CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 ▪ VOLUME 7, ISSUE 6 THE PLAYERS TRIBUNE

THE RESPECT IS MUTUAL Bronson Koenig has been a role model for the Native American community since taking the floor at Wisconsin. In holding court with the Standing Rock, Koenig proved that’s a two-way street.

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DAVID STLUKA DAVID IN [FOCUS] FAMILY FEUDS The week's best photos

How has the Big Ten changed? What THE VOICE has remained constant? UW coach- Another classic on tap? es from several eras chime in on what continues to define the league. BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW ICON SPORTSWIRE

LUCAS AT LARGE WHAT TO WATCH Where to catch the Badgers

‘IT’S A FISTFIGHT’ ASK THE BADGERS Road trip essentials? Wisconsin’s most recent run-ins with Michigan State have produced some BADGERING classic contests — just ask some of Amy Davis (Cross Country) the men who played in those games. INSIDE-SCROLL FOOTBALL FOR MORE- Red zone a work in progress Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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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 Remembering recent run-ins with MSU hey all contributed to Big rivalry Saturday in East Lansing. “A fistfight,” said Costigan, a Ten championships. They So they were asked, “What’s first-team All-Big Ten offensive Tall played in Rose Bowls. the first thing that comes to guard (2014). They all eventually chose coach- mind about Michigan State?” Don’t take it literally. That was ing as a profession. And, today, “We knew it was going to be a not Costigan’s intention. they are all toiling as graduate dogfight that would come down “They’re a bunch of physical assistants at Wisconsin. to the wire,” said Fenelus, a first- guys and they line up and play, Antonio Fenelus, Jeff Duck- team All-Big Ten cornerback and that’s what I like about play- worth, Pat Muldoon and Kyle (2010-11). “We knew it was ing teams like that,” said Costigan Costigan have much in common. going to be tough.” who’s serving as a GA with UW’s Especially this week in advance “They’re always consistent strength and conditioning staff. of the Badgers’ Big Ten opener. with what they do defensively,” “They’re not going to surprise They all played against Michigan said Duckworth, a clutch wide you with any pressures or any- State. receiver. “They’ve been doing thing like that. There are no Game experience against the the same stuff over the years tricks. They’re going to line up ― Spartans is non-existent on the and obviously it works. you against me ― and it’s going 2016 roster. All but one of UW’s to be a fistfight. fifth-year seniors were redshirt- “YOU CAN’T GET TOO HIGH “They give you their best shot ing in 2012, the last time these OR TOO LOW. YOU CAN NEVER and you give them yours. Those teams met. FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE have always been the funnest Wide receiver Reggie Love LEAD. AND YOU CAN NEVER games that I’ve been a part of. appeared in five games, mostly FEEL LIKE YOU’RE OUT OF IT IF Line up and play and whoever on special teams, but didn’t see YOU’RE DOWN. YOU HAVE TO is the better man comes out on action against Michigan State. KEEP BATTLING. YOU HAVE top.” (Love wound up redshirting in 60 MINUTES TO PLAY.” Win, lose or draw, Costigan 2013.) loved no-frills football. A foot injury sidelined line- “They’ve got a blueprint for And the last time the Bad- backer Vince Biegel for all but success. They play a good physi- gers and Spartans played, it was the first two non-conference cal style of football.” a draw after 60 minutes. But games in ’12. Biegel was later “It was going to be a battle no Michigan State pulled out the granted a medical redshirt. matter what ― a slugfest,” said win in overtime. Bart Houston, Muldoon, a gritty defensive end. “That was a game that you safety Leo Musso, tailback Dare “One team will gain momentum laid everything out on the field,” Ogunbowale, tight end Eric Stef- and then it will swing back and Costigan said. “Obviously, we fes and long snapper Connor forth. didn’t end up on top. Udelhoven all redshirted that “You can’t get too high or too “Not that I have a personal season. low. You can never feel comfort- vendetta or anything like that If asked, Fenelus, Duckworth, able with the lead. And you can against Michigan State, but I felt Muldoon and Costigan can fill never feel like you’re out of it if we could have won that game in the blanks on the Spartans: a you’re down. You have to keep and should have won that game. timely inquiry since the Badgers battling. You have 60 minutes to “I feel like there is some unfin- and the Spartans will renew their play.” ished business.”

