’s cool to be recognized at that type of level, Carlini, who has nearly 6,500 followers on Twit- that type of greatness. I hope to live up to what ter, said the idea that her college career is chugging people want me to be. toward the finish line is motivation to maximize ev- “I want to keep getting better because of mo- ery moment. ments like that.” DAVID STLUKA

LAUREN CARLINI: REWRITING HISTORY PAGE 6 OF 6 DAVID STLUKA

Badgers’ task? Set sights on Dallas Opportunity of game vs. unbeaten Western Michigan obvious to players BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER

’Cota Dixon will be going back to where it we’re willing to forget about the past and just focus really all began for him. Corey Clement will on the now.” Dbe going back to take care of some unfin- As far as not dwelling on the loss to the Nittany ished business. Lions, he added, “This one is definitely in the past Along with their Wisconsin teammates, Dixon now. We know that we have one more guaranteed and Clement will be going back to AT&T Stadium — game and we have to make the most out of it.” deep in the heart of Texas — to mend a broken one That was echoed by one Wisconsin player after at the Cotton Bowl Classic. another. Build. Don’t tear down. After losing to Penn State in the Big Ten Cham- “This (Penn State) game is a waste if we don’t learn pionship Game Saturday night, a heartbreaking 38- from it and come back and work harder,” said inside 31 loss, the Badgers will be going back to their sea- linebacker Ryan Connelly, who acknowledged feel- son-long blueprint: team unity and resilience. ing a little numb. He wasn’t alone. “This journey isn’t done yet for this team,” stressed “Everyone was kind of frustrated. Everyone was outside linebacker Vince Biegel. consoling everyone. The theme was, ‘It’s a tough Wisconsin has drawn an unbeaten opponent. loss, but let’s try and keep our heads up, let’s keep Maybe it’s not the one (Alabama) that fans had fan- our pride.’ tasized that they would draw, but Western Michigan “Everyone has been saying — and it’s kind of our (13-0) is deserving of its New Year’s Six inclusion. motto — we’ve worked too hard this year to let one The Badgers must now prove they want to be loss define our season. Everyone wants to end the there after setting their sights on winning the con- season with a bowl win no matter what.” ference title and potentially going back to the Rose There was a reality to what happened Saturday Bowl for the first time since 2013. night. And, that is, over time, it happens to every- “I’m pretty sure this team loves competition,” one. It was just so unexpected the way it happened Clement wagered. “Whatever we’re up against, to one of the best defenses in college football.

BADGERS’ TASK? SET SIGHTS ON DALLAS PAGE 1 OF 4 “THESE ARE THE GAMES YOU COME BACK FOR. I’M PROUD OF THE UPS AND DOWNS THAT WE’VE COME THROUGH THIS SEASON,” BIEGEL SAID. “OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS ONE OF THE DOWNS, BUT IT DOESN’T TAKE AWAY FROM A GREAT SEASON.”

of the ups and downs that we’ve come through this season. Obvi- ously, this is one of the downs, but it doesn’t take away from a great season.” Nor does it take away from ac- cepting responsibility. “I think our defense played a great first half of football (against Penn State) and a second half that was not our best,” said Bie- gel, who had eight tackles, tying Connelly for the team high. “If I had to say what the mood was in the locker room, I would say it was obviously disappoint-

NEIL AMENT ed — a disappointing feeling be- cause we felt that it was a game that we could win. “This is the type of loss that “Football is one of those games where you can we can learn from and we have to learn from.” have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows The loss of defensive tackles Conor Sheehy and and tonight it just didn’t work out in our favor,” said Alec James carried some weight to whatever de- Dixon in a voice barely above a whisper. gree. Both were injured in the Minnesota win and “Now, you have to have the courage in this situa- didn’t play against the Nittany Lions. tion to look at the film and go over the corrections The D-line is an overlooked but critical element and understand the corrections and the mistakes to the success of the linebackers and secondary. and what we could have done better.” This has been a “sum of its parts” defense. And ob- The Cotton Bowl Classic provides a stage for re- viously some key parts/pieces were missing. demption. Not one player used that as an excuse, though, “Most importantly, it will be the next chapter for for the second-half meltdown. the seniors, the last game, a chance to get the bad “As a team, as a player, you don’t want to show taste out of our mouth,” said Biegel, who put the panic,” Dixon said. “You want to be composed, you NFL on hold to come back as a fifth-year senior. want to stay positive, you always want to shed light “These are the games you come back for. I’m proud on any situation because there’s always light.

