Follow the Badgers on the road
November 06, 2008 | Volleyball
The Wisconsin volleyball team (15-9 overall, 5-7 Big Ten Conference) hits the road again for two matches this weekend. The Badgers take on Ohio State Friday at 6 p.m. and No. 20 Michigan on Saturday at 5 p.m.
There are a number of ways to follow the Badgers on the road this weekend. Both matches will air on 92.1 FM with Jon Arias on the call. If you can't tune into the radio, check out the broadcast on Yahoo! Radio for a fee. Live stats are also available both nights. Friday 's live stats can be found SPSID=89324&SPID=10410&DB_OEM_ID=17300&LIST_SPORT_ID=W_VOLLEYBALL"> --> her SPSID=89324&SPID=10410&DB_OEM_ID=17300&LIST_SPORT_ID=W_VOLLEYBALL"> --> e and there is also a SPSID=89324&SPID=10410&db_oem_id=17300"> --> Web cast available for a fee. Saturday, you can follow the live stats id=12148"> --> here . (Click on the 'Stats' link in the schedule on the right hand side of the page).
Saturday's match will also air live on the Big Ten Network with Jay Wilson and Jim Stone on the call. Wisconsin is 2-0 in matches that air on the Big Ten Network this season.
Before the Badgers take to the court this weekend, take this opportunity to get to know junior outside hitter Katherine Dykstra and her brother, Peter, a little better by reading the Q&A below.
Katherine Dykstra and her brother Peter were born Badgers. Originally from Wilmette, Ill., Peter came to the UW first and was a decathlete on the track team. Katherine and Peter aren't the only two athletes in the family though. Their father Larry played basketball and competed in track at Illinois.
What was your relationship like with your brother while growing up'
My brother has been my best friend since I was very young. We always had fun together, never fought and just loved doing things together. Sports, fishing, camping and just hanging out.
How close are you guys now' How often do you see each other'
Peter and I stayed really close during college, it helped a lot that we were at the same school, and still talk a lot now. He has moved back to Chicago after school, but he still tries to come up to me volleyball games when we 're at home and we talk online a lot. It's awesome to have a brother like him and we always keep in touch.
What were your initial thoughts when Peter chose Wisconsin'
When Peter chose Wisconsin, one of my first thoughts was, `Oh, Wisconsin!, Maybe I could go there!' I had not been in contact with the coaches up here when Peter committed, but I was definitely interested in playing a sport up here when I found out more.
Did Peter have any influence on you choosing Wisconsin'
I wanted to be near him when I went to school whether it was the same school or just a school nearby his. Having family around my college was a huge influence on my decision and Peter was a family member that I definitely wanted to be around.
Were you guys competitive growing up ' Any stories or examples'
We were always competitive growing up, but by the time I hit about third grade, I realized that Peter would pretty much always beat me in athletic events. I never gave up, but I didn't get my hopes up either. I always told him to never let me win and he listened very well! We would always have fun playing basketball, Frisbee, arm wrestling and lots more, but it's always been in the nature of my family to be competitive.
What's the best piece of advice you've received from your brother'
The best piece of advice from my brother would be to never give up. He told me that a lot especially if we were competing and I was losing badly, I'd get frustrated and want to stop by the wouldn't let me.
If you guys were to play against each other in a neutral sport who would win'
I'm trying to think of a neutral sport for the two of us! At some point, each of us has tried about everything in the book. Maybe fencing. As much as I'd like to say that I would win, I feel like it would be a pretty even draw. I'm more aggressive in a sport, which I think comes with being a volleyball player, but he's more cool, calm and collected. If people were watching, I think I would win because he would get nervous or embarrassed, but without people there, I think he would fight until the end and eventually take me down.
You say Peter is your favorite athlete and role model. Why'
He competed in track and field with grace. He never got cocky or full of himself. He was always there for teammates and a person that many other athletes, not only myself, would look up to. He is and always will be a hard act to follow. Not many people can fit in his shoes.