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 1 OF 4 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ hind quarterback Andrew Max- French kicked a 43-yard field ct. 27, 2012 at Camp well, the Badgers took a 10-3 goal. But Maxwell answered with Randall Stadium lead on Kyle French’s 39-yard a scoring pass to Bennie Fowler O Michigan State 16, with 6:06 to play in on third-and-8 from the UW 12. Wisconsin 13 (OT) the fourth quarter. “He (Maxwell) put it on the When the Spartans and Bad- On the subsequent posses- money to beat us,” Muldoon said. gers collided in Madison, they sion, Muldoon sacked Maxwell The Badgers had won 21 con- were the Big Ten’s winningest for a loss of seven yards. But secutive home games, including programs over the past three the Spartans got out of a sec- 12 straight in the Big Ten seasons with 16 conference vic- ond-and-17 hole with a 20-yard Reflecting on that painful loss, tories each. completion from Maxwell to Costigan said, “We had a lot of Quarterback Joel Stave com- Tony Lippett. games like that.” pleted 9 of 11 passes for 127 That was the turning point for The Badgers also lost in over- yards and one touchdown ― 31 Maxwell, who engineered a 12- time to Ohio State and Penn yards to tight end Jacob Peder- play, 75-yard drive culminating State in 2012. sen ― in the first half, staking with a five-yard toss to Bell on But nothing was more painful Wisconsin to a 7-3 lead. third-and-4 for the game-tying than how the Badgers lost on Despite elite tailbacks like touchdown with 68 seconds left. their last trip to East Lansing. Le’Veon Bell, Montee Ball and In overtime, the Badgers lost “That was definitely one of the James White, neither team could one yard on three plays and harder losses,” Muldoon said. run the ball the first 30 minutes. The Spartans had 14 yards on DAVID STLUKA 14 carries; the Badgers had 23 on 14 rushes. On the first play of the third quarter, Michigan State de- fensive end William Gholston sacked and planted Stave into the turf. Stave broke his collar- bone and was replaced by Dan- ny O’Brien. “We were playing so well when Joel became the starter and I thought we were going to turn the season around,” Costi- gan said. “That’s why there’s still such a bad taste in your mouth. “They (the Spartans) took away the run so you have to beat them in some other ways, and we could have done that if Joel would have stayed healthy.” With Michigan State doing Joel Stave next to nothing on offense be-

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

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ es to Bell, Cousins was sacked into the hands of Keith Nichol. ctober 22, 2011 at by Brendan Kelly and fumbled. “I couldn’t watch it,” said Mul- Spartan Stadium “We should have had it,” Fen- doon, who was on the sideline O Michigan State 37, elus lamented. after being replaced for an extra Wisconsin 31 But it was recovered instead defender (wide receiver Jared Ab- In a first half of wild momentum by offensive tackle Dan France brederis). Muldoon never looked swings, the Badgers led 14-0 after on the MSU 24. up. “I just heard the crowd.” the first quarter but the Spartans “I remember Coach (Chris) Ash “I remember me and Mike (Tay- responded with 23 unanswered brought it up that Sunday when lor) trying to pull him (Nichol) back points in the second quarter. we were watching film,” Fenelus before he got in the end zone,” The MSU explosion included a said of the former UW defen- said Fenelus. “I had a bad feeling blocked punt that was recovered sive coordinator who is now the when they were reviewing it.” in the end zone by the afore- head coach at Rutgers. It was initially ruled that Nichol mentioned Fowler for a touch- “He said, ‘You see that’s why was short of the goal line. down with 37 seconds remain- you always have to get to the ball But the call was overturned ing in the half. at all times. You never know what after a replay review. The fireworks were just begin- can happen. That one play could “I remember the bedlam of ning. have changed the whole game.’ them running around,” Muldoon After falling behind 31-17 at “It’s something that I keep in said, “and us walking off the field.” the start of the fourth quarter, mind now and I’m always trying “It was a pretty tough ride back quarterback Russell Wilson ral- to coach players on it. Be around (to Madison),” said Fenelus. lied the Badgers with a couple of the ball. When you’re around the The following week at Ohio scores to knot the game at 31- ball, good things happen.” State, the Badgers lost in all with 1:26 to play in regulation. They did for the Spartans. On mind-numbing fashion again, 33- Michigan State quarterback third-and-one from the UW 44, 29, on quarterback Braxton Mill- wasn’t content on Cousins lofted a Hail Mary pass er’s 40-yard TD pass to Devin settling for overtime. After picking into the end zone that bounced Smith with 20 seconds left. up a first down with short pass- off B.J. Cunningham’s face mask A replay review confirmed that Miller didn’t step over the line of NEIL AMENT scrimmage. “That was a tough two weeks to overcome,” Fenelus said. But they got their payback against Michigan State in the inaugural Big Ten championship game. “We knew that we should have won that game (in East Lansing),” said Fenelus. “I wouldn’t nec- essarily say it was revenge. We wanted to go to the Rose Bowl. That was motivation enough. “We just got them when it Pat Muldoon counted the most.”

