HEADS UP Members of the UW football team and staff look up toward the camera for the annual team photo, which was shot Sunday following Family Fun Day activities at Camp Randall. PHOTO BY BRIAN MASON IN FOCUS

HEADS UP Members of the UW football team and staff look up toward the camera for the annual team photo, which was shot Sunday following Family Fun Day activities at Camp Randall. PHOTO BY BRIAN MASON IN FOCUS

CARDINAL OVER WHITE Cardinal claimed volleyball's annual intrasquad scrimmage as part of Volleyball Fan Fest on Saturday. The Badgers open their season this weekend at the Duke Invitational. PHOTO BY DIANE NORDSTROM CARDINAL OVER WHITE Cardinal claimed volleyball's annual intrasquad scrimmage as part of Volleyball Fan Fest on Saturday. The Badgers open their season this weekend at the Duke Invitational. PHOTO BY DIANE NORDSTROM

AUGUST 23, 2011 CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

22 CRASH COURSE IN CHEMISTRY Nick Toon and Russell Wilson have quickly built a relationship that has the duo speaking the same language — on and off the field.

DEPARTMENTS

3 IN FOCUS The week in photos 32 10 LUCAS AT LARGE by Mike Lucas “We have ambition, I will 12 BEHIND THE DESK treat you with integrity by Barry Alvarez and it’s my job to get the 14 BY THE NUMBERS talent. If we get those Facts and figures on UW things right — more often than not — that will equal 16 ASK THE BADGERS success.” 18 BADGERING... 40 Reed Connor » BUILDING PLANS » ON THE LINE 48 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Entering his second season at Depth up front should be The “grass” gets greener the helm, John Trask is focused a major strength of the Badgers' defense head- 50 THE VOICE on the process of building a pro- by Matt Lepay gram, not simply fielding a team. ing into season opener. EDITOR’S NOTE Let the games begin Varsity is published weekly by: Wisconsin Athletic Communications t first, all the talk is fun. All the preseason talk, that Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., is. After a summer without sports, any fan of college Madison, WI 53711 Aathletics can tell fall is coming when the volume goes up on chatter ranging from team previews and confer- Subscribe to Varsity ence breakdowns to preseason polls and award watch lists. It's usually only a matter of time, however, before the View All Issues talk becomes just that — noise. Now, finally, weeks of hype and prognostication have come and gone and a schedule of actual events is on the horizon. Reading about our favorite Brian Lucas teams is great (especially in the pages of Varsity, right?) Director of Athletic Communications but what we really want is to see them compete. Actions

speak louder than words, after all. Brian Mason Editor What does that mean for the teams at UW? One has already begun its competi- Mike Lucas tive season (against the nation's top- Lead Writer ranked team, no less) and two others get started this weekend. Matt Lepay Women's soccer — seeking a third- Columnist straight NCAA tournament appearance — fell to No. 1 Notre Dame and now Drew Scharenbroch continues its rugged schedule with a Video Production BRIAN pair of home games against Washing- Drew Pittner-Smith MASON ton and Green Bay this weekend at the Advertising McClimon Complex. Men's soccer, entering its second season under head Contributors coach John Trask, looks to make a significant leap forward Karl Anderson, Paul Capobianco, for the second straight year and opens with Western Illinois Charlie Healy, Patrick Herb, under the lights at McClimon on Saturday. Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom, Read all about Trask's plans for the Badgers in the latest Anna Poulter-Hendrickson installment of our "State of the Program" series on page 32. Photography Then there's the volleyball team, which will be similarly David Stluka, Ross LaDue, featured in next week's issue and begins its 2011 season at Anna Stonehouse, Neil Ament, the Duke Invitational this weekend. Bob Campbell, Brian Mason Head coach Pete Waite's Badgers are looking to claw back toward the top of the Big Ten heap, a task that's among the least enviable of any a UW team will face this Problems or Accessibility Issues? year. Eleven of the league's 12 teams were represented in [email protected] voting for the preseason coaches' poll, including seven (seven!) in the top 25 and three among the nation's top 10. Add in football's highly-anticipated opener vs. UNLV at © 2011 Board of Regents of the Camp Randall next Thursday and it will really begin to feel University of Wisconsin System. like fall in Madison. All rights reserved worldwide. I, for one, am happy to hear it.

