The University of Wisconsin men's track and field and cross country programs hosted a reunion in conjunction with the 2008 Big Ten Conference Men's Indoor Track & Field Championships on March 1-2 in Madison. To celebrate 115 years of Badger track, we caught up with some former Badger stars at the reunion.
In the 115-year history of the Badger track program, Wisconsin has had 16 Olympians, 31 individual NCAA champions, 315 All-America honors and 425 Big Ten individual champions.
Today's profile is of Elzie Higginbottom. Higginbottom was a 1963 NCAA outdoor All-American, placing fifth in the 440-yard dash. He also won Big Ten indoor and outdoor titles in the 440. Higginbottom was a three-time Big Ten champion, anchoring the mile relay to the title in 1962. He also held the UW records in the indoor and outdoor 440-yard dash for more than 20 years.
Name: Elzie L. Higginbottom
Current residence: Chicago (Lincoln Park)
Family: Four children and a lovely wife
Years at UW: 1960-65
Events competed in: 440-yard dash (400 meters)
Notable UW accomplishments: 1963 NCAA outdoor All-American, placing fifth in the 440-yard dash; 1963 Big Ten Outdoor champion at 440 yards; 1964 Big Ten Indoor champion at 440 yards; 1962 Big Ten Indoor champion as a member of the mile relay team; held the UW indoor and outdoor records in the 440-yard dash for more than 20 years; still ranks third on the UW all-time outdoor list in the 400-meter run (converted from yards) in 46.0; member of two Big Ten championship teams; member of the UW men's track and field Hall of Honor
Year graduated: 1965
How did your athletic career assist you after college ' Being a track athlete taught me the importance of focus and discipline 'traits that were invaluable in making me a real estate success. I also learned how to achieve as an individual and a member of a team.
How did your degree from the UW assist you in your career' I got my first job at Baird and Warner Real Estate due to a contact from UW. UW alums were excellent mentors to me as I advanced in my career.
Occupation: Founder, Chairman/CEO of East Lake Management & Development Corporation, a full-service real estate firm
Notable Achievements: As a real estate professional, I am proud to have developed several high-rise rental properties. I have also had significant success redeveloping some of Chicago's more underserved communities.
Other Work: I am a director of Cole Taylor Bank in Chicago and chairman of the Cook County Housing Authority. I have been a board member of Children's Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospital and I am a big supporter of After School Matters.
Hobbies: I spend my spare time with my children riding horses in Michigan.
What do you remember most about your years at the UW ' I remember that the citizens of Madison were very welcoming to me. The entire UW community treated me very well. My days at UW were pleasant.
What advice would you give current student-athletes ' Work hard ' work on your sport and work on your studies.