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said Fenelus, over-modulating, for effect, like the excitable Johnson tends to do. Duckworth’s catch was a difference-maker. So was the roughing the punter penalty on Michigan State’s Isaiah Lewis that wiped out a long Keshawn Martin return. That sealed the win for Wisconsin. “We had such a good team that year,” said Costigan, who was injured and didn’t travel to Indy. “I know people still think we were two plays away from going to the national champion- Jeff Duckworth ship game. “But that’s football. That’s what ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ halftime,” Muldoon said. “And it’s makes it so fun to watch. On any ecember 3, 2011 at Lu- something you probably can’t given day … in any given game cas Oil Stadium publish. He told us how we were … at any given time … so many D Wisconsin 42, Michi- playing and it was true. different things can happen.” gan State 39 “The offense won the game Especially in this feisty series Duckworth was hopeful for a for us.” between the Badgers and Spar- second chance after the Hail Mary. The Badgers pulled it out with tans. “When we lost to them,” he two touchdowns in the fourth “Both of our programs pride said, “we kind of had it in the quarter. One play in particular ourselves on being physical,” back of our minds that we’d be still stands out: Wilson’s 36-yard said Costigan, adding that the able to see them again down the pass to Duckworth on fourth players take on a “four-quarter” road and it worked out that way.” down to keep the game-winning mentality of grinding and impos- Duckworth scored the game’s drive alive. ing their will on the opponent. first touchdown on a 3-yard “Russell bought time and gave “You respect them because pass from Wilson. me a chance,” Duckworth said. you get to pit your best stuff “It was a quick under route,” he “He was always big at throwing against theirs. You might not like said. “They were bringing pres- jump balls and giving guys the each other but you’re going to sure and Russell found me.” opportunity to make plays. He respect each other. After a fast start, a 21-7 first threw it up and I made a play.” “Fifty years from now, you’re quarter lead, the Badgers had To this day, Fenelus enjoys going to remember the guy another second-quarter melt- impersonating Gus Johnson’s (across from you) because you down. Michigan State outscored play-by-play call on the comple- gave your best shot against his. them 22-0. tion. It’s the unspoken side of foot- “I remember the words of our “I’ll always scream that in the ball.” defensive coordinator (Ash) at office, ‘Jeff Duuucckwoooorth,’” Just line up and play. ▪

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 4 OF 4 THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY ▪ VOICE OF THE BADGERS Will latest chapter offer up another classic? his Saturday, the Badgers On this play, Wilson hooked 2007. One year later, Michigan will make their first visit to up with Jeff Duckworth for a State rallied past the Badgers, TSpartan Stadium in East game-saving 36-yard connec- 25-24. Lansing since Oct. 22, 2011. tion. One play later, Montee Ball Of course, not every game is Since many things are fairly pre- bolted in from 7 yards away. It close. Last weekend Lee Evans dictable, I will go out on the limb was the difference as the Bad- was inducted into the UW Ath- and assume as the week moves gers held on to beat Sparty, 42- letics Hall of Fame. It brought along, various media outlets will 39, clinching Wisconsin’s second back a number of memories, not show the final play of that game of three straight conference the least of which was an indi- about 100,000 times. titles. vidual performance for the ages Or more. at MSU’s expense in 2003. On a Yes, this is a reference to the mid-November afternoon, Evans Kirk Cousins Hail Mary that re- YOU CAN BREAK IT torched State with 10 catches sulted in Michigan State’s dra- DOWN ANY NUMBER OF for 258 yards and five touch- matic 37-31 victory over Russell WAYS, BUT IT IS WORTH downs. Wilson and the Badgers. It was NOTING THAT THE You could say Evans had a Wisconsin’s first loss of the sea- LAST SEVEN MEETINGS great season that day. son. BETWEEN THESE TEAMS One year later, the Badgers As Badgers fans, you can ei- HAVE BEEN DECIDED BY flew to town with a 9-0 record. ther turn away, or you could AN AVERAGE OF JUST They returned home 9-1 af- throw something at your TV or ter the Spartans turned a close 4.9 POINTS. iPad. game into a 49-14 rout. Better yet, you might opt to Yes, both sides have given ― re-live another long pass. Techni- Much like the two school’s and taken ― some hard shots. cally, it isn’t a Hail Mary, but it is programs, the Wis- That is what two highly-suc- perhaps the most important pass consin and Michigan State foot- cessful teams do. Wisconsin play in the history of Wisconsin ball teams have played in several and Michigan State are a pair of football. thrilling games. Each side has programs that have earned the Wilson to Duckworth. landed its share of gut punches. right to play on big stages. As It might be the most entertain- In fact, when they last met in the Big Ten season opens, this ing football game I’ve witnessed 2012, it was the Spartans who matchup is the league’s spotlight in person. The first Big Ten had a happy flight home after game. Championship Game. A crazy, defeating the Badgers in over- It is not the first time we have back-and-forth affair between time, 16-13. said that before a UW-MSU tus- the Badgers and the Spartans. You can break it down any sle ― it just has been a few years Trailing late in the fourth quarter, number of ways, but it is worth since they have met. Wisconsin had a fourth-and-6 at noting that the last seven meet- This week, they will meet the MSU 43 yard line. Convert, ings between these teams have again. The series has provided and the Badgers could stay alive. been decided by an average some terrific theatre. We look Come up short, and they might of just 4.9 points. There was forward to seeing how the next not get the ball back. the 37-34 Wisconsin victory in chapter unfolds. ▪

THE VOICE PAGE 1 OF 1 ASK THE BADGERS

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU MAKE SURE TO TAKE WITH YOU ?ON EVERY ROAD TRIP? LEONARD CDERHOLM ICON SPORTSWIRE GREG AMDERSPN

EMILY CLARK EDDIE WAJDA III A.J. TAYLOR ALEXIS TYE Jr. ■ Women’s Hockey Junior ■ Men’s Golf Freshman ■ Football Jr. ■ Women’s Soccer Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Brookfield, Wis. Kansas City, Mo. San Rafael, Calif.

