Where Are They Now'
January 17, 2007 | Football
Former Wisconsin football player Kevin Stemke (1997-2000) finished his career one of the Badgers' top punters. In 2000, the Green Bay, Wis., native, won the inaugural Ray Guy Award, given every year to the nation's top punter. Stemke was also named to the All-American team and first-team All-Big Ten that year. In four years as a Badger, Stemke holds the team records for career punting yards (10,660), career average (43.5 yards) and most punting yards in a season with 3,155 in 1998. Stemke also sits in third all-time in the longest punt category with an 86 yard boot against Michigan State in 1999.
After graduating from the UW, Stemke was with the NFL's Oakland Raiders from 2002-2003 and currently resides in Chapel Hill, N.C., where he works and resides with his wife, Elizabeth.
Where are you living and working now '
I am living in Chapel Hill, N.C., working for Replay Photos. We own and operate UWBadgerPhotos.com, which sells Wisconsin campus and athletic photography. It has been a great way for me to stay connected to the university all the way out in North Carolina.
What is your favorite memory from being at Wisconsin '
I will never forget when we played Penn State in '98. We were running the option and Mike Samuel put his head down and collided with Lavar Arrington on the sideline. They both went flying. Mike bounced up and handed the ball to the ref and Lavar laid there wishing he was back in Happy Valley. I don't think he did come back in the game. Classic!
What was the best thing about being a Badger '
During the time I was at Wisconsin, the football team won two Rose Bowls, basketball went to the Final Four, volleyball went the NCAA championship match, hockey went to the Frozen Four, the list goes on. Being a Badger always has and will continue to be a source of pride for me.
What life lessons did you learn during college '
I don't know if I can point to one. I interacted with so many people who influenced my life in a positive way. If I had more space I could list them all and what I learned from them.
What was your favorite class at Wisconsin '
Business Law. Difficult, but very informative.
What was your favorite part of campus' Where did you spend most of your time'
I spent most of my time in and around Camp Randall, but my favorite part of campus is Memorial Union Terrace. There is nothing like watching live music at the terrace in the summertime.
What advice would you give current student-athletes '
Take advantage of the opportunity you have to be a student and an athlete at Wisconsin. It 's a privilege to be a part of the UW tradition and never take that for granted.
What is it like to watch current Badgers succeed in recent years as a team, as well as Ken Debauche, the third-year punter '
I love being a fan! Living in North Carolina doesn't present me with many opportunities to get together with a bunch of Badger fans, but believe me; all my Duke and UNC friends know where my allegiances are. Specifically watching Ken has been fun. He has contributed so much to the team's success and I look forward to casting another vote for him in the Ray Guy ballots next year. DeBauche in 07!
What kind of advice would you give youngsters playing football, especially on punting and how to get started punting'
Punting is a difficult thing to be great at. It requires a lot of work and patience; so don 't be frustrated in the beginning. If you really enjoy doing it and are serious about it, learn proper technique as soon as you can. It takes a long time to break a bad habit. Trust me.
How did you get your start punting and what made you decide to punt'
I grew up dreaming of scoring a goal in the World Cup, and envisioning throwing the game winning TD pass in the Super Bowl. I don't recall ever dreaming of sending the crowd into thunderous applause with a 35-yard pooch punt! But punting turned out to be what I was good at, and I really enjoyed it for a number of years.