LUCAS AT LARGE MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM Walk-on Cummins gets closer to dream

ide receiver Connor Cummins is like many Wother walk-ons who have turned down playing opportunities at smaller programs for the chance to play Big Ten football at Wiscon- sin. “Just chasing a dream,’’ he said. But his storyline differs sharply from others like him on the current roster in that he wasn’t raised on a steady diet of the Badgers while Cummins hopes to follow in the footsteps of UW graduate assistant Luke growing up. Cummins is from Ket- Swan (in background), who went from walk-on to starter for the Badgers. tering, Ohio. The out-of-state tuition at UW it. Just let me know if you have any good camp.’’ can be tough to swallow. Espe- questions.’’’ Will it be good enough to earn cially in Cummins’ case since his UW coach Bret Bielema was Cummins some playing time this mother is a secretary at University actually checking out Byers as a season? Probably not. But he has of Dayton Arena, which would have potential recruit when he some saw drawn some attention to himself translated into free tuition. film on Cummins and watched him with some good routes and nice Dayton has a good football pro- play basketball, which led to his catches in practice. gram, too. Last season, the Flyers preferred walk-on invitation. “Chris taught me how hard it is went 10-1 overall and 8-0 in the “I’ve known him my whole life to get on the field,’’ Cummins said, Pioneer League. “It would have and he’s always been a great ath- “and how you really have to take been a good opportunity to play lete,’’ Borland said of Cummins. every day to get better. He has been there and get school free,’’ he said. “But he really didn’t get into the pushing me and making sure I But he wanted to test himself lifting program. He was kind of old don’t take any days off. against the Michigan States and school play-the-game type guy. “It wasn’t easy (as a freshman Ohio States, not the Central States “Once he got into the weight walk-on). You get a little frustrated and Morehead States. “I just room and took it more seriously when you’re redshirting. You’re wanted to play this type of football by starting to look at the sport as getting beat up all the time on the here,’’ Cummins said. more of a science, he’s gotten more scout team and every day you have UW linebacker Chris Borland explosive and you can see it on the to fight through it.’’ tried to stay neutral during the field.’’ There’s someone on the coaching decision-making process. Borland Cummins, a redshirt freshman, staff who can relate to what Cum- and Cummins went to the same had hernia surgery last spring. That mins is going through. Graduate high school, Archbishop Alter. So put him in a hole. assistant coach Luke Swan per- did linebacker Cody Byers. “I know it was frustrating for severed as a walk-on receiver to “I told him how great Wisconsin him,’’ Borland said, “because spring become a three-year starter. was,’’ Borland said. “But I let them ball was kind of his chance to break “I’ve been picking his brain,’’ deal with it as a family. I just said, through. He lost time that he could Cummins said with a faint smile, ‘Hey, if you come here, you’ll enjoy have really used. But he’s having a “to figure out how he did it.’’ LUCAS AT LARGE BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Handling officials comes with experience

e used to put together a “book’’ on Big Ten Wofficials when I was the head coach. We’d even go so far as to have a scouting report on the referee, the umpire and other crew members before a game. Every week, we took the head shots of the officials from the Big Ten manual and we’d show their pictures — along with their name and position -- on the overhead projector. experiences through the eyes of a One of the new rule changes this With each entry, we’d have com- head coach in the conference for 16 season involves unsportsmanlike ments: Will he talk to you? Can he seasons. conduct. For instance, if a player is be influenced? If he’s an umpire, There was plenty to talk about, flagged for taunting before crossing how many holding penalties does especially the growing pressure on the goal line, the touchdown will be he call? And when is he most likely coaches to win; making every game nullified. to throw the flag? more important. A lot of guys are I like the rule. It adds some meat It was like clockwork when a cer- in tenuous positions and don’t have to the penalty and it sends a strong tain official was in the league. You the luxury of job security. message to the players and the knew damn well that he was going We’re talking about people who coaches that conduct like that is to call at least one holding penalty are fighting for their jobs — fight- not needed in the game. against the underdog team and it ing for their lives and families has done a good was always in the red zone. — and one bad call can cost them job of addressing this, whereas the In fact, it happened here my sec- their livelihood. I was just trying NFL almost seems to encourage ond year of coaching. He wiped out to be honest and blunt with the celebration and an individual sepa- a touchdown run by Terrell Fletch- officials. rating himself from the team. er with a holding call against Joe I tried to put them in my shoes If there’s an issue during a game, Panos, who was blocking Iowa’s — as a former football coach while a player who’s doing a lot of chirp- nose guard. stressing the types of relationships ing — or even the potential for a The bad news is that we lost the I thought they should have with problem — the officials immedi- game, 10-6. The good news is that someone on the sidelines. ately need to go to the head coach Iowa nose guard became my defen- It was fun for me to address the and let him handle it. sive coordinator and he’s now my officials and take some questions The last few years, Bret has re- head coach, Bret Bielema. afterward. ally improved with the officials. He Recently, I told that story to a I had some questions for them, has been excellent. Earlier in his very attentive audience — about too, especially about the new tenure, he wanted to question ev- 300 Big Ten and MAC officials. interpretation of blocking below ery call and there were times when Bill Carollo, the supervisor of the waist. Right now, I don’t feel he put them on the spot. Big Ten officials, invited me to confident that I know how they’re But he learned through experi- speak to the group and I shared my going to apply it consistently. ence; the most important teacher. BEHIND THE DESK BY THE NUMBERS