“On every road trip “My phone charger!” “My cell phone. You “My Badger blanket I make sure to bring always have some- that my grandparents my Ninja Turtles one you need to talk gave to me when blanket that I made to. For me, I need to I was little. I have with Sarah Nurse call my family and never been on a trip and Jenny Ryan. It is call my friends before without it.” a fleece blanket that the game just to is great for the bus check in and see how trips.” they’re doing. When I talk to other people, I just feel more com- fortable.” BADGERING WALT MIDDLETON AMY DAVIS

Amy Davis, the redshirt freshman with the Wisconsin women’s cross country team, gets periodic text messages from her father to come and visit him. She obliges because interesting conversations will typically be the result and a farewell ritual will ensue. Barry Davis, the wrestling coach for the Badgers, will put his arm around his gregarious daughter and ask, “Doing all the little things, Bubba?” Her answer during a pre-practice chat last week was yes. Amy, the former Madison Edgewood High School standout, then took a moment to reveal the toughest moment she’s had as an athlete, the prime benefit of redshirting and the last time she was afraid. Interview by Andy Baggot: So, have you decided on a major yet? “Not yet, but I’m thinking of going into elementary education.” Why? “I just always thought it would be fun to be a kindergarten teacher. I liked my kindergarten teach- er growing up.”

SCROLL Are there conversations between runners during your races, whether it’s cross country or track? “I wouldn’t say we have conversations. I’d say we say a couple words to each other for some en- couragement along the way.” Can you give me an example of racing strategy that’s used in a cross country meet? “It’s more based on your strengths and weaknesses, so usually you try to capitalize on a strength. If you have a runner who is better at picking up the pace throughout a race, they’re going to go out slower and then slowly pick people off. But if you have a person that’s better at, if they get unattached in the beginning of a race, they want to stay up front.” What was the biggest benefit from redshirting during the cross country season a year ago? “Having another year of training and being able to learn from the older girls, watching them race. Having another year of understanding and making goals with Coach (Jill) Miller.”

What’s the toughest moment you’ve had as an athlete? “Going to a race and not being able to execute what you’re capable of because you’re holding yourself back mentally. … You know you’re capable of something, but mentally you’re scared to achieve it at that moment in time.”

When did that happen to you last? “I’d say probably my last race of track (the U.S. Junior Championships) when Jill took me to Cali- fornia (to run in the 5000 meters). I was physically ready, but mentally I wasn’t there. It was frus- trating because I knew I was capable of it and I’d changed so many things in order to achieve my goal, but then I didn’t achieve it.”

What was the lesson from that? “I think not to put pressure on myself. Not be so worried about what others think about it or not racing just to please my coaches, but also racing to be able to please myself and please God and see the expectations that I have for myself. Because it’s hard as an athlete when you put so much pressure on yourself. It doesn’t help you.”

What goes through your mind watching your dad coach? “I just love how enthusiastic he is for his athletes, how he loves his boys. It allowed me to want to have a coach that does that for me.”

What’s the most used app on your phone? “Snapchat.”

Can people control their destiny? “Yes. You can’t completely control it, but you can have a say in what happens because you’re the one choosing it. You choose your actions and you choose your words and the situations you put yourself in and the people you surround yourself with.”

When’s the last time you were afraid? “Probably when I moved into my (latest) apartment because my room doesn’t have a window. It was my first night, so I bought a nightlight app. I don’t know why I was scared, but I was a little scared.”

Have you ever Googled yourself? “Yes.”

Did you find anything interesting? “I found some very interesting running pictures. Not very attractive, but interesting. There were a couple videos of interviews and some articles, but that was it.” ■ THE PLAYERS' TRIBUNE

Bronson Koenig has become a role model for many in the Native American community during his time on the basketball floor at Wisconsin, but holding court in North Dakota with the people ― especially the kids ― of the Standing Rock tribe proved that, for Koenig, the respect is mutual. BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER

t was another entry for Bronson Koenig’s photo “I’m really glad I went there and I was able to bring album already brimming with basketball-related some joy to those kids’ lives,” he said. “Maybe it was Imoments, none more memorable than his buzz- a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will remem- er-beater against Xavier in the NCAA tournament. ber for the rest of their lives. But this snapshot was different on many layers “I’m just now starting to realize the impact that I and maybe even more meaningful for Wisconsin’s can really have on those kids.” 21-year-old senior guard. This was about “selfless” As he spoke Monday from just outside the UW ― a Koenig quality ― not selfies. locker room in the Kohl Center, he also realized, “It “I saw that (photo),” he acknowledged. “I thought was definitely a life-changing experience that I’ll re- that was really inspiring.” member for the rest of my life, too.” Koenig was pictured front and center ― surround- Koenig talked about wanting to bring attention to ed by Native American children. He was wearing a the issues by standing in solidarity with the Dako- Stand for Standing Rock t-shirt, the same one most ta Access pipeline protestors. And he retraced the of the boys and girls had on. steps that led him to the front lines of the fight. Draped over his shoulder was a Standing Rock When his older brother, Miles Koenig, 26, first Indian Reservation flag representing the Yanktonai asked him to make the trip, he wasn’t sure that he Dakota in North Dakota and the Hunkpapa Lakota would be able to free up the time because of his in South Dakota. schedule. But everything fell into place last weekend.