BADGERS’ TASK? SET SIGHTS ON DALLAS PAGE 2 OF 4 “It’s about having faith in the moment even when It snowballed in the third and fourth quarter. From it doesn’t look good. It’s a four-quarter football a different perspective, Wisconsin’s defense was on game. If we get beat on one play, so what? You get the other side of such a dramatic momentum swing up and just keep playing. against Illinois and Minnesota. “You don’t always have the answers. But it only The Badgers picked off Illinois’ Jeff George Jr. four takes one play.” times in the first half. They picked off Minnesota’s The Badgers made most of the plays in taking a Mitch Leidner four times in the second half. Now 28-7 lead. That included a 12-yard touchdown by they were getting a dose of their own medicine Connelly on a fumble return after Penn State quar- from McSorley. terback Trace McSorley couldn’t handle a bad snap. “It’s frustrating, you kind of feel helpless,” said After a defensive stop on a fourth-and-1, Wis- Connelly. “There were a couple of plays out there I consin had the ball on the PSU 43 with 3:25 left in wish I could have done more. But sometimes it just the first half. This loomed as a chance to not only doesn’t go your way.” add points but maybe deliver a knockout punch. McSorley was nearly flawless in completing 10 of But after a three-and-out and an Anthony Lotti 11 passes for 211 yards in the second half. He got punt, downed on the PSU 10, a cool, calm and col- knocked around physically, too, but he continued lected McSorley engineered an eight-play, 90-yard to make plays in the pocket. scoring drive. That reversed the momentum. “They were kind of figuring us out and they did a “We were flying pretty high,” Connelly said, “and good job of picking us up (on the blitz),” Connelly for them to score like that, I don’t want to say it just said. “There were a lot of quick passes, too, and we killed us, but it took a little juice out of us going into didn’t have a lot of time to get to him.” the locker room.” Despite Penn State’s momentum, the Badgers still had an opportunity to get the game into overtime on a determined 10-play, 51-yard drive that left them with a fourth-and-1 on the PSU 24. Starting quarterback Bart Houston completed passes of 16 yards to Jazz Peavy, 10 yards to Dare Ogunbowale and 13 yards to Clement to keep the chains moving. On a third-and-6, Hous- ton connected with tight end Troy Fumagalli on a pass completion that was limited to just 5 yards by cornerback Grant Haley, who came up quickly and made the stop. The Badgers burned the first of their timeouts with 65 seconds remaining. Plen- ty of time if they could keep the drive alive. DAVID STLUKA Through the first 12 games of the season, the Badgers had converted 55 percent

BADGERS’ TASK? SET SIGHTS ON DALLAS PAGE 3 OF 4 on fourth down, albeit a short sample size (6-of- sure we do. We just have to be a little better.” 11). On this occasion, Clement was stopped for no In the 2015 season opener, the Badgers took on gain. Alabama at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Dix- “I was pretty confident,” said Clement, who on was just hoping to be a contributor on special matched his career high with 164 rushing yards, in- teams after taking a medical redshirt as a freshman. cluding a 67-yard touchdown, marking the seventh But after safety Michael Caputo was dazed and time in the last eight games that he went over 100. had to come out of the game, Dixon took over at “I saw that they were stacked in the middle and, safety and acquitted himself well with nine tackles immediately, I’m not going up the middle because in his baptism to big-time football. that’s where the most Dixon should have penetration is going to some fond memories, be. I should have been “THIS DOESN’T DEFINE THE SEASON,” save the outcome. Clem- able to get a yard.” DEITER SAID. “WE HAVE ANOTHER GAME ent won’t. Injured the But he didn’t. Haley, TO PLAY. WE CAN BE BETTER AND THAT’S week of the game, he who had the scoop-and- SOMETHING WE HAVE TO TAKE TO had only eight carries for score on the blocked kick HEART AND MAKE SURE WE DO.” 16 yards. He came out in the Ohio State upset, after his first rush of the played through the full- second half. back’s block and made the defensive stop along Those will be two of the individual storylines for with safety Marcus Allen. the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. “They put a lot of guys in the box and they’re good The seniors will be another. With a 40-13 record, players,” said center Michael Deiter, “and we were a this class is one victory away from having the most little off there and a little off here. Corey gave us a wins in a four-year period in school history, topping chance to win and we just fell short of it.” the 2007 (40-12) and 2012 classes (40-14). The Badgers were 14-1 when Clement rushed for How will the Badgers treat their matchup with at least 100 yards. Western Michigan? “This doesn’t define the season,” Deiter said. “We “We’re going to attack it full strength,” Biegel have another game to play. We can be better and promised. that’s something we have to take to heart and make There was never any doubt. DAVID STLUKA