6,812 fans packed Camp Randall Stadium on Sunday for Football Family Fun Day.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ROWING MEN’S SOCCER | Wisconsin Five rowers and one coxswain with has scored 59 goals in its previ- 6 Wisconsin ties will represent the 59 ous 34 season openers. A year United States at the 2011 World ago the Badgers scored twice in Rowing Championships. Former Badgers their season-opening debut against Santa Anthony Altimari, Kenny McMahon, Ross Clara. Wisconsin looks to continue the and Grant James, Ryan Fox and Kristin Hed- trend when it opens the 2011 season at the strom will compete on the national team McClimon Complex against Western Illi- Aug. 28 to Sept. 4 in Bled, Slovenia. nois at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27.

FOOTBALL | All five former Bad- WOMEN’S SOCCER | The Bad- gers who were selected in the 2011 gers are on a seven-game unbeaten 5 NFL Draft have started games for 7 streak at home, going 5-0-2 to finish their teams during the preseason. the 2010 season. UW hosts Wash- The list includes OT Gabe Carimi (Chi- ington in its home opener at the McClimon cago Bears), TE Lance Kendricks (St. Louis Complex on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Rams), OG John Moffitt (), OG Bill Nagy (Dallas Cowboys) and DE J.J. Watt ().

Question of the Week: Ask The Which class are you most looking BADGERS forward to this semester?

BRITTNEY HARPER • JUNIOR • WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD “I am looking forward to taking Consumer Science 627: Advanced Consumer Finance. I am a personal finance major and want to learn more about the financial concepts and management that have affected so many Americans in the current economy.”

THOMAS WELK • JUNIOR • MEN’S GOLF “The class I am most excited about this fall is Anatomy, along with its lab. The human body really intrigues me and taking classes in physiology and anatomy helps answer some of the many things I do not understand completely. I am also taking an anatomy lab and am very excited to see up close different parts of the body.”

ELLE OHLANDER • SENIOR • VOLLEYBALL “I’m looking forward to my practicum in elementary education this fall. I actually ’’get to be in a school, teaching for six hours a week this semester.”

JERRY MADDI • JUNIOR • MEN’S SOCCER “The class I’m looking forward to most this fall is Anatomy and Physiology. I’ve taken a couple previous courses that relate to the body, but this class will be very detailed. I’m excited to learn more about how the body works.”

Badgering...

REED CONNOR »» MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY A junior from The Woodlands, Texas, distance runner Reed Connor is set to begin his third season with the 12-time defending Big Ten champion UW men's cross country team this fall. Connor is coming off a breakout season as a redshirt freshman in track, as he qualified for the NCAA championships both indoors and outdoors. He also earned the 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year award after his surprise title in the 5,000 meters at the conference outdoor meet.

For you, how does training for cross country differ from training for track? “Cross country is a lot more about getting ready to fight a mental battle against yourself out there on the course. That means the training is a lot more about the miles and strength you need to get through a 10K. Personally, I enjoy track season a bit more when the some of the races happen so fast you don’t even have time to think."

What do you think has made UW so successful in cross country over the last decade? “Expectations. We expect to win and we spend our time training to meet our expectations. It doesn’t matter if it’s the past, present, or future, you can’t accomplish something unless you expect to do it first."

Coach Mick Byrne talks about racing "as a team." What makes UW so good at it? “Cross country is a simple sport, get your five guys across the line before everybody else does. Racing as a team means we do whatever it takes to make sure our five guys have a lower score than every other team’s five guys, even if it means sacrificing an extraordinary individual performance."

As a Texas native, what made you want to come to UW? “Don’t get me wrong, I love Texas but I wanted to experience a different part of the country that I might not otherwise get to see. When I visited UW I knew this was a place worth spending some time. The en- tire package of athletics, academics, and just Madison as a city was too much to pass up. I would have been a fool not to come here."

Finding the fit Finding the fit Quarterback RUSSELL WILSON and wide receiver NICK TOON have only had a short time together, but the pair are well on their way to building the chemistry that is key to success on the field.

STORY BY MIKE LUCAS PHOTO BY ROSS LADUEE NICK TOON & RUSSELL WILSON

uarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Randy Moss had Q“it” for one glorious, record-breaking season in New England. Brady had 50 touchdown passes, Moss had 23 TD catches. Of course, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice also had “it.” So did John- ny Unitas and Raymond Berry; Ken Stabler and Fred Biletnikoff; Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin; Peyton Manning and Marvin Har- rison. Oklahoma’s Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles, Florida’s Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin, and Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree are recent collegiate pass-catching duos who had “it.” The “it” would be the chemistry between a quarterback and wide receiver.