STANDING TOGETHER: BRONSON KOENIG'S SHOW OF SOLIDARITY PAGE 1 OF 3 Before leaving, Koenig did his homework on the ferent, obviously, being my age. I woke up that first pipeline. He spoke to a lot of different people, in- morning with a little anxiety not knowing how any- cluding a prominent Native American lawyer to one was going to text me. That was the first time learn about the legalities. that happened. But it was good for me.” “I definitely educated myself on the issue,” he said. Cell connections, of course, were trivial, Koenig Late last week, Koenig drove to La Crosse, where noted, to what was really important. And that really his brother is living and working for the branch of- sunk in when many assured him “They’d rather die fice of the Ho Chunk Nation. From there, they made than to have this pipeline being built.” the long trek west. At the core of the protest is the pipeline cutting “It took a little over 14 hours to get there (North through the Standing Rock reservation and not only Dakota) because we were intruding upon sacred pulling an 18-foot trail- burial sites but potential- er that was stacked high “I’M JUST NOW STARTING TO REALIZE ly compromising its water to the ceiling with dona- THE IMPACT THAT I CAN REALLY HAVE supply. tions,” he said, crediting ON THOSE KIDS,” KOENIG SAID. Koenig pointed out that his brother for working the water concerns ex- with charitable organi- tend beyond tribal land to zations like the Hunger Task Force. “We had food, “millions of people upstream or downstream” of the clothes for the winter, boots.” Missouri River. On the road, they listened to music and discussed “Some people might think it’s just Native Amer- just about everything, though basketball, naturally, icans being selfish,” he said, completely rejecting was a popular topic. Once they got to the reserva- that suggestion. “It’s their way of life, their way of tion, Koenig was in for a culture shock. living; it’s all of us, not just Native Americans.” “It really is in the middle of nowhere,” he said, also Walking through the campsites, Koenig was over- expressing his surprise at the living conditions. “I whelmed. went without my phone for three days, which is dif- “It was just the sense of unity I saw when I got

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STANDING TOGETHER: BRONSON KOENIG'S SHOW OF SOLIDARITY PAGE 2 OF 3 “I’VE GOTTEN A LOT OF POSITIVE “Every kid I talked to was unique in their own sense,” he said. FEEDBACK LIKE I ALWAYS HAVE There was another unexpected development on FROM INDIAN COUNTRY. THEY WERE a personal level. THANKFUL FOR ME BEING THERE “It was kind of cool to see how many people actu- AND BEING THERE FOR THE KIDS.” ally know me,” he said. And he was truly grateful to have the platform and their support. In turn, he made sure everybody there,” he said. “Over 200 tribes from all across the knew “I’m behind them 100 percent.” country. And there were also Polynesians, Hawai- Since returning to Madison, he said, “I’ve gotten a ians and Aztecs. There were people from all over lot of positive feedback like I always have from Indi- the world that came to support the cause because an country. They were thankful for me being there they know how important it is.” and being there for the kids.” “The indigenous people from all of these different His impact was not limited to sharing his basket- countries have this connection with Mother Earth ball acumen. Koenig was committed to “promoting and they know how important it is to take care of it.” health and wellness,” which has become a priority As it related to his brief stay in North Dakota, Koe- in his life. nig understood that his role was to “try to bring a Koenig admitted to being in a different place to- little joy at the time of tension with the pipeline” in day “with my body and my mindset.” addition to showing his support for Standing Rock. You can tell by looking at him that he has been on The joy was almost all Koenig’s while in the com- a diet plan. pany of the children. “It’s kind of weird because my whole career here I haven’t really been in shape like I should have been in shape,” he confessed. “I was letting dis- tractions get in the way of my goals and dreams. “My body just feels so much different. I’m way leaner.” All in all, the last few months have been kind of a whirlwind. “It has definitely been an eventful summer where I learned a lot on and off the court,” he said. “It was also easi- ly the hardest-working summer I’ve spent on the court and in the weight room. “I’m really excited for this year because I’m going to be a whole different player.” Koenig has already made a difference with all of those kids on the Standing Rock reserva- tion. “I will definitely stay in touch,” he promised. And they won’t soon forget about him, either.

STANDING TOGETHER: BRONSON KOENIG'S SHOW OF SOLIDARITY PAGE 3 OF 3 LAUREN ARNDT The old saying goes that familiarity breeds contempt, but in the world of , it often breeds classic moments between well-known combatants. That’s certainly the case in the Big Ten, which remains rooted in rivalries despite changes in everything from its membership to the offensive and defensive schemes employed by its teams. Wisconsin’s coaching staff has seen those changes ― and those constants ― up close across several eras. DAVID STLUKA

he arrival of another The assignment can be measured in a variety of football season drew an interesting insight ways. Tfrom Wisconsin offensive coordinator Joe UW not only drew the defending league titlist in Rudolph. the opener for the first time since 2005, it kicks off Where many inject loathing and torment, he in- a stretch where it will face three consecutive oppo- vokes the notion of family. nents currently ranked in the top 10. “The neat thing about the Big Ten is how well, tra- The Badgers (3-0) will next play Oct. 1 at Mich- ditionally, teams know one another, and that type igan, currently rated fourth, and then host Ohio of competition is pretty fun,” Rudolph said. State, presently ranked second, at Camp Randall “It’s just a different tone. It’s like going in the Stadium on Oct. 15. backyard and competing against your brother. You The matchup Saturday in East Lansing, Michigan, know him. He knows you. You know it’s going to be also highlights two of the most consistently deco- a battle and nobody wants to relent one ounce of rated programs in the Big Ten. anything. UW and the Spartans (2-0) have both won 73 “It’s what makes the Big Ten kind of a fresh start games since the start of 2009, an average of 10 for some. It doesn’t really matter beforehand what wins per season. They also have combined to win you’ve done. It’s about Big Tens right now.” five of the last six Big Ten titles. Both own three The 11th-ranked Badgers begin chasing their 15th given they shared the championship in 2010. conference championship Saturday when they face The Wisconsin-Michigan State game also pits eighth-rated Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. schools that fit in the category of rivals.