BADGERS’ TASK? SET SIGHTS ON DALLAS PAGE 4 OF 4 SCROLL INSIDE FOOTBALL BY MIKELUCAS T and Kalamazoo. ■ a 21-point dog that day in2002. wasIllinois Northernunderdog.seven-point Broncos a areThe Cotton Bowl.the Momentin ShiningOne create theirown can that story. with players Michigan Western his regale will he Maybe cord. Morse’spunts.nine Nobody comehas thattoppingto close re - Badgers’ defensive coach). backs returnerpuntLeonhard, UWwasway,(By Jim the the thenow hammy.re-tweakhis to him didn’twantHe catches. fair call to Fleck orderedNovak caveat. a was there But returner.regular the Thompson, Vince to injury mid-week a of because punts limited hisparticipation. he might have beenjustfrustrated by ahamstringinjury that Or Illinois. DeKalb, to back ride bus two-hour the on “jobbed” efitedfrom down calls some stretch the by the Big Ten zebras. ben- definitely Badgers the because officiating, the on baugh) don’t askhimabout Aaron Rodgers. Bay with 425 catches for 6,537 yards and 53 touchdowns. Just Green in years seven solid a to on went he and round second the in Jennings drafted Packers the 2006, In career. Michigan Westernhis during touchdown 39 and yards 3,539 for passes career with the New York Yankees. He later authored “Ball Four.” mainstay with the Broncos before embarking on a Major League to. A pro’s pro, he was astellar forjournalist ESPN and ABC. ern Michigan before transferring to Ryerson University in Toron- 1986. dad, Jack, who was the Broncos’ head coach between 1982 and degree at Western Michigan while serving as an assistant to his er David Braun, though,theBadgers rallied for a24-21 win. ern Illinois led 21-17. Behind Bollinger and walk-on wide receiv- had trouble protecting their QB. Bollinger was sacked 10 times. total offense — almost doubling the output by the Badgers, who who ran for 160 yards andtwo TDs againsttheBadgers. Turner, Michael was 2002 in replacement His backs. running is the same Thomas Hammock who eventually coached the UW forced to give up football because of eventually a heart condition. was Yes, this Hammock rusher. 1,000-yard a Hammock, as in a single game. This dates to his playing days at Northern Illinois. RandallStadium record for fairmost catches caughtand signaled wish listsfor schools with acoaching vacancy. some on 1 No. be P.J.coach,might Fleck,head Michigan’s ern joining the College Football Playoff’s No. 1 seed, Alabama. - West Jan. 2at AT&TStadium in Arlington, Texas. Goodyearon the Classic Cotton in Bowl time this — Wisconsin with nothing lessthana win,” saidlinebacker Anthony Allsbury. take advantage of the situation. “We believed that we would leave said afterwards. Michigan. by times Western five sackedBollinger was — JohnsonBen ed suspend- — the tackle left starting his Without Escaped? verb. now is UW’s strength coach —andescaped with a19-7 Kolodziejvictory. — zone end the in Welsh tackled who Kolodziej, placement. Dayne’s re- Ron for point starting bad a not was It carries. 30 on yards rushing 128 with big up came Bennett offense, total thanks to an8-yard scoring runby Michael Bennett. fourththe quarter that Badgersthe got breathingsome room Afariogun justbefore endof the that half, makingit10-7. Welsh completed a short touchdown pass to tight end Mobolaji ment onthisstage ashestaked Wisconsin to a10-0lead. mo- this with compared nothing But School. High Homestead touchdown, thesecond longest punt return inschoolhistory. a for yards 89 punt a returning by crowd the electrified Hunt one knew hisidentity. name stitched onthe back of his jersey. By then, though, every - teams, Hunt switched to No. 20 for the Western Michigan game. B.J.Tucker. cornerback sharedwith special on wereboth Since for Nick Davis, oneof thesuspendedplayers. returner punt a as subbing was receiver,who walk-on a Hunt, by theturmoil. was offense Broncos, UWthe against start who werefromstagnantthe fired up the it, of top On degrees. 100 over of dex be better andmore to complete thanthe other two. potential the had team this like felt Alvarez and Bowls Rose back-to-back off coming were Badgers the that mind in players,five against starters, including Western Michigan. Keep that affected the depth chart. The Badgers wound up sitting 11 son —11of theplayershad to sitoutthree gameseach. that had to be served over the first four games of the 2000 sea- for players accepting unadvertised discounts atashoe store. night contest — the NCAA rejected a school appeal on sanctions coaching.” Alvarez called“thelongest day I’ve ever hadto go through in Barry coach head UW what Or opener. season 2000 the until season, which was Paul Chryst’s senior year at UW. Badgers won 41-0in1963and21-101981. the meetings, previous two only their In attempts. 