What does “it’’ mean to Russell Wilson? sidelined him all spring – and that has limited “It means timing,” said the Wisconsin quar- the practice reps between Toon and Wilson. terback. “It means commitment to excellence. Not to worry, Toon says. It means a lot of different things and you just “You do everything you can do to stay locked have to keep working at it.” in mentally so you’re prepared when you come What does “it” mean to Nick Toon? back,” he said. “I ran a lot of routes with Russell “It’s obviously a crucial aspect,” said the over the summer. That’s when I got my timing Badger wide receiver. “You have to have good down.” timing and a good feel for one another to have Not to worry, Wilson says. success. Chemistry is important.” “It’s going great with Nick,” he said. “We get One of the storylines this season will be the together and watch a lot of film and understand developing chemistry between Wilson, the what we’re trying to work on. So we’re on the transfer from NC State, and Toon, the fifth-year same page. That’s how you keep progressing.” senior from Middleton. Alexander isn’t worried about Wilson and “They’re in the second half of learning Toon, either. about each other,” said UW receivers coach “Because of their maturity,” he said, “Rus- DelVaughn Alexander. “You’re looking at two sell’s willingness to do whatever it takes to weeks of work (in training camp) and we have master our offense and Nick’s hunger based on two weeks to go. last year, they’re both eager to please and do “In the next two weeks, or however many whatever it takes.” days, they will continue to sharpen that chem- What does chemistry mean to Alexander? istry.” “It’s about seeing things,” he said, “being on Toon’s camp has been disjointed because of the same page and being able to communicate a foot injury – he tweaked the same foot that verbally and nonverbally. If you’re dealing with FINDING THE FIT

“It was just a matter of having that trust with all those guys that they’d be at the right spot at the right time," said Harry Wilson, a former college re- ceiver himself, of Russell's time at NC State. “It didn’t matter what number they were wearing to Russell. That’s what you will see here.”

two veterans, it doesn’t take ous school record held by Nick was even, he’d usually come long (to develop).” Toon’s dad, Al, who had 252 down with the ball. But a lot receiving yards against Purdue of that had to do with the fact Former UW receivers coach in 1983. that Jim was able to throw it up Henry Mason felt Jim Sorgi “I always thought Sorgi and there.” and Lee Evans had the best Evans had a real chemistry, Mason has his own thoughts chemistry he’s ever seen. particularly on long balls,” on what constitutes good chem- In 2003, Evans caught five Mason said. “Sorgi had a knack istry. touchdown passes from Sorgi for putting the ball in a position “It’s a relationship between against Michigan State. where Lee could make plays on the two players where they have On that day, Evans finished it. an idea of what each other is with 10 receptions for 258 “Lee was a great 50-50 guy. If thinking on a particular play,” yards. That broke the previ- he was covered, and everything he said. “How do you get that

FINDING THE FIT

“As a receiver, if you have chemistry with the quarterback, you’re always open because he’s going to throw the ball in a position where you know that you can get it.” — Henry Mason, former UW receivers coach

type of chemistry? That was the word that Rus- into it. “There’s only one way to sell Wilson’s older brother “You’re going to see that get it and that’s to spend time Harry Wilson used. Trust. chemistry develop practice by together going over routes and “It’s about developing a practice, game by game.” thoughts and all the different trust,” he said. Russell Wilson said that he ins and outs of the offense. Harry Wilson was a produc- didn’t have a favorite receiver When you’re on the field, your tive receiver at the University of at NC State last season. Eigh- mind is one. Richmond. So he understands teen different players caught at “As a receiver, if you have the value of repetition and de- least one pass; 19 if you include chemistry with the quarterback, veloping a relationship off the Wilson, who had a four-yard you’re always open because he’s field that carries over to prac- reception. going to throw the ball in a po- tice and games. “I don’t think it really mat- sition where you know that you “It’s amazing how that can tered to Russell who was on the can get it.” relate to the connection on the field,” Harry Wilson said. “It Not all situations are the field,” Harry said. “Before the was just a matter of having that same, Mason insisted. play even starts, it’s knowing trust with all those guys that “If you’re wide open, you where you’re going and the best they’d be at the right spot at the don’t need chemistry,” he said. place to throw it for that par- right time. “But when it’s tough and you ticular person. “It didn’t matter what num- have to make a little adjust- “For a Nick Toon, you might ber they were wearing to Rus- ment here or little tweak there throw it up. For someone else, sell. That’s what you will see to get the ball, that’s when the you might keep it tight. here.” relationship between the quar- “Chemistry,” Harry Wilson Eleven players had 10 or terback and the wide receiver is went on, “is something you con- more catches at NC State. Owen huge. tinue to develop whether you’ve Spencer had a team-high 60. “I think Nick and Russell will been here three years or three Twelve players caught at eventually get to where they re- weeks. As you continue to grow least one TD pass. Jarvis Wil- ally trust each other.” individually, the chemistry ties liams was the leader with five.