FAMILY FEUD: THE BADGERS OPEN BIG TEN PLAY PAGE 2 OF 5 LAUREN ARNDT “IT’S LIKE GOING IN THE BACKYARD AND COMPETING AGAINST YOUR BROTHER,” RUDOLPH SAID OF THE BIG TEN. “YOU KNOW HIM. HE KNOWS YOU. YOU KNOW IT’S GOING TO BE A BATTLE AND NOBODY WANTS TO RELENT ONE OUNCE OF ANYTHING.”

the final 68 seconds of regu- lation, then prevailed in over- time 16-13 at Camp Randall Stadium. Rudolph served as tight ends coach for the Badgers from 2008 to ’11, while cur- rent head coach, Paul Chryst, was the offensive coordinator. “It was fun to play those games because you knew you had to be on and you knew you’d be challenged,” Chryst said. “I think we knew each other well.” But the emotions of this UW-Michigan State ri- valry can be traced back a couple of eras. Rudolph was a standout guard for the Badgers from 1991 to ’94. UW clinched a share of the Big Rudolph in 1994 Ten title in 1993 with its 41-20 victory over the Spartans in Tokyo, Japan. The teams shared a jum- bo jet back and forth, which made for some awk- “Recent memory fuels a lot of that,” Rudolph said. ward moments. He’s referring to a four-game stretch from 2010 Ross Kolodziej, the strength and conditioning to ’12 when the stakes were high and drama even coach for the Badgers, was a starting defensive tack- higher. le from 1997 to 2000. UW won a second straight In 2010, Michigan State won the regular-season conference championship in 1999 thanks to 40-10 meeting at home 34-24, but the teams shared the blowout of Michigan State, then became the first Big Ten title with 7-1 records and the Badgers got Big Ten entry to win consecutive Rose Bowls. the Rose Bowl nod by virtue of their higher ranking Jim Leonhard, the UW secondary coach, was an in the old Bowl Championship Series rankings. All-America safety from 2001 to ’04. His teams split In 2011, the Spartans won the regular-season four meetings with the Spartans while generating duel 37-31 on a final-play Hail Mary at home, but some uniquely staggering moments. UW rallied for a 42-39 victory in the inaugural Big The Badgers lost 42-28 in 2001 even though they Ten championship game in Indianapolis. had a 200-yard receiver (Lee Evans) and a 100-yard In 2012, Michigan State got a tying touchdown in rusher (Anthony Davis).

FAMILY FEUD: THE BADGERS OPEN BIG TEN PLAY PAGE 3 OF 5 UW also lost 49-14 in 2004 even though it went want to say a rebirth, but I definitely think Big Ten into the game 9-0 and ranked fourth in the nation. football is cycling through,” Kolodziej said. Wisconsin prevailed 56-21 in 2003 thanks to a Outside of its membership, has the Big Ten career day by Evans, who set school records for re- changed a lot? ceiving yardage (258) and touchdown catches (five). “The Big Ten has been fun because different The Badgers won only two Big Ten games in 2002, teams have risen up and challenged,” Rudolph said, but one was a 42-24 decision over Michigan State referring to the fact that nine programs have won on the road. league titles since 2000. “The reason why I love college football and love the Big Ten is the rivalries and the stadiums and the energy week in and week out,” Leonhard said. Going to a place like Spartan Stadium ― UW hasn’t been there since 2011 and not won there since that outing in ’02 ― is an epic challenge. “For the most part it’s just the guys on the side- lines and you’ve got to pull together and find a way to win,” Leonhard said. Rudolph debuted in the Big Ten when it was a 10- team league and eventually saw an unbeaten na- tional champion emerge when it expanded to 11: Penn State in 1994. Kolodziej in 2000 Kolodziej played during a stretch when there were two three-way ties for the Big Ten title ― Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin in 1998; Michigan, Northwestern and Purdue in 2000 ― and saw an unbeaten national cham- pion come to life: Michigan in 1997. Leonhard played during a run when four schools won Big Ten crowns ― Illinois in 2001, Iowa and Ohio State in ’02 and Michigan in 2003 ― and also got a look at an un- beaten national titlist: Ohio State in 2002. Now the Big Ten has 14 teams and two divisions. Two years removed from Ohio State winning the inaugural College Football Playoff and now with four schools ranked LAUREN ARNDT in the top 11, what’s the per- ception of the league? “I think you’re seeing, I don’t

FAMILY FEUD: THE BADGERS OPEN BIG TEN PLAY PAGE 4 OF 5 Leonhard in 2003

“IT WAS ALMOST LIKE LOOKING INTO A MIRROR,” LEONHARD SAID. “IT WAS GOING TO BE WHOEVER EXECUTED BETTER THAT DAY WAS GOING TO COME OUT AND GET A VICTORY.”