12 in nent 136 andtwo TDs. for 247 yards and a touchdown, and Rob Davis, who rushed for passed who Kruse, Dave quarterback behind 24-14, Badgers, line. In the 1988 5-yard season opener,the Broncos’ Western Michigan shocked the inside fumble Flowers’ Otis quarterback forgame ble WesternMichigan. forAnd Crews, recoveredwho different NFL teams. draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams. He played 32 games on four an All-MAC defensive endfor theBroncos andan11th-round on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” nal Old Spice Guy. (Isaiah Mustafa“New” is Old Spice Guy.) be field. That would the off success had origi- Terry the Crews, bagels, notably Einstein Bros. Ring of Honor. Dolphins’ the on spot a earned and Dolphins Miami the with Pro Bowls five to selected was Offerdahl Fame, of Hall MAC his sophomore year. Offerdahl even hadhis No. 49 retired. reerrecordsingle-season the including tackles, of during192 only schoolto offer. grams, hemadeanamefor himself at Western Michigan, the pro - college major byIgnored FortAtkinson. in school high ed Dombrowski) and a toolman (Tim Allen). country western singer (Josh Gracin), a baseball executive (Dave The world is much smaller than you think between Madison between think you than smaller much is world The they how on them for “Luther” little a play will he maybe Or R.J. of six on catches fair called and Novak obeyed Fleck receiver,MACwide return outstanding to an Fleck,used was got team his how about thinking been have might Fleck WesternMichigan billionairea claim can also (Alec Gores), a 238 caught Central, Kalamazoo of product a Jennings, Greg a was — Bouton Jim pitcher right-handed — “Bulldog” The The late John Saunders played hockey with his brother at West- Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh got his master’s NIU coach Joe Novak had grounds to go “Harbaugh” (Jim Har With 2minutes and13seconds remaining inthegame,North- of yards 455 had Haldi, Joshby quarterbacked Huskies, The The Huskies came to Madison without starting tailback Thom- Hit rewind to Sept.14, 2002,thefourth gameof theseason. the Camp setting of distinction unique the has Fleck is, it As The 13-0 Broncos are one of only two undefeated teams left, Sixteen years later, Western Michigan will get another shot at didn’t they that disappointed were meanwhile, Broncos, The “The victoryonlythe is importantthatis thing now,” Bollinger Wisconsin quarterback Brooks Bollinger might challenge the The Badgers later got asafety from defensive tackleRoss of yards 252 just managed Badgers the which in night a On That kept Western Michigan’s upset hopes alive. It wasn’t until because Westernlong Itdidn’tlast quarterback Michigan Jeff Hunt, ajunior from Mequon, hadacouple of TD returns at quarter, second the in remaining minutes five than less With get his to halftime until wait to had he that was irony The Hunt was No. 23 in the game program, a duplicate number he TheNo.Badgers from 4 lift got source, unexpected a an Josh in- heat a with night that sauna a Stadiumwas Randall Camp Alvarez thushadto make somelast-second roster decisions That meant 26players faced suspensionsof oneto three games Thursdayrare a — game the of day the on noon before Just again schedule UW the on showup Westerndidn’t Michigan ’88 the during Morton Don under once just won Wisconsin oppo- Big Ten a over victory first Michigan’sWestern was It Crews also played in Camp Randall Stadium. It was a memora- The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Crews, a Flint, Michigan native, was Sergeant as today known better Crewsbe may Terry Jeffords Another former Western Michigan defensive player hasalso with businessman a as scored Offerdahl football, of Outside of the amember and linebacker All-American two-time A school-recordca- a major, 694 had Offerdahl, bio-medicine a and attend- Rapids in Wisconsin born was Offerdahl John One of the Broncos’ greatest football players was a Cheesehead. school after one year to get started onhismusiccareer. leftHe done. and One University. Michigan Western at he late, great Luther Vandross had“One Shining Moment” Digging into connections withthe Broncos before the Cotton Bowl Fleck’s record andmore WMU ties ▪ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER - MEDIA: SOCIAL TAPSCHEDULE TO VIEW