Toon hopes to return to the form that saw him reel in 54 passes for 804 yards — and four touchdowns — as a sophomore in 2009. Injury limited him to playing just nine games last season. TITLENICK TOON & RUSSELL WILSON

“You do everything you can do to stay locked in mentally so you’re prepared when you come back,” Toon said. “I ran a lot of routes with Russell over the summer. That’s when I got my timing down.”

“I had several guys,’’ said The chemistry that he devel- “That was good players mak- Russell Wilson when asked oped with Scott Tolzien the ing good plays,” Alexander if he had a go-to receiver. year before was lessened to a said. “That’s what’s really hap- degree by his absences. That bodes well for Wilson pening here, too. I’ve got several guys I know I can “I was thinking in my mind and Toon; two very good play- go to in key situations; it’s a that Nick was a little distracted ers. good thing.’’ by the injuries,” Alexander “They just seem to click said, “and because he wanted together,” said UW fullback There’s no question, though, to do more than time allowed it Bradie Ewing. “When Russell that Toon has to stay healthy kind of disrupted that chemis- got here this summer, Nick was and return to form – he caught try with Tolzien.” showing him around Madison 54 passes in 2009 – because Tolzien and Toon did com- and hanging out with him a lot. of the lack of experience and bine on one of the biggest plays “I don’t know if it was to cre- depth in the wide receiver rota- of the 2010 season; a critical ate that (chemistry) or if it was tion. third-down conversion in the just kind of natural, but I defi- Last season, Toon was fourth quarter of the UW’s win nitely see that coming. When slowed by injuries and limited over Ohio State that kept a key you put them together, it’s a to 36 catches in nine games. drive alive. pretty strong combination.” TITLE FINDING THE FIT

STATE OF THE PROGRAM: MEN’S SOCCER PATIENCE IN THE PROCESS Entering his second year at UW, John Trask's goal is less about fielding a team and more about building a program

BY MIKE LUCAS UWBADGERS.COM t’s about the rhythm and the pieces, John Trask was saying about the finished product. Trust him, too. Trask, the UW men’s Isoccer coach, knows what a successful team should look like. “It’s always a jigsaw puzzle for me,” Trask said. “It’s personalities that make a good soccer team and how you blend those personali- ties. “I don’t think you need 11 super athletes. But you can’t get away with having 11 great soccer minds and no athleticism to go with it, either.” While the Badgers may be getting closer to that balance, he knows that they’re not there yet. The turning points haven’t caught up with the turnover; 24 to 25 players in 13 months, Trask noted. “It’s a process for the lack of a better word; I don’t know a better word to use, I wish I did,” Trask said. “But in all good programs, it’s a process to get to where you want to be.” PATIENCE IN THE PROCESS STATE OF THE PROGRAM: MEN’S SOCCER

Trask didn’t sugar-coat it for UW athletic director Barry Al- varez during his job interview. That was the right tact since Al- varez, the ol’ ball coach, knows something about the process. “At a mid-major, you learn to win by tricks; a flea flicker and end-arounds,” Trask told Alva- rez. “Coach, I can do that. But there’s no lasting impression on our program, if I do. “A good program starts with recruiting and changing the cul- ture of what the demands are.” Alvarez’ eventual response to Trask was, “Build me a pro- gram.” That’s where the process is today for Trask, a Milwaukee native. Keep in mind that when Trask was hired, he was the third head coach in three years for the UW men’s soccer pro- gram. In 2008, Todd Yeagley re- placed Jeff Rohrman, who had been at the helm since 2002. In 2009, Yeagley returned to his alma mater and the program his father had built, Indiana University. In 2010, Alvarez turned to Trask, who had spent five years at the University of Illinois at This season, UW adds the services of senior Josh Thiermann, who Chicago. joined the program as a transfer from Notre Dame. “Hopefully,” Trask said of the survivors who have endured the from last season’s Badgers “Hopefully,” Trask added, coaching transitions, “three or team, which finished strong “they will feel a part of this four years from now they can (3-2-1 in its last six games) and development that’s happening. look back and see they were the advanced to the second round I know they did in the moment. beginning of something.” of the Big Ten tournament for I think that they took that away That goes for the seniors the first time since 2003. with them.”