“They all are very similar schools as far as what they’re about and their approach LAUREN ARNDT to the game is,” Leonhard said. “That’s what makes it fun. Familiar opponents that you know.” What about schemes? “You know a team like Michigan State’s going to “The game’s opened up a little bit more,” Leon- be a factor. They’re going to be in the picture at the hard said, noting that more Big Ten teams employ end of the season.” variants of the spread offense compared to his time That’s why this meeting Saturday has so much when Purdue and Northwestern were the lone riding on it. practitioners. “They’re built very similar to us as far as being Have the Badgers, who have had four coaches physical and wanting to run the football,” Leonhard since 2005, changed their approach on offense? said of the Spartans. “Passing the ball when you “I don’t think we have a new play in the playbook have to ― when you want to ― off of that and play- since I was here,” Leonhard joked. ing physical defense.” The list of rivalries for UW remains intact. Ru- That’s how it was when Leonhard suited up for dolph mentioned Minnesota and Kolodziej refer- the Badgers and set a school career record with 21 enced Iowa. interceptions. Leonhard intimated that Michigan State should “It was almost like looking into a mirror,” he said. be included, especially if a Big Ten championship is “It was going to be whoever executed better that on the to-do list. day was going to come out and get a victory.” “One of your goals is to win that Big Ten cham- Not much will change when the Badgers open the pionship,” he said. “Obviously you’ve got the big- Big Ten season in very hostile territory. gest goal, to win a national championship, but now “It’s going to be straightforward,” Leonhard said. you’re locked in for the rest of the year chasing one. “You just have to go out and play well and execute.”

FAMILY FEUD: THE BADGERS OPEN BIG TEN PLAY PAGE 5 OF 5 INSIDE FOOTBALL BY ANDY BAGGOT ▪ UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA

Red zone offense a work in progress Finishing drives deep into opponent territory is priority in advance of Big Ten opener

uccess in the red zone isn’t a guarantee of anything in col- TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE lege football. S Just look at Wisconsin. UW is unbeaten after three games and is ranked in the top

10 depending on which poll ― the Associated Press (media) or Amway (coaches) ― you hold more valid. The Badgers ― ninth in the Amway ranking and 11th in the AP compilation ― have knocked off LSU, Akron and Georgia State despite one of the poorest red zone conversion ratios in the nation.

SCROLL They rank 110th out of 128 Football Bowl Subdivision teams with an overall success rate of 73.3 percent (11-for-15) from inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Florida, Utah, Central Michigan and Houston are also 3-0 de- spite having poorer ratios than Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the Badgers sit 91st nationally in their ratio of

red-zone trips to touchdowns scored at 53.3 percent (8-for-15). TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET Houston, Utah and fellow unbeaten Stanford are among those with worse outputs. SOCIAL But while misery loves company, Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst MEDIA: would prefer to remove his club from this odd statistical equa- tion. His level of annoyance with the red zone numbers was on dis- play Monday during his weekly press conference. “It drives me nuts,” Chryst said. Bear in mind this is the same guy who had the Badgers con- verting on 90 percent of red zone trips during the 2009, ’10 and ’11 seasons when he was offensive coordinator. Not only did UW rank in the top 10 in conversion percentage during that stretch, its ratio of touchdowns per trip was 72.4 percent in 2009, 80.9 percent in ’10 and 85.3 percent in ’11. “You appreciate the points when you can get them, but you have to get touchdowns,” Chryst said Monday. “That’s an obvi- ous area where we have to get better.” The need is magnified this week as Wisconsin begins Big Ten Conference play with a trip to face eighth-ranked Michigan State, the defending league champion. The matchup kicks off a stretch in which UW will face three consecutive top-10 opponents, including fourth-rated Michigan on Oct. 1 and second-ranked Ohio State on Oct. 15. INSIDE VOLLEYBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Big win gives way to Big Ten play Victory over Texas sends Badgers into conference season on a high note

t’s been a big week for the third-ranked Badgers. TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE Coming off two road wins against ranked opponents, includ- Iing a come-from-behind triumph at No. 2 Texas, Wisconsin is ready to begin the Big Ten Conference season.

“We knew going into this year that this conference was going to be really good, but it’s hard to figure out what year it’s not,” head coach Kelly Sheffield said. “There’s a lot in front of us. It should be a fun ride.” The conference season opens this weekend when UW hosts No. 17 Ohio State on Friday and Maryland on Saturday in the