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS STLUKA DAVID SCROLL INSIDE MEN’SBASKETBALL BY MIKELUCAS T ars rde Cne i Mlake il e hwle’ fifth against theGolden Eagles. Showalter’s be will Milwaukee in Center Bradley Harris BMO the Marquette. at Saturday’sand game Wisconsin tween turning the page to the time-honored rivalry andtug-of-war be- time they put the ball on the floor that I had a chance to get it.” the first nine games and 36 in 35 games last season. “I felt every sometime hopefully,” said Showalter, who had six steals through steals. Was he awareof that? I thinkthat I was ableto dothat tonight.” Telfairotherguys.to support hopefullysome giveand much as worryaboutjust not defenderand formyteammateshelp a of “Ifmy playingoffguysis I ball, kind of the just morewant to be pluggeddriving gaps. difficult for himasI could.” as it make to tried I favor.my into played that think I “so said, advantage,” size the he had definitely “I personals. two only up Telfair without crossing the line and fouling too much. He picked to take tough shots.” to force tried him I time. the all shot his on up kepthand and a off a lot of ball screens, I just made sure I stayed attached coming to him was he “When Showalter. time,” said whole the space ed only one free throw. He shot 236last season. field, Telfair finished withjust two points. Moreover,the fromhe attempt- 1-of-9 Going defender. principle the Showalter, and 6-foot-1,neverpounds, 175 got trackon Badgersthe against 30 or more points with ahighof 37againstNorth Dakota. last two seasonsfor theBengals. That includedseven gamesof has been a scoring machine averaging a little over 20 points the Telfair,Coneya Island playground legend NBAand journeyman, Oklahoma) andSaturday’s rivalry battle at Marquette. couplea of Final Four teamsfrom (Syracuseseason last and againstlast week’s matchups between sandwiched it was since game trap a be might this that notion any dispelling lead 21-3 the Kohl Center. dismantling78-44 of turnover prone, undersized Idaho State at Immediately after Wednesday’s win, Showalter was already Showalter win, Wednesday’s after Immediately that than more get can I thinking was I and feeling a had “I four career-high a with up came Showalter process, the In said.practice,” Showalter in lot a it on working been “We’ve Showalter way the with pleased was Gard Greg coach UW withphysical be to tried also Showalter 195-pound 6-3, The “I just tried to not let him get comfortable — and I stayed in his u te one Tlar wo okd mle ta hs listed his than smaller looked Telfair, who younger the But Sebastian of brotherTelfair,youngerEthan State’s the Idaho a to out jumped and points 10 first the scored Badgers The during an earlyan during throughoutand run Wednesdaynight’s “feeling”confident a had Showalter Zak guard senior sin rusting his instincts and gap control on defense, Wiscon- Badgers anxiousfor I-94rivalry ▪ Wisconsin’s eyes now only for Marquette on Saturday UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER MEDIA: SOCIAL TAPSCHEDULE TO VIEW