STATE OF THE PROGRAM: MEN’S SOCCER

Sophomore Chris Prince led the Badgers with seven goals last season on his way to Big Ten All-Freshman and second-team All-Big Ten honors. PATIENCE IN THE PROCESS

They likely took some other training on top of games. But training. We believe in it for things away with them about if you do it and it becomes the injury prevention and, more Trask’s coaching approach. culture and everyone accepts it importantly, for developing the “It’s a player’s game,” he said. when they walk into the door, total athlete, especially in the “I have a role in it, but I’m kind Big Ten.” of like a traffic cop. At the end There are three components of the day, they drive the bus. to Trask’s formula for success: That’s something we’ve handed Ambition. Integrity. Talent. back over to the players; owner- “We have ambition,” he said. ship.” “I will treat you with integrity. Film study, a valuable teach- And it’s my job to get the tal- ing tool, is an integral part of ent. If we get those things right Trask’s game plan. “Everything more often than not, that will is being filmed,” he said, “so equal success.” these guys know the microscope Trask was mentored by a is being turned on them.” soccer icon, Jerry Yeagley, the There have been positive ear- former IU coach. Trask was a ly signs that Trask’s methodol- Yeagley player and a Yeagley ogy is catching on. “We haven’t assistant. In sum, Trask is a overwhelmed and tried to teach Yeagley guy; a proponent of everything in 15 minutes,” he defensive principles. said. “It has been a good pro- “I think it starts with the gression.” foundation we all got from As such, the players have coach Yeagley,” Trask said. progressed in retaining most of By his own admission, Trask what they’ve learned. “It’s a player’s game,” is also a “possessions” guy. “We feel like the culture is a “I believe the other team can’t little better this year after being Trask said. “I have score if you have the ball,” he with them last year,” he said. a role in it, but I’m said. “On top of those defensive “We’re able to get more specific kind of like a traffic principles, can you keep the on what we’re doing in certain cop. At the end of the ball? Is there a rhythm to your instances.” day, they drive the team? Whatever that rhythm There’s no ambiguity on may be. Trask’s commitment to weight bus. That’s something “Maybe it’s fast, fast, fast. training. we’ve handed back Maybe it’s slow, slow, slow. “The weight program is not over to the players; What is that rhythm?” an option here,” he said. “It’s ownership.” Trask’s wife, Jela, recently not a three-month program. We watched some video of the Bad- believe in four-year growth and gers. that’s a year-round develop- you’ve got a better athlete by She then shared her observa- ment program on and off the the age of 20 or 21. tions with her husband. field. “In soccer, not 100 percent “Wow, that looks like your “It’s tough to add weight of the people believe in weight old UIC teams,” she said. STATE OF THE PROGRAM: MEN’S SOCCER

Trask will turn to senior Colin Mani, a captain who has appeared in 33 games the last two seasons, for leadership in 2011.

That was an endorsement. those teams that won national won the crown seven times. Trask got to the NCAA tourna- championships,” Trask said. Wisconsin has won it once. ment three times at UIC. That “It’s about the rhythm and the That being said, Trask — for included trips to the Elite Eight pieces.” the record ­— is not delusional. and Sweet 16 with the Flames, The Badgers obviously aren’t He’s well aware of the fact that who finished No. 10 nationally where they need to be yet. the Badgers have not made the in 2007. “We have to work harder,” NCAA tournament since win- “If you go back further in Trask said, “we’ve got to be ning the title in 1995. my career, it looks like the pro tougher and we have to be razor Trask just needs to find more teams I had,” said Trask, who sharp on details because we still pieces for the puzzle. “You get coached five years as an assis- don’t have the breath of talent a stud coming into the door tant with three Major League of Indiana, Michigan or Michi- as a freshman,” he said. “He’s Soccer clubs (Dallas, D.C. gan State.” probably going to be a stud four United, Miami). Trask likes to remind skeptics years later.” “And if you go back to the that only two Big Ten schools That’s his job ­— to get the tal- late ’90s when I was involved have won national champion- ent ­— and he’s working on it; as at Indiana, it looks a lot like ships in soccer. Indiana has fast as the process will allow.

LOUIS NZEGWU »» DE BREAKING DOWN THE DEFENSE DEEP THOUGHTS

Depth up front could be major strength for Badgers defense that returns experience but must replace key playmakers

BY MIKE LUCAS UWBADGERS.COM efensive line coach Charlie Partridge isn’t looking for the next J.J. Watt and he’s Dmaking sure none of his returning UW players see themselves in that light; especially the D-ends. “You have to understand your own limitations,’’ Partridge said. “You also have to understand you’re not a 290-pound guy (i.e., Watt). “You have to play on the edges; you can’t play in the middle of (offensive) guys like J.J. did. You have to use your speed to your advantage. That’s what we’re working on with David and Louis.’’ BREAKING DOWN THE DEFENSE

