Badgers hit the road one last time
November 21, 2008 | Volleyball
The 2008 regular season is nearing an end for the Badger volleyball team. Wisconsin plays its final two Big Ten Conference road matches this weekend, beginning with a 6 p.m. match tonight against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., and then the Badgers meet the No. 1 team in the country, Penn State, on its home court at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Big Ten Network will broadcast Saturday's match and it will air tape delayed on Sunday at 7 p.m.
For those unable to travel with the team on its final road trip of the season, there are still a number of ways to keep up on all the action. Both matches will air live on 92.1 FM with Jon Arias on the call. You can also hear that same broadcast on Yahoo!Radio for a fee.
Live stats for Friday's match against Indiana can be found by clicking the Gametracker link on the left side of Indiana's schedule page . There is also a Web stream available code=ind&media=92014"> --> here . Stats for Saturday against Penn State are available here (click the same Gametracker link on the left side of the schedule page).
After this weekend, the Badgers return home for the final two matches of the regular season. Before you come out to the UW Field House for the regular season finale, get to know Badger volleyball announcer, Bonnie Oleson by reading the following Q&A.
Hometown: Palmyra, Wisconsin
Family: Mom and Dad farm in Palmyra, Brother Dave lives in Madison, Brother Dan lives in Indianapolis and is married to Karen with three kids that area almost all taller than me'not too hard to do I guess.
Real job: Events Coordinator for Midwest Family Broadcasting
1.) How did you first get started with announcing Badger volleyball games'
I was announcing a Madison Volleyball team with former college players ' and someone from the UW heard me and asked me if I would like to announce for the Badgers. I jumped at that chance!!
2.) Did you have any experience playing or watching volleyball before you started announcing'
I played volleyball in high school, as a setter of course ' but ended up playing tenor sax in the Marching Band at the UW. You can be short in the band!
3.) Had you been to any UW matches before you started announcing'
Oh yes'we used to go to a lot of the games when I was in high school. I remember trying to set like the college players'.yeah 'didn't ever work out like we planned it!
4.) Describe your first match and what it was like.
I was completely terrified!!! I consulted with Matt Lepay the 'Voice of the Badgers' for some expert advice, and he was really helpful. The first night I had fans coming up to me telling me how to say certain things ' especially POINT WISCONSIN! Being critiqued by over 5,000 people at one time was completely nerve racking'.but the fans put up with me and the players have been wonderful!
5.) What's been the hardest part of announcing'
Getting down some of the names ' especially the ones from overseas'and some west coast teams have some interesting names too!! I will never forget the guy from Long Beach State that made me so nervous announcing Benishe Dillard. That name will always be a thorn in my side. I still can't say her name right'but I can still hear him correcting me!!! And recently saying 'SET POINT' instead of 'GAME POINT' still gets me sometimes.
6.) What's been the key or the most important thing you've learned about volleyball/announcing '
To announce you have to actually BE THERE. Double checking on game times especially during tournaments is extremely important. Being in the car wash when the buzzer goes off makes people nervous''I will forever be sorry for that Nancy Bee.
7.) How do you prepare for a match and pronunciations'
I check in pre-game with the visiting team's sports information person to get the names down. If they don't have anyone traveling with them players and coaching staff are more than willing to help. And I 've also learned to double check how to say home town names! Some of those can really catch you off guard if you're not expecting them!
8.) What are the top three (or whatever number) favorite matches you've announced'
' Penn State 2007 - the ball did roll off her shoulder in game five, Taylor Reineke, you were right. Amazing game to witness with a depressing ending.
' Watching Sherisa Livingston hit over the top of her blockers in 2001. The blockers just shrugged at their coaches cause there was nothing they could do ' pick any game cause it always happened. I had the best seat in the house to watch that amazing athlete!
' The Big Ten opener in 2006 when we honored Margie Fitzpatrick. Wow do I miss her smile and positive attitude at the table.
9.) Did you ever think your announcing of 'Point Wisconsin!' would ever become such a big hit '
Heck no! That still surprises me.
10.) Do you have any embarrassing moments'
Last year I was laughing so hard at one of the games I could not announce. I opened the mic and the only noise that came out was a squeak or a snort or something. It was bad'' Got my composure eventually and went on with the game!
11.) Do people recognize your voice or you away from volleyball'
Yes. I've been in radio in Madison for a long time so I get recognized by voice from that ' and people do recognize me from volleyball. I get the question 'are you the Point Wisconsin girl' ' That always makes me laugh! 'Yes I am' I reply proudly, 'just please don't make me say it in the supermarket'.
12.) Anything else you want to add'
I consider myself so lucky to have this job! I get to watch a sport I love, with such amazing players with the best seat in the house!