SCROLL UW Field House. The Big Ten boasts the top three teams in the country in No. 1 Nebraska, No. 2 Minnesota and No. 3 Wisconsin. Five other teams are ranked in the Top 25, giving the Big Ten a total of eight ― the most of any conference. The Pac-12 has six ranked squads. The Badgers moved up from sixth in the national poll after INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET sweeping No. 16 Texas A&M and upsetting No. 2 Texas, 3-2, last weekend. SOCIAL Freshman Molly Haggerty had a career night against the Ag- MEDIA: gies, leading all players with 27 kills. “What do they say, ‘Everything is bigger in Texas,’ and I’d say Molly Haggerty took that to heart our first match down there, setting the school record for kills in a match,” Sheffield explained. “We weren’t trying to pump her the ball or anything. It was just one of those matches where everything turns to gold. “She was hitting with a lot of range, she was mixing up her shots really well. Lauren (Carlini) was running her inside and out- side. She was giving the defense a lot of looks. She had some really clean swings but she had some others that just kind of hit the top of the and rolled down and all of a sudden you got yourself another kill.” Haggerty’s 27 kills broke the UW’s three-set, 25-point rally scoring record of 19 and tied the overall record for five sets. She followed that with a team-high 20 kills against the Long- horns en route to being named the national player of the week by two organizations, just the fourth Badger and first freshman to do so. INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY A.J. HARRISON ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS DAVID STLUKA

Raising the bar: UW starts season No. 1 Top-ranked Wisconsin opens campaign with a series at St. Cloud State

xpectations are usually high for Wisconsin. Winning four TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE national championships in the past decade to go along E with five conference crowns and six WCHA postseason titles will have that effect.

Still, the bar has been raised this year, as the Badgers begin the season ranked No. 1 in the USCHO.com Poll and picked as the top finisher in the WCHA according to the league’s presea- son coaches’ poll. “I don’t mind having high expectations,” UW head coach Mark Johnson said. “I think that’s good. It keeps everybody sharp. It

SCROLL keeps everybody focused. “Our job as a coaching staff is to make sure the players are focused and come to practice every day trying to get better.” The No. 1 ranking marks the first time UW has started the season atop the polls since the 2011-12 campaign that followed the program’s fourth NCAA title in 2011. “If you look at what we return and at the other teams, a lot of INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET our scoring punch (comes back) and our goaltender is back, so on paper we look pretty good,” Johnson said. “But then again, SOCIAL you have to still play the games.” MEDIA: There haven’t been a lot of opportunities for the Badgers to practice; they held their first session last Saturday and have four more practices before opening the season at St. Cloud State this weekend. INSIDE MEN’S SOCCER BY KELLI GRASHEL ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS SPENCER NATZKE

Badgers make a splash on and off the field Wisconsin off to best conference start since 2011 season

t’s early, but Wisconsin has already left a mark on the Big Ten TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE Conference this season. At 2-0, the Badgers are off to their Ibest conference start since 2011 after defeating Michigan and Northwestern in a pair of overtime matches.

It was a sweet homecoming last week for juniors and Chica- go-area natives Mike Catalano and Chris Mueller as they net- ted the goals that led Wisconsin to a 2-1 overtime victory over Northwestern on the road. Catalano delivered the game-winner off a smooth pass from fellow junior Mark Segbers in the 92nd minute of play.

SCROLL “It’s a challenge these guys haven’t really seen that often in terms of being able to come back and win a game,” head coach John Trask said. “They did a great job preparing for (Northwest- ern). They were going to make it difficult on us. I thought we showed great patience.” Despite the Wildcats’ best efforts, it was the individual play

from Segbers that pushed the Badgers to the top. He blasted TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET past NU defenders to get the ball to Mueller, who finished the shot in the 63rd minute for his first goal of the season. Mueller SOCIAL has been the backbone of the Badgers’ offense, leading UW in MEDIA: shots all but one game this season. “It was a great individual effort by Mark to play the ball to Chris, who had an incredible finish,” Trask added. “Chris has been huge. Unfortunately, he was a little sick down in Florida and wasn’t able to show his true ability but he’s a player that brings a lot to the table. We’re very fortunate that he plays for us. He’s not just scoring goals, it’s all the other things that he’s doing for the team. “It’s just great to see Chris really coming into his own his junior year.” INSIDE WOMEN’S SOCCER BY KELLI GRASHEL ▪ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS JACK MCLAUGHLIN

Ranked opponents provide tough tests Challenging schedule preparing Badgers for trying contests ahead

hallenges can serve as opportunities, something a young, TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE inexperienced Wisconsin team hopes to benefit from as C it continues to grow. A tough weekend at home presented the Badgers with back-

to-back ranked opponents in its first two conference matches. The Badgers opened Big Ten play against a tough No. 19 Ohio State team and battled to a 2-2 tie in double overtime, marking the fourth game this season that has required two extra ses- sions and ended in a draw. Trailing 1-0 coming out of the halftime break, Micaela Pow-

SCROLL ers and Rose Lavelle combined to score two goals within three minutes of each other to pull the Badgers into an early sec- ond-half lead. The Buckeyes were able to sneak in a late goal in the 85th minute, however, which equalized the game and ulti- mately forced the 2-2 draw in what was the Big Ten Conference opener for both teams. There was no rest for the weary as UW turned around and INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS TWEETS VIEW TO REQUIRED CONNECTION INTERNET took on another very challenging opponent in No. 16 Penn State on Sunday. This time the Badgers were on the losing end of a SOCIAL 1-0 final score. MEDIA: “These games really taught us a lot,” head coach Paula Wilkins said. “I think any time you play with some of the best teams in the country, you learn what your weaknesses are. We’re going to be even better in all the details and all the execution.