Overheard at Badger Days

June 2, 2011

MADISON, Wis. - The 2011 Badger Days kicked off on Wednesday with a trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. This was a new location for this fan event, which had been held at Miller Park in previous seasons. Nearly 500 Wisconsin fans enjoyed a beautiful afternoon along the river, getting autographs and photos from their favorite UW coaches.

UWBadgers.com covered the event live with a blog and via Twitter. Here are just some of the more interesting observations and comments from the day.

Coaches will sit in the back of the bus. Men’s basketball coach Bo Ryan started the trend and he was joined by football coach Bret Bielema, wrestling coach Barry Davis, tennis coaches Greg Van Emburgh and Brian Fleishman.
Not matter what you have heard, wrestling coach Barry Davis can sit still – at least after he chats with his fellow coaches and delivers water to most of the bus! Davis expects a lot of his 2011 recruiting class. “We have more recruits than we've ever had in one year and the most talent we've ever had at one time.”
Look for a Joel Rumpel to start in goal for the men’s hockey team in 2011-12, according to head coach Mike Eaves. The 20-year old has two years experience in the British Columbia Hockey League. Mitch Thompson and Landon Peterson will battle for the back-up spot.
According to softball coach Yvette Healy, coaching is a year-round activity. When asked what she does during the summer, she replied, “Recruit, recruit, recruit. We also do camps, scheduling, drills and have family time."
The Big Ten gets even stronger in volleyball next season with the addition of top-10 program Nebraska but the Huskers will have to learn all new teams and play in new facilities, according to UW coach Pete Waite.
Look for Vancouver to win the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup, according to hockey coaches Mike Eaves and Mark Johnson.
Speaking of predictions, the tennis coaches were asked to predict the singles champions at the French Open. Men’s coach Greg Van Emburgh picks Maria Sharapova for women and Novak Djokovic for the men. Women’s coach Brian Fleishman is picking Marion Bartoli for the women and Roger Federer for the men.
Coach Bret Bielema is looking forward to division play in Big Ten football this season. "I like the Leaders Division because we're playing more eastern schools, where we traditionally recruit. We're playing four night games this year - two at home and two on the road. Any time we are on prime time national TV is a great thing and great exposure."
New women’s basketball head coach Bobbie Kelsey was popular with the crowd. “People have been very receptive,” said Kelsey. “I've received lots of notes of congratulations, especially from coaches within the state, who are looking forward to working with our staff."
Matt Lepay’s surprisingly watchable movie of the week "Hot Tub Time Machine." Who knew?
Football starts summer workouts on Monday. Only 90 days to the season opener!
Women’s hockey coach Mark Johnson was asked more often than not about the 1980 Miracle on Ice team. Wonder if he gets sick of that?
Men’s cross country coach Mick Byrne has won 20-straight conference coach of the year trophies – 17 at Iona College and the last three at Wisconsin. How impressive is that?
Eleven years after winning the Heisman Trophy, Ron Dayne is still one of the most popular attractions at Badger Days! His line for autographs and photos was definitely the longest.

University of Wisconsin Athletics

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