MADISON, Wis. — For the second year in a row, Wisconsin Athletics partnered with Wisconsin Upside Down to host a special evening at Camp Randall Stadium, where individuals with Down syndrome experience the opportunity to practice with the football team.
On June 13, more than 50 families took the field and went through an array of stations led by UW student-athletes, including tackling with Jack Cichy, throwing touchdowns with Alex Hornibrook and running routes with Troy Fumagalli.
The goal of Day As A Badger is to give families a one-on-one, behind-the-scenes experience with Division I football student-athletes and remind us all that quality of life is determined by the kindness and generosity that we infuse into our community.
"An event like this is just magical for our kids," said President and Founder of Wisconsin Upside Down, Robbin Lyons. "You won't find bigger or more faithful Badger fans than those with Down syndrome.
"These kids love the team and the game, even though the experience of playing on a college team is largely out of reach. We are thrilled to be called 'a Badger,' even for a day!"
Bucky Badger joins UW student-athletes Izayah Green-May (2nd from right) and Deron Harrell (far right) with a young fan from Wisconsin Upside Down
The afternoon started in the McClain Center, where each family paired with a football student-athlete buddy. However, before the adventure began, head football coach Paul Chryst gathered the campers, families and team to break down a customary "On Wisconsin!" with their newest friends. Afterwards, everyone's favorite mascot — Bucky Badger — showed up for a surprise visit!
Once the tour began, the first stop for families was the strength and conditioning room where they lifted weights, rode the exercise bike and tried out other equipment that the team uses to prepare for competition. Next, attendees made their way into the team locker room to get suited up in actual gameday gear and pose for pictures with the famous Paul Bunyan's Axe.
After this, there was only one more thing to do before it was time to hit the field. The campers proceeded to follow a typical Badger gameday routine by heading into the McClain Sports Medicine Center to get stretched, taped and treated for any other nagging "injuries" by the staff — obviously, they wanted their newest Badgers to be properly prepped for the day ahead. Once this was taken care of, it was time to run through the tunnel onto Camp Randall Stadium's field.
"It was a great day to be outside running around with the kids," said inside linebacker T.J. Edwards. "They are without a doubt the most outgoing people I have ever met and they make your day so much better. They bring more joy to us than they know and I can't wait to see them all again."
The UW football team and their newest members broke it down with an "On, Wisconsin" to start the day.
After finishing up the day of drills, everyone left Camp Randall in classic Badger fashion by "Jumping Around." Both the team and families made their way out of the stadium for a post-practice barbeque to refuel, reflect and wind down.
While this was a day for student-athletes to give Wisconsin Upside Down families a unique experience of being a Badger, the team received just as much — if not more — in return.
"It makes their days; it makes our days," said senior outside linebacker Garrett Dooley. "It's just something that we are always going to cherish and remember for the rest of our lives, and I know they will as well."
Although this is a unique experience for everyone involved, it is of special significance to junior safety Blake Mielke. Mielke's younger brother is a member of Wisconsin Upside Down and Day As A Badger provides him a chance to spend an afternoon in his brother's shoes.
"Day As A Badger inspires each player, coach and staff member to become better people through their amazing stories and positive attitudes," Mielke said. "The day creates memories that both the campers and players will remember for the rest of their lives."
Main photo caption: Individuals attending Day As A Badger got the special chance to work out with the team. Madison Cone and Caesar Williams cheered on their new friend as he got that last rep.