David is No. 11 David Gilbert, a 6-4, 255-pound junior from Coral Springs, Fla. Louis is No. 93 Louis Nze- gwu, a 6-4, 255-pound senior from Platteville. Gilbert has yet to start a game at defensive end. Nzegwu has 13 career starts. “Fundamentally, he needs to continue to work on keeping his pads down,’’ Partridge said of Gilbert. “He’s made a big improvement in this camp as far as using his hands to get off blocks. “Now it’s a matter of taking care of his gap where he be- comes an eraser like J.J. — J.J. Watt could take care of his gap, get rid of his guy and make a play in another gap at the right time. “That’s where David needs to take the next step. And he’s get- ting closer.’’ Nzegwu finished second on the defense (behind Watt) in sacks (three) and TFLs (7.5). Against Indiana, he showed “I’m very excited that we can keep guys fresh,’’ how good that he can be with assistant coach Charlie Partridge said of the two TFLs, a sack, and a forced defensive line. “If every guy plays 30 snaps and . “From sideline to sideline,’’ gives everything they have for those 30 snaps, Partridge said, “Louis is really we can be pretty productive as a group.’’ doing a good job of running to the ball and using his ath- leticism to get involved in plays tack. He’s strong in his gap but Kelly, a 6-6, 255-pound junior that a year ago he wasn’t mak- there are still plays to make from Eden Prairie, Minn. (Holy ing. when the back is behind the guy Angels, same high school as “He has to get better at the he’s going against.’’ John Stocco). Kelly needs to strike and shed mentality and The X-factor in the defensive stay healthy. make plays at the point of at- end rotation is No. 97, Brendan “I’ve never seen anyone ap-

BREAKING DOWN THE DEFENSE

ETHAN HEMER »» DT DEEP THOUGHTS

«« “Hemer will not succumb to any of the competition,’’ Partridge said. “He continues to fight and hold on to that starting job. I’m proud of where he is right now." proach the film work the way he’s done during all the injuries that » Linebackers he’s dealt with,’’ said Partridge. ▪ Mike Taylor and Chris Borland could be a formidable one- “We’re slowly upping his reps two punch because both are proven playmakers in the Big every practice and he’s knocking Ten. But they need to be on the field together. The Badgers rust off. are making sure Borland is ready for the opener, accounting “He’s getting to where he was at for the lack of continuity throughout training camp. the end of the spring when he was contending to start.’’ ▪ Kevin Claxton »» is the unsung member As far as all the time that Kelly of the trio. A converted safety, Claxton had a has missed, Partridge said, “There huge open field tackle in last season’s win isn’t anything you can do about the at Iowa. In Borland’s absence, Josh Harrison injuries except listen to the medi- has been getting most of the reps at middle cal people and handle the reps linebacker. Those went to Marcus Trotter in according to their guidance.’’ the spring but he has been hurt, too. All battling for playing time in ▪ Ethan Armstrong and A.J. Fenton add to the depth; espe- the rotation are No. 51 Tyler Dip- cially because of their experience. A true freshman, Derek pel, a 6-4, 260-pound sophomore from Slinger; and No. 92 Pat Mul- Landisch, had a solid camp and could help on special teams. doon, a 6-3, 260-pound sopho- more from Mason, Ohio. » Defensive Backs “Tyler needs to get sound with ▪ Three of the four starters are known commodities. Free his assignments,’’ Partridge said. safety Aaron Henry and Antonio Fenelus each “He has a high motor and he’s a have 18 career starts. Cornerback Devin Smith has 14. Tazmanian Devil in a lot of ways ▪ The strong safety will be either Shelton but he makes some mistakes in the Johnson or Dez Southward »». Both will midst of his motoring. play. Michael Trotter is listed as the No. 2 “Pat is very football intelligent. free safety behind the veteran Henry. He understand what he can do, and he can’t do physically. He ▪ Identifying a No. 3 cornerback has been plays to those strengths and weak- problematic, though Marcus Cromartie nesses. heads the list. Peniel Jean has been lining "He’s made a ton of plays in up at corner opposite Cromartie with the No. 2 defense. camp. He’s truly in the rotation.’’ ▪ Two seniors, Andrew Lukasko and Adam Hampton, could Two redshirt freshmen, War- find roles on special teams. Freshmen Mike Caputo, Darius ren Herring and Konrad Zagzeb- ski, are getting closer and closer Hillary and Terrance Floyd have each shown promise. to contributing, Partridge said. — Mike Lucas BREAKING DOWN THE DEFENSE