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS STLUKA DAVID DAVID STLUKA DAVID SCROLL Learning andgrowing through highs,lows INSIDE WOMEN’SBASKETBALL BY KELLIGRASHEL T and get usreadyfor Thursday.” up heads their get and tomorrow team our with work and film Sunday.on theto get coachis a knowTheonlyas I do thing to win aroad getting after tonight back step a took practice. We to practice game, to game better getting about season whole we were competitive. I thought we were aggressive offensively. Tsipis said. “I thought we had a good over,”practicecarried be to yesterday.has State Illinois atSunday on Igame whole thought Illinois State. against season the of victory road first their clinching handily after days two only Tuesday night, State Idaho to loss 42-35 tough a suffered Wisconsin to. accustomed grownalready has two consecutive losses to Green Bay. UW dropped both in-state contests lastseason,alsomarking tage overGreen Bay. advan- 19-13 a and Marquette on edge 14-9 a holding teams, with two big UW rivals. both teams. For Coach Tsipis, this will be his first time facing off ways bring a lot of physicality and a lot of competitiveness from at theKress Center. a playfoeGreento roadnorthern trip Bay on for Thursdayp.m. 7 at preparation into right dives then p.m., 1 at Sunday this rivals. dramatic fashion, facing off with two highly competitive in-state 64-46. BadgersThe now half infirst season the of the up wrap State, Illinois against Sunday win road a Carolinaand Thursday ter splitting the last two matches — a home 59-72 loss to North Tsipis, Wisconsin isinthemidstof athree-game homestandaf five gamesinamatter of only 10 days. “We wanted Idaho State to hand us the game. Wethe “Wetalkedus this hand State Idaho wantedto the across did we what upon build to how “Understanding this squadyear’s that trait a through adversity is battling And It’s going to be an all-out battle for the contending teams after both against series all-time the lead narrowly Badgers The The two games against the Badgers’ in-state competitors al- competitors in-state Badgers’ the against games two The Marquette with stretch home tough its concludes Wisconsin Jonathan coach head by schedule” “NBA-like an as Dubbed playing of stretch a on is exaggeration. Wisconsin no is Busy stay thecourse inabusy week. they as them on dwell to time have won’t but week last he Badgers have experienced some highs and lows in the Wisconsin now faces tough ‘NBA-like’ stretch of basketball schedule ▪ UW ATHLETICCOMMUNICATIONS - MEDIA: SOCIAL TAPSCHEDULE TO VIEW

INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS MCLAUGHLIN JACK DAVID STLUKA DAVID INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY BY ANDY BAGGOT ▪ UWBADGERS.COM INSIDER LARRY RADLOFF

Five takeaways from series against Omaha Non-conference season over, Badgers ready for taste of Big Ten play before break Move top up 2 & bottom down 1

ive takeaways on the Wisconsin men’s hockey team fol- TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE lowing its non-conference series with Omaha: F One: UW closed out the non-league portion of its sched- ule with a 3-3 overtime draw and 7-4 loss to the Mavericks. The best news from the first 14 games is a winning record (7-6-1), an elite power play (.233 conversion ratio) and penalty kill (.889 success rate), as well as a strong shots-on-goal rate (plus-9.93 per game). The bothersome elements from the first 14 games is that UW has allowed 3.50 goals per game, been outscored in the first period 18-11, and lost three times when scoring four

SCROLL or more goals. Two: The Badgers open their Big Ten slate with a series at Michigan (6-7-1 overall, 0-2-0 in league play) on Friday and Sat- urday. They do so having already registered as many true road wins — St. Lawrence, Clarkson and Colorado College — as they had all of last season. UW had one road win in 2014-15. First-year UW associate head coach Mark Osiecki said

Three: TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET there was a lot to like about the first 14 games, including the col- lective work ethic under new head coach Tony Granato. “We’re SOCIAL ahead of where I thought we’d be,” Osiecki said. “I think they’re MEDIA: still grasping some of the concepts that we’re talking about and certainly the style of play that we’re talking about. Sometimes it’s there quite often. Sometimes it’s lacking.” Osiecki has an idea where that inconsistency comes from. “They are still in search of their overall confidence,” he said of the players. Four: If you invest all your analysis in the score sheet, you might think freshman goaltender Jack Berry has struggled to close out the last two weekends. He followed up a 2-1 win at Colorado College with a 6-5 loss at Denver. Against Omaha he allowed six goals one night after playing well in the draw. “Peo- ple may look at the numbers and think goaltending is (an issue),” Osiecki said. “Actually he gave us an opportunity to win both those games much like he did in Denver.” Berry, working with- out much of a net because sophomore incumbent Matt Jurusik is out with a knee injury, is 3-2-1 with a 2.49 goals against av- erage and .895 save ratio. “Our overall defense just has to con- tinue to improve,” Osiecki said. Five: After playing at Michigan, the Badgers will have roughly a month off for semester exams and the holidays before resum- ing play. It remains to be seen if standout freshman center Trent Frederic (hand) will be available to go against the Wolverines, but it might be best if he gets the break to heal fully and come back strong for the second half. ■ INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY A.J. HARRISON ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS DAVID STLUKA

Wisconsin wraps up 2016 at Ohio State Badgers look to carry Border Battle victory’s momentum into Columbus

fter earning a split against No. 2 Minnesota, the top-ranked TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE Badgers look to carry their momentum from Sunday’s 8-2 Avictory into their series this weekend at Ohio State. After falling 2-0 to the Golden Gophers Saturday, the Badgers scored four goals in the first period in the series finale en route to the 8-2 triumph. “I think the biggest takeaway from last weekend was that we are capable of anything and that we can bounce back from a loss,” junior Baylee Wellhausen said. “This team is a special team and we’re resilient. I think we realized it’s important to finish our

SCROLL chances, to stay positive even when we’re down and play hard every second of the game because every team we face will give us their best shot.” UW’s victory over the Golden Gophers marked UW’s biggest margin of victory against Minnesota in program history, while senior Sarah Nurse became the first player in school history to record a hat trick against UM. INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET “It was good growth from Saturday,” UW head coach Mark Johnson said. “We didn’t play poorly on Saturday, but if you’re SOCIAL going to beat quality opponents that we run up against, at the MEDIA: end of the year you have to be able to push yourself through that and figure out how to win. Having a real strong first period indicated that they are listening to what we’re saying and can go out and execute.” Thanks to the win, the Badgers retained their top ranking in the nation heading into their final series of the 2016 calendar year against OSU. SCROLL Badgers exceed expectations inLas Vegas N INSIDE WRESTLING BY KELLIGRASHEL ence inthenation. ing into competition against arguably the best wrestling confer head- necessary standard a best, country’s the with competing tors place of any team there. competi- most the saw Wisconsin tournament. highly-touted the at finish highest-ever its to UW lead to wins big some for back fought that seedings lower with teammates their of rest through their respective weight classes. However, it was the it However, dominating classes. weight expected, respective their as through performed pounds, 165 at ner-up ning percentagemost and the ofwins all34teams inthefield. is good for confidence.” prettyguys frequently, wins good ofthose lotgetting so a face you Tenseason, Big the with “Obviously said. even,”Medbery good to be able to face those guys and face them a couple times total, seven Badger wrestlers their made way onto thepodium. In season. the of title tournament second his clinch to ponents op- ranked more two through blasted who Medbery, Connor senior to thanks champion one crownedVegas. WisconsinLas in Invite Keen Cliff the at overall second finishing after dence then some. TheBadgers have demonstrated they have capabilitythe of What doesthismeanforof start the Big Ten season? A lot. Frontrunners Medbery and Isaac Jordan, who finished run- finished who Jordan, Isaac and Medbery Frontrunners win- highest the with tournament the finished Badgers The it’s off, year last taken having in I’m position the for think “I confi- bit a quite with weekend tough a into headed is UW Medbery second bringshome title of theseasonfrom Cliff Keen Invite tional. But the Badgers exceeded all expectations and all expectations exceeded Badgers the But tional. - Invita Keen Cliff prestigious the in placing high a have to team wrestling Wisconsin the expected really one o ▪ UW ATHLETICCOMMUNICATIONS - MEDIA: SOCIAL TAPSCHEDULE TO VIEW

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