PATRICK BUTRYM »» DT

“They’re clicking at the heels of is right now. been a little in and out while the others,’’ he said. “The difference from last dealing with his hamstring. But At defensive tackle, the Bad- season is that he’s 307 and it’s he took a step in practice the gers are led by No. 95, Patrick a good 307. He’s playing over other day.’’ Butrym, a 6-4, 285-pound bent knees. He’s a tall guy so No. 54 Kyle Costigan, a 6-4, senior from Waukesha Catholic for him to say low is hard. But 285-pound redshirt freshman Memorial. Butrym, who has 15 he’s doing a much better job of from Muskego, and No. 55 career starts, is the bell cow of that.’’ Eriks Briedis, a 6-4, 300-pound this group. The next pair of tackles junior from Miami, are compet- Butrym’s partner has been are No. 96 Beau Allen, a 6-3, ing to be that fifth tackle in the No. 87 Ethan Hemer, a 6-6, 310-pound sophomore from rotation. 307-pound sophomore from Minnetonka, Minn., and No. “I’m very excited that we can Medford. 91 Jordan Kohout, a 6-3, keep guys fresh,’’ Partridge said “Hemer will not succumb to 290-pound sophomore from of the D-line. “If every guy plays any of the competition,’’ Par- Waupun. 30 snaps and gives everything tridge said. “He continues to “Over the last week, Beau they have for those 30 snaps, fight and hold on to that start- has risen the level of his game,’’ we can be pretty productive as a ing job. I’m proud of where he said Partridge. “Jordan has group.’’

THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY

Tartan Turf was installed in Camp Randall in 1968.

August 26, 1969 The ‘grass’ is greener The synthetic Tartan Turf playing surface in Camp Randall Stadium is finally completed and green. The field had turned black in patches when the green fiber tips broke off, but 3M installed new fiber on the turf and sprayed it green. The Camp Randall field was originally natural grass, and UW was one of the first in the United States to convert to artificial turf in 1968. During Camp Randall’s renovation in 2003, the playing surface received a new Field- Turf covering and was expanded over the former pedestrian track, providing both teams on the field with more sideline room.

ALSO August 22, 2004 GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE: Former Badger Beau Hoopman sits two seat in the THIS U.S. eight and wins the first men’s Olympic rowing gold medal in Wisconsin history WEEK during the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS NCAA must avoid ‘collateral damage’ hen the Badgers and Both Golden and Larranaga is willing to talk about it and be UNLV open the college have excellent reputations. So too part of the solution. Wfootball season next do Eichorst and Waterfield. UM No offense to those in academia, Thursday, there will be joy across President and former UW Chan- but I tend to doubt that many have the land. In Badger Nation, there cellor Donna Shalala is very lucky a working knowledge of what really is great anticipation and a high to have them on board. While goes on in the high pressure, win preseason ranking. For many, next Eichorst admits there are diffi- big and win now world of major week cannot get here soon enough. cult times ahead, he strikes me as college athletics. I don’t say this National media members also someone who operates on logic far to insult school presidents. I just cannot wait for Sept. 1. Why? more than on emotion, a trait that believe their world is a bit different Because they get to report on an will come in handy for the next from the average coach. actual game, not the many off sea- several months. Shawn Eichorst UW Director of Athletics Barry son problems that have made for a Alvarez is one of many who says brutal last several months. National media the NCAA rule book is way too Last week’s news of an NCAA thick. Focus on what is most im- investigation into the University members also cannot portant and enforce those rules ac- of Miami’s football program is the wait for Sept. 1. Why? cordingly. It is encouraging to note latest in a string of high-profile Because they get to that Emmert agrees with those schools under the microscope. This sentiments. one is worse for a couple of rea- report on an actual As for enforcing those rules, it is sons. A rogue booster who claims game, not the many best to zero in on the party or par- to have given players extra benefits offseason problems ties directly responsible, such as ranging from boat trips to cash coaches who allow such behavior, tends to make some of the other that have made for a or any other person of authority violations pale in comparison. brutal several months. who turns a blind eye. Emmert But what really makes this one himself has talked about being sting is that some of those who did not sign up for this mess, but sensitive to what he calls “col- must deal with it are folks I know, the University of Miami is in good lateral damage,” in other words, and more importantly, are folks hands with its first year AD. penalizing those who had nothing who had nothing to do with what- So how do we fix the on-going to do with the violations. People ever might have happened. problems in college athletics? Ear- have talked about Miami possibly Athletics Director Shawn lier this month, NCAA President facing the death penalty, but I tend Eichorst and his right-hand man Mark Emmert had a summit with to doubt that will happen. To be Steve Waterfield made the move 50 university presidents. If there honest, I hope it does not happen. to Coral Gables just four months are going to be more meetings, it My hope in all of this is that ago. Football coach Al Golden and might be a good idea to include the NCAA can somehow beef up basketball coach Jim Larranaga some coaches. It also might be a its enforcement staff, and make it are preparing for their first seasons good idea to include those who clear that the risk of breaking the at Miami. I don’t know the coaches have broken the rules — from rules will far exceed the reward of personally, but I do know the ad- former coaches, players, boosters, not getting caught. ministrators. Try to imagine what agents and runners — anyone who In the meantime, is it Game Day they have walked into at “The U.” is actually part of the problem and yet? MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS