madison.com rss 2.0

Mike Lucas' Inside the Huddle: UW vs. Marshall

Mike Lucas — 2008-09-05T05:00:00Z

In preparing for his first collegiate start, Mario Goins didn't know what to expect beyond what people were telling him about game speed. He just assumed that he would have to experience it on his own. "I knew it was going to be more than I anticipated," he said, sighing. From that standpoint, the University of Wisconsin cornerback understood the challenge when he took the field last Saturday against Akron. "But it's so much different ...

UW football: Gilreath looking to end touchdown drought

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-05T05:00:00Z

David Gilreath has a theory for why he dropped what would have been his first touchdown reception as a member of the University of Wisconsin football program last Saturday. "I think I was thinking about what I was going to do (next)," said the sophomore wide receiver, who couldn't hold on to an Allan Evridge pass early in the first half of the Badgers' 38-17 victory over Akron at Camp Randall Stadium. "I was thinking ...

UW football: Yocum feels DeCremer's pain

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-05T05:00:00Z

As Chad Yocum watched the University of Wisconsin football team last season, he couldn't help but notice that No. 99 -- Kirk DeCremer -- was a playmaker. "I knew he was going to be good," Yocum said. It didn't take long for Yocum, who played for the Badgers under former coach Barry Alvarez, to connect the dots and realize he had a lot in common with DeCremer. Both were local athletes -- DeCremer played at ...

Brewers prove there are no easy games

Jeremy ReevesSpecial to The Capital Times — 2008-09-04T05:00:00Z

MLB_GAME-20080904-08-1 MILWAUKEE -- Before Thursday night's game vs. the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost was asked if it's easier for teams to come from "out of nowhere" and win in September, like the Colorado Rockies did last season en route to the National League pennant and how the Houston Astros (eight-game winning streak) are presently doing to get back into the playoff chase. "No, it's not. It's not easier any time. ...

Brewers owner happy with Sabathia investment

Dennis Punzel — 2008-09-04T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE -- Mark Attanasio made his fortune by making good investments. But the Milwaukee Brewers owner had a hard time thinking of any better investment he ever made than the acquisition of CC Sabathia. For the cost of a top prospect (outfielder Matt LaPorta) and a little more than half of Sabathia's $11 million salary for the season, the Brewers have gotten the ace pitcher who has ...

Injured Hawk back at practice with Packers

Chris JenkinsAssociated Press — 2008-09-05T05:00:00Z

GREEN BAY -- Perhaps there's something about recent linebacker play in Green Bay that only makes fans notice how good they are when they're missing. That certainly was the case two seasons ago, when middle linebacker Nick Barnett's value to the Packers became obvious when he sat out a game at Seattle with a broken hand and the defense suffered in his absence. And now, after the Packers were gashed for ...

LPGA backs down on English requirement

Associated Press — 2008-09-05T05:00:00Z

The LPGA Tour has backed off plans that would have suspended players who could not efficiently speak English. The policy was widely criticized as discriminating against players, with most of the attention on Asians. LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn Bivens said Friday the tour would announce a revised plan by the end of the year. That plan would not include any penalties. Bivens said there are other ways to achieve ...

UW men's hockey: Goalies 'comfortable' working with Valley

Todd D. Milewski — 2008-09-04T05:00:00Z

When Bill Howard left the University of Wisconsin men's hockey program last month after 36 years guiding Badgers goaltenders, he recommended Mike Valley to follow in his footsteps. Valley, a former Howard pupil and UW athlete, will do so, but not in the same arrangement. Howard was a volunteer assistant coach, a role that poses an NCAA rule conflict with Valley's full-time job as president of a company that tests hockey players. So Valley will tutor Badgers goaltenders Shane Connelly and Scott Gudmandson off ...

UW football: Schofield making a name for himself

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-04T05:00:00Z

Alacce O'Brien Schofield wasn't even 10 years old when he decided a name change was in order. "Teachers were butchering it so bad," Schofield said of his first name, pronounced a-LAY-see-a. "I couldn't take it anymore, so I started going by my middle name." Most people call him O'Brien -- or O.B., for short. But since he never changed his name legally, there are times when he's sitting in class and is forced to ...

UW men's soccer: Resiliency key to Badgers' hopes

Todd D. Milewski — 2008-09-04T05:00:00Z

Asked to provide what he hopes will be the University of Wisconsin men's soccer team's defining characteristic this season, coach Jeff Rohrman picked something he has already seen start to evolve. The seventh-year UW coach thinks the experienced Badgers will be able to use resiliency to their advantage. Maybe it's because the thought was fresh in his mind. In each of their first two games, the Badgers took a lead and saw it quickly disappear. ...

Mike Lucas' Big Ten Rhap: Sounds crazy, but Big Ten's hopes rest with Minnesota

Mike Lucas — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

Maybe it was only appropriate that a Big Ten football coach was discussing the "Pistol" offense this week in light of the fact that the conference got pistol-whipped last Saturday in the only three games that mattered from a national perception viewpoint. No offense to Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin, which scored opening wins over Western Kentucky, Maine, Youngstown State, Northern Illinois, Syracuse, Coastal Carolina and Akron, ...

Balancing act: Ironman triathletes practice for versatility

Bobbi Jo SnethenCorrespondent for The Capital Times — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

A typical Ironman triathlete dedicates a significant amount of hours in a pool, on a bicycle and in a pair of running shoes. It sounds good in theory, but can enough practice lead to perfection in swimming, biking and running simultaneously? The overwhelming answer: highly unlikely. On Sunday, Sept. 7, more than 2,000 triathletes will partake in the 2008 Ironman Wisconsin, a 2.4-mile open-water swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. Although many will win the war, ...

Behind the Mike: Former golf announcer adept at deferring to his Brewers TV partner

Mike Lucas — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

When Brian Anderson wasn't catching for the baseball team at St. Mary's University -- a small private school in San Antonio, Texas -- he was in the dugout practicing his play-by-play call. It flowed naturally for Anderson, who would occasionally break up the routine, and his teammates, by delivering his running commentary with an Irish accent. "As an Irishman who knew nothing about baseball, I'd explain why the hitter was holding the bat by the ...

Do a swept Brewers forecast doom in September?

Dennis Semrau — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE -- So what's the deal? Prince Fielder gets a rare off day and Dave Bush decides to take off the first inning, too? Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost gave Fielder just his third day off this season, and the Brewers couldn't let him enjoy it. Bush, who has been the picture of consistency over his last 12 starts -- 7-2 with a 2.73 ERA -- was just awful in the first inning against ...

Heins leaves UW women's basketball team

The Capital Times — 2008-09-04T05:00:00Z

University of Wisconsin women's basketball player Brittany Heins has decided to leave the team to concentrate on her academics. "Brittany is an exceptionally talented individual," Coach Lisa Stone said. "She is very gifted in athletics, but also an intelligent individual who has an extremely bright future academically at Wisconsin. Brittany will remain at the UW and will focus on her academic career. We wish Brittany the very best in her future endeavors. She will always ...

Ironman: You can't skate through this course

Tom HulseySpecial to The Capital Times — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

It has been said that to be the best in the world at what you do, you've got to find the very best in yourself. I grew up in Madison in the 1960s, idolizing the Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi. Coach Lombardi said, "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." That wisdom, combined with a unique drive ...

MLB denies Brewers' appeal for Sabathia no-hitter

Associated Press — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE -- Upon further review, the play stands. Major League Baseball's scoring review committee ruled Wednesday that official scorer Bob Webb did not err when he decided that Pittsburgh's Andy LaRoche singled against Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia in the bottom of the fifth inning of Milwaukee's 7-0 win on Sunday. Sabathia tried to make a barehanded pickup of LaRoche's softly hit grounder, but dropped it. Webb immediately ruled it a hit, explaining he watched LaRoche out of ...

In shadow of Camp Randall, yards are for parking

Jane Burns — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

Mike Annen has had the same Saturday job for almost 50 years, and couldn't give it up if he tried. Annen parks vehicles on his property on Badger football Saturdays, waving cars into the driveway of the home that he grew up in and bought from his parents. It's near the intersection of Orchard and Mound streets, six blocks from Camp Randall Stadium. The $15 fee is light years beyond the 10 cents he charged when he ...

WISC to CBS: J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!

Jeff Richgels — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

Like many local Brett Favre fans, Mark Pernitz is happy WISC-TV Ch. 3 plans to show as many games as possible involving Favre's new team -- the New York Jets -- this NFL season. "I'm more interested in the Packers but it will be interesting to follow the Jets," said Pernitz, a lawyer who lives in McFarland. "It's the whole idea of the comeback -- whether that will succeed or not. "I think showing the Jets is ...

UW men's basketball: Bo's young team to face battle-tested foes in 2008-09

Rob Schultz — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

A two-game nonconference road trip and a New Year's Eve Big Ten opener in Ann Arbor, Mich., are some of the interesting twists in the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team's 2008-09 schedule that was announced Wednesday. The young Badgers, who will include five freshmen and six sophomores on their roster, could face as many as seven teams that played in the NCAA Tournament last season and three others that played in ...

Brewers notes: Bullpen coach Castro named U.S. citizen

Dennis Semrau — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN Brewers bullpen coach Bill Castro was officially named a citizen of the United States yesterday. Castro, who was born in Santiago in the Dominican Republic, has lived in Milwaukee since 1984. He passed a test to become a citizen of the United States and is waiting to be notified when he will officially be sworn in as a U.S. citizen. The Brewers celebrated the occasion by passing out flags to the players who displayed ...

Mike Lucas: 'Little fish' Maragos adapts well to new pond

Mike Lucas — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

University of Wisconsin strong safety Chris Maragos, a 2007 transfer, felt a little unappreciated and uncomfortable during the two seasons that he spent at Western Michigan, despite starting eight of 13 games as a wide receiver for the Broncos in 2006. "I really don't feel like they thought I could cut it there," said Maragos, who redshirted as a walk-on in 2005, "so that was probably the reason why they didn't try to keep me.

What's the Packers' magic number to forget about Favre?

Dennis Punzel — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

GREEN BAY -- Adam Kissling wore his conflict on his sleeves -- a No. 4 Brett Favre New York Jets jersey, which he wore over a Green Bay Packers T-shirt. Fittingly, he was torn as he contemplated the ultimate Packers fan's "Sophie's Choice" question: If the Packers played the Jets in the Super Bowl, who would you root for? "You can't do that to me," said an agonized Kissling. "That's hard. I'd be torn. I'd root for ...

Mike Lucas: Dan Moore's career starts on the right foot

Mike Lucas — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

University of Wisconsin defensive lineman Dan Moore seemed to be enjoying himself during media day, a mid-August ritual that can be a tiresome exercise for some players. Maybe he was just more appreciative of the little things. While he was holding court with a few reporters, he was also holding a camera. Why not take advantage of the photo op at Camp Randall Stadium? "My mom hasn't been able to visit campus yet," Moore said. "And ...

Bullpen helps Mets to extra-innings win over Brewers

Associated Press — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE — Now that major league rosters have expanded, the New York Mets have a bunch of new arms in their suspect bullpen. It appears they plan to use 'em, too. Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer, Endy Chavez drove in the decisive run in the 10th inning and New York beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 Tuesday night thanks to a stellar effort from its much-maligned bullpen. Six relievers combined for seven shutout innings, helping the NL East leaders ...

Hunt is on for mourning doves, Canada geese

Tim EiseleCorrespondent for The Capital Times — 2008-09-03T05:00:00Z

Monday may have been a day off for many in Wisconsin, but it also was the opening day for two of the earliest hunting seasons: mourning doves and Canada geese. The two-week window for hunting Canada geese is an attempt to reduce the ever-growing population of a species that causes unhappiness with golfers and park users by leaving a mess on the grass. And while the mourning dove hunt remains controversial because of the bird's ...

Brewers believe they're battle-tested for playoff run

Dennis Punzel — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE -- If experience is indeed the best teacher, the Milwaukee Brewers apparently learned some painful lessons last season. Sensational in the spring, the Brewers led the National League Central by as many as 8 1/2 games before wilting in the heat of the pennant race and finishing two games behind the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. As unpleasant as that experience was, it has seemingly paid belated dividends this season. Where last year's Brewers -- ...

Prep Profile: Drew Birrenkott, McFarland

The Capital Times — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

Drew Birrenkott School: McFarland Year: Senior Sports: football, swimming, track and field Football highlights: Birrenkott is a two-time letterwinner, a three-year starter at center and a reserve defensive tackle for the Spartans who was recently named a captain. He earned All-Badger South Conference honorable mention honors as a junior when he helped lead McFarland to a 7-4 overall record and a berth in the second round of the 2007 WIAA Division 3 playoffs. Other sports honors: Birrenkott is a two-time ...

Prep Profile: Laura Phelan, Madison Edgewood

The Capital Times — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

Laura Phelan School: Madison Edgewood Year: Senior Sport: tennis Prep highlights: Phelan is a three-time letterwinner with a prep career record of 72-8 entering her senior year as a doubles tennis player for the Crusaders. She is a co-captain and a member of the No. 1 doubles team with Brianna Piddington this season. Phelan is a three-time state qualifier at the WIAA individual state tournament, finishing sixth and earning second-team all-state honors with a 22-9 ...

Yost's loyalty steady despite Gagne's 'hiccup'

Dennis Punzel — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE -- Get the willies when you see Eric Gagne coming in to pitch the eighth inning for the Milwaukee Brewers? Well, get over it. Despite getting knocked around for three runs Monday by the New York Mets, including a decisive two-run home run by Carlos Delgado, Gagne's role as the setup man is still secure. At least it is with the man who decides such things -- Brewers ...

UW foes: Show me the money

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

When Akron visited Camp Randall Stadium in 2003, it was a good trip for the Zips on at least two fronts. They opened some eyes by throwing a scare into the University of Wisconsin football team, although the then-No. 18 Badgers managed to hold on for a 48-31 victory in their home opener despite nearly wasting a 21-point halftime lead. Akron also headed home with some cash to fill its athletic department's coffers after collecting a $350,000 ...

Stricker to make Ryder Cup debut

Doug FergusonAssociated Press — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

NEW YORK -- Chad Campbell made one last impression on U.S. captain Paul Azinger and was rewarded Tuesday with a spot on the Ryder Cup team, joining Madison's Steve Stricker, Hunter Mahan and J.B. Holmes as captain's picks. Campbell will play on his third straight Ryder Cup team, the first as a wild-card selection. The other three players will be making their Ryder Cup debut, among six rookies for an ...

No Packers means NFL Network no big deal here

Jeff Richgels — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

Now that Charter Communications finally has a deal with Big Ten Network, the next item on the cable provider's agenda figures to be NFL Network. Perhaps, but with no Green Bay Packers game on the channel this season, the Madison area's dominant cable provider isn't feeling any urgency to reach a deal with NFL Network. Charter spokesman John Miller said Tuesday there were "no ...

Badgers jump to No. 11 in AP football poll

Associated Press — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

The University of Wisconsin football team jumped two spots to No. 11 in The Associated Press Top 25 on Tuesday, while Southern California moved past Georgia and Ohio State into the top spot. The Badgers (1-0), coming off a 38-17 victory over Akron in the season opener, are also ranked No. 11 in the coaches' poll. Next up is Marshall (1-0) on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Camp Randall Stadium. USC was rewarded by voters for opening the ...

UW football: Beckum `will play', says Bielema

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

University of Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said Tuesday on the Big Ten Conference coaches teleconference that senior tight end Travis Beckum is expected to play Saturday when the Badgers host Marshall at Camp Randall Stadium. Beckum missed last Saturday's 38-17 victory over Akron in the season opener with a hamstring injury he sustained during preseason camp. ``Travis will play,'' Bielema said Tuesday. ``He completed all of our practice routine on Sunday. He's set to go and everything ...

Constructing the UW football schedule is no small task

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

The worst days for Bill Nayes are the ones when he returns to his office on the eighth floor of Camp Randall Stadium and has an e-mail or phone message waiting for him from a representative of a football team scheduled to play the University of Wisconsin in the future. "I don't even want to call them back, because I know they're not calling to say 'hi' or anything," said Nayes, the director of football operations ...

How much are Big Ten teams paying/making?

The Capital Times — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

HOW MUCH THEY'RE PAYING Payouts from Big Ten Conference teams for nonconference home games Team -- Opponent -- Payout Michigan -- Utah -- $800,000 Ohio State -- Troy -- $800,000 Penn State -- Oregon State -- $800,000 Iowa -- Florida International -- $700,000 Ohio State -- Ohio -- $700,000 Ohio State -- Youngstown State -- $650,000 Wisconsin -- Akron -- $650,000 Michigan -- Toledo -- $500,000 Wisconsin -- Cal Poly -- $500,000 Michigan -- Miami (Ohio) -- $475,000 Wisconsin -- ...

Flynn gets backup QB role with Packers

Associated Press — 2008-09-02T05:00:00Z

GREEN BAY -- Seventh-round pick Matt Flynn has beaten out second-round pick Brian Brohm for the Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback job behind starter Aaron Rodgers, coach Mike McCarthy said after practice Monday. "We just felt Matt was a little more productive than Brian in the preseason, but it's a competition that will continue," McCarthy said. "Matt has to hold the spot, and Brian will have an opportunity to get the spot back." For the preseason, Flynn completed ...

Bielema sees both good and bad in victory over Akron

Nate CareyCorrespondent for The Capital Times — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

Wisconsin football head coach Bret Bielema made his weekly media address Monday, and talked at length about both the positives and negatives his young team took away from Saturday's 38-17 win against Akron. "There were several positives out there individually and collectively," Bielema said. "Positives are some of the things we saw from camp, just the way our guys were able to go about their business, go out there and execute." The Badgers (1-0) ...

Brewers: Sheets leaves early, Gagne blows it late

The Capital Times — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

MLB_GAME-20080901-08-1 MILWAUKEE -- The shadows in late afternoon at Miller Park can be brutal to hitters, but Carlos Delgado made good contact anyway. Delgado's two-run homer off Eric Gagne in the eighth inning propelled the New York Mets to a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. "Probably the worst shadows that I've been involved with since I've been in professional baseball, but it goes the same way for both teams," Delgado said. "It was pretty tough, but ...

Packers' final roster isn't so final

Associated Press — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Packers' final roster isn't so final. Without a long-snapper after rookie J.J. Jansen was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury, one of the 53 players who made it through the final roster reduction Saturday will have to go. Unlike in past years, when Packers general manager Ted Thompson added a player or two after the final cuts were made, Thompson said Sunday that the team ...

Brewers' GM wants changes to scoring system

Associated Press — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

MILWAUKEE — One day after CC Sabathia pitched a controversial one-hitter against Pittsburgh, Milwaukee's general manager said he may lobby to have changes made to the way official scoring decisions are made. Doug Melvin said he thought there should be a committee to decide scoring decisions like the one that may have cost Sabathia a no-hitter in the Brewers' 7-0 victory over the Pirates on Sunday. One official scorer is used in all baseball games ...

Mike Lucas' Upon Further Review: Ground game key to Badgers' success

Mike Lucas — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

Whenever Barry Alvarez was quizzed on why he was so reluctant to throw the football on first down, the former University of Wisconsin football coach would always explain, "Because I don't want to be second-and-long.'' That was particularly true during the 1998 season when Mike Samuel was the quarterback and Ron Dayne was the tailback. Samuel averaged about 14 passing attempts per game on a Big Ten championship team that went 11-1 and featured Dayne.

UW football: Beckum closer to return

Jim Polzin — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

The University of Wisconsin football team got some good news on the injury front Sunday when senior tight end Travis Beckum participatd in both the individual and team portions of practice, according to UW coach Bret Bielema. Beckum, who injured his hamstring during preseason camp, missed last Saturday's season-opening victory over Akron but may be available Saturday when the Badgers host Marshall. Bielema said senior fullback Chris Pressley, who also missed the Akron game, had a pin removed from his surgically repaired ...

No no-no for C.C.; Brewers to appeal

Staff and wire services — 2008-08-31T05:00:00Z

MLB_GAME-20080831-23-1 PITTSBURGH -- To the Milwaukee Brewers, CC Sabathia pitched a no-hitter. The official scorer disagreed. The Brewers are going to try to change his mind. Sabathia limited the Pirates to Andy LaRoche's infield single leading off the fifth inning, on a play Milwaukee manager Ned Yost argued was an error on the pitcher, and the Brewers beat Pittsburgh 7-0 Sunday for their eighth victory in nine games. "He accomplished a no-hitter and wasn't given what he deserved. That should ...

Escobar, Gamel added to Brewers' roster

The Capital Times — 2008-08-31T05:00:00Z

Highly regarded shortstop prospect Alcides Escobar and third baseman Mat Gamel headline the list of 10 players the Milwaukee Brewers will add to the roster on Monday. Teams can expand their rosters to 40 players on Sept. 1, after the conclusion of the minor league regular season. Escobar gets the call from Double-A Huntsville, where he hit .328 with eight home runs, 76 runs batted in and 34 stolen bases. He is regarded as a sensational fielder. Gamel's contract ...

Polzin: Chalk this up as a valuable dress rehearsal

Jim Polzin — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

It's understandable if Joe and Jane Fan cringe at the idea of paying $39 on consecutive Saturdays to watch the University of Wisconsin football team open the season with nonconference games against Akron and Marshall, considered by Sports Illustrated to be the sixth- and fifth-worst teams in the country. But at least acknowledge that starting with a pair of dress rehearsals makes sense for the Badgers before they begin a difficult stretch that includes ...

Packers' practice squad features Wynn

The Capital Times — 2008-08-31T05:00:00Z

Running back DeShawn Wynn, cut by the Green Bay Packers during training camp, was signed to the team's practice squad Sunday along with seven other players. Also signed were wide receiver Jake Allen, center Brennen Carvalho, tight end Joey Haynos, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, cornerback Joe Porter and wide receiver Brett Swain. ...

Weir leads Deutsche Bank; Stricker 10 off pace

Associated Press — 2008-08-31T05:00:00Z

NORTON, Mass. -- Sunshine began to bake the greens, the wind kept players guessing and the birdie cheers kept right on coming Sunday in the Deutsche Bank Championship, the final one for Mike Weir. His third birdie over the final five holes gave him a 4-under 67 and a one-shot lead. And it meant next to nothing. "I've got my hands full," Weir said after patching together a good score despite marginal shots. First came a pair of 63s from ...

Auto racing: Johnson dominates, as Kenseth finishes fifth

Associated Press — 2008-09-01T05:00:00Z

FONTANA, Calif. — As competitive as NASCAR's Sprint Cup series is these days, it's not often a driver overpowers the field the way Jimmie Johnson did Sunday night. It even surprised the two-time reigning series champion. "It was an awesome race car all night long," Johnson said after leading 228 of the 250 laps in the Pepsi 500. "We really didn't touch much all night long and the car was fast and good. And the track just ...

Big sixth inning helps Brewers rout Pirates

From news services — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

MLB_GAME-20080830-23-1 PITTSBURGH — Jeff Suppan thinks his winning streak has as much to do with the Brewers' recent success as it does his own mastery of opponents. Suppan won his fifth consecutive decision, Corey Hart and Mike Cameron homered, and the Milwaukee Brewers handed the Pittsburgh Pirates their ninth straight loss, 11-3 Saturday night. The Brewers improved to 19-7 in August after their seventh win in eight games. "You always want to contribute, and sometimes regardless if you win or ...

Reserves power UW men's soccer to share of Dayton title

From news services — 2008-08-31T05:00:00Z

DAYTON, Ohio - Brian Bultman notched the game-winner in the 79th minute to lift the University of Wisconsin men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Denver and a share of the Dayton Flyer Invitational title. Reserves contributed both scores for the Badgers, who are 2-0 for the first time since 2005. "To have to play again today against a good Denver team, in 90-degree heat again, we knew we were going to need a lot of ...

Akron's Appalachian-esque ambitions unravel in second half

Dennis Punzel — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

The Akron Zips had a pretty good idea what was in store for them as they headed into Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday. And their worst fears were confirmed in the first quarter as they were outscored, 14-0, and outgained, 200 yards to five, by the University of Wisconsin. So imagine their surprise when they went into the locker room at halftime trailing by just a touchdown, 17-10, having scored the last 10 points of ...

Ask Lucas: Wisconsin vs. Akron

Mike Lucas — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

Welcome to our first installment of Ask Lucas where Capital Times columnist and University of Wisconsin radio color commentator Mike Lucas answers your questions after each Badgers' football game. Let's get started. Hey, Mike, how did the Badgers look to you? I thought Wisconsin dominated the line of scrimmage. We kind of expected that going in, just because of what Akron was doing schematically. This was a defense that was built for the kinds of teams they face within ...

Packers' cuts include Herron, Morency (with photos)

The Capital Times — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

The Green Bay Packers released 19 players on Saturday as part of their roster cutdown, most notably running backs Noah Herron and Vernand Morency. The team also placed three players on injured reserve, including guard Junius Coston, as it trimmed its roster to the 53-player limit. Also released Saturday were wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Scorpio Babers, defensive tackle Conrad Bolston, center Brennen Carvalho, safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Spencer Havner, tight end Joey Haynos, guard Ryan Keenan, linebacker ...

Saturday's prep football scores

Associated Press — 2008-08-31T05:00:00Z

Here are scores from Saturday's high school football games in Wisconsin. Benton/Scales Mound 41, Cassville 0 Black Hawk 55, Seneca 0 Hilbert 16, Manitowoc Roncalli 12 Kenosha St. Joseph 14, Milwaukee Vincent 12 Living Word Lutheran 38, Oneida Nation 0 Milwaukee Heritage Christian 52, Williams Bay 13 Milwaukee Pius 7, Milwaukee Bradley Tech 0 Pecatonica/Argyle 41, Shullsburg 13 Stevens Point Pacelli 37, Racine St. Catherine's 0 Sturgeon Bay 42, Milwaukee North 0 Wayland Academy 30, Lake Forest Academy, Ill. 20 For local prep football scores, ...

CT game report: UW vs. Akron

Nate Carey — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

A quick-hit overview of the University of Wisconsin football team's 38-17 victory over Akron at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday: Player of the GameP.J. Hill Hill was impressive to start off his third season as the Badgers' main running back, with 210 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Saturday marked the second time in his career that the junior has rushed for over 200 yards, with a 249-yard performance against Northwestern as a freshman. Hill, ...

UW vs. Akron: Answers to 5 burning questions

Jim Polzin — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

Here are five burning questions -- and some answers -- from the University of Wisconsin football team's 38-17 victory over Akron Saturday in the 2008 season opener against at Camp Randall Stadium. 1. Will the Zips put up a fight? Pregame outlook: When Sports Illustrated previewed the college football season earlier this month, it placed UW at No. 10 and picked the Badgers to finish with a 10-2 record during the regular season. You can ...

Dolgner named MVP as UW nets Kentucky Classic title

From news services — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Brittney Dolgner rapped out six of her 13 kills in the decisive third set en route to tournament MVP honors Saturday as the 13th-ranked University of Wisconsin volleyball team won the Kentucky Classic with a sweep of the host Wildcats. Fellow junior Katherine Dykstra also earned all-tournament honors with a match-high 14 kills, hitting .550 as the Badgers (3-0) prevailed 25-21, 25-19, 25-22. "It was a great start for us," Wisconsin coach Pete Waite ...

Relatively quiet day for police at Camp Randall

The Capital Times — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

University of Wisconsin police cited six underage people for possession of alcohol and ejected a total of 22 from Saturday's football game against Akron University, according to a news release. Those numbers are relatively small compared to other games. Last year, for example, 26 people were ejected from a similar early-season game against Washington State. Against Iowa, which was a night game in September, a total of 99 people were ejected and ...

Glory days: Hall of Fame inductees reflect on UW memories

Nate CareySpecial to The Capital Times — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

Standing outside the Shell on a warm August afternoon, it was hard not to be taken aback by the nine prominent individuals inducted into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame. Of the six living inductees in attendance, each has their own interesting story of how they came to Madison, where they went after, and what this honor means to them. To Sidney Williams, who in 1956 became the first African-American to start at quarterback ...

Dolgner leads UW volleyball to title match

The Capital Times — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Brittney Dolgner mashed 16 kills Saturday as the 13th-ranked University of Wisconsin volleyball team overcame a shoddy service performance to sweep Pittsburgh 25-19, 25-19, 25-16 and secure a berth in the championship of the Kentucky Classic. Freshman Janelle Gabrielsen posted her first career double-double with 17 assists and a match-high 12 digs for the Badgers (2-0), who will face host Kentucky (2-0) in the title match at 6 p.m. Wisconsin had six ...

Prep football: West powers to 30-7 win over Memorial (with photos)

Dennis Semrau — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

Julius Starlin knew what it felt like to put points on the scoreboard while playing fullback on the Madison West sophomore team last season. So when Starlin had an opportunity to make a play on defense and go the distance against Madison Memorial in their Big Eight Conference and season-opening game Friday night, the 6-foot, 210-pound junior defensive end didn't have to be told what to do. "I wasn't really looking at the ...

Braun powers Brewers past Pirates

Associated Press — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

MLB_GAME-20080829-23-1 PITTSBURGH -- Milwaukee put its first two runners on base Friday night, and that brought up the perfect hitter to face Tom Gorzelanny. Ryan Braun continued his success against the left-hander by hitting a three-run home run, and the Brewers handed the Pittsburgh Pirates their eighth straight loss with a 3-1 win. Dave Bush (9-9) allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings for Milwaukee, which increased its lead in the NL wild-card race to 4 ...

CT staff predictions: UW vs. Akron

The Capital Times — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

Once again, the crew at Capital Times sports will offer its predictions heading into every University of Wisconsin football game this season. But this year, there's a twist: We're picking against the spread. This isn't an endorsement of gambling, but rather an attempt to up the ante for our crew, which has rolled through a series of double-digit victory totals over the past four seasons as the Badgers have re-established themselves as a national powerhouse and removed ...

Edgewood men's soccer drops opener

The Capital Times — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

The Edgewood College men's soccer team dropped its home opener against St. Norbert College on Friday, losing 4-2 after the visiting team scored three goals in the second half. The scored was tied 1-1 at halftime after St. Norbert's Aaron Benson scored first, followed by a header from Edgewood's Jerrid Dokey. The teams were still tied at 2-2 in the second half following an unassisted goal by Edgewood's Andy Witek in the 59th minute. But St. Norbert ...

Friday's prep football scores

Associated Press — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

Here are prep football scores from Friday night games across Wisconsin. Adams-Friendship 21, Wittenberg-Birnamwood 14 Alden-Hebron, Ill. 34, Beloit Turner 20 Almond-Bancroft 36, Menominee Indian 20 Amery 26, Grantsburg 7 Appleton East 20, Appleton West 7 Appleton North 37, Menasha 0 Appleton Xavier 40, Freedom 6 Arcadia 28, Independence/Gilmanton 6 Baldwin-Woodville 22, Mondovi 8 Bay Port 42, Ashwaubenon 31 Brodhead/Juda 13, Mayville 10 Brookfield Academy 40, Madison Abundant Life 6 Brookfield Central 7, Waterford 6 Brookwood 20, DeSoto 14, OT Brown Deer 42, Watertown Luther Prep 10 Campbellsport 27, ...

UW volleyball: Dolgner, Badgers hold on for season-opening sweep

The Capital Times — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

LEXINGTON -- Brittney Dolgner had 10 kills as the 13th-ranked University of Wisconsin volleyball team opened its season with a sweep of Western Carolina in the first round of the Kentucky Classic. Katherine Dykstra added nine kills for the Badgers, who staved off a late comeback attempt by the Catamounts for a 25-13, 25-9, 27-25 victory. Wisconsin trailed 25-24 in the third set but Morgan Salow knotted the score with a kill. Dykstra and Dolgner followed ...

Inside the Huddle with Mike Lucas

Mike Lucas — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

A primer for the University of Wisconsin football team's season opener against Akron on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium from Capital Times columnist Mike Lucas, the team's radio analyst on the Wisconsin Radio Network. Got a question for Mike about the Badgers? Click here to visit the "Ask Lucas" section, and pose your query. Answers will be posted later in the day. University of Wisconsin sophomore wide receiver Kyle Jefferson had no idea that he ...

Braga, Middleton sprint past Purgolders

Jason McMahon — 2008-08-30T05:00:00Z

For a few minutes Friday night, it looked like a track meet was going to break out between the Middleton and Madison East football teams on the artificial turf at Otto Breitenbach Stadium.But it turned out the Purgolders were off to a false start, and the Cardinals lapped their Big Eight Conference rivals 42-7 in the season opener for both teams.Senior tailback Brooks Braga rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns ...

Changes in store as UW volleyball team begins season

Rob Schultz — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

Coaches usually abhor change. They are all about consistency that comes from hours of redundant drilling of time-tested fundamentals and game plans. So imagine how Pete Waite is going to feel Friday night when his University of Wisconsin volleyball team opens its season with a new offense he has never previously coached that includes using two setters who have three combined starts for the Badgers. Completing the "new" trifecta are some ...

Recreation: Top cyclocross racer to host Verona clinic

The Capital Times — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

Jonathan Page, a world-class competitor in cyclocross, will host a clinic Saturday at Badger Prairie County Park in Verona. Page, a Planet Bike racer who has won multiple national titles and was silver medalist at the 2006 world championships, will conduct a seminar for beginners in the morning at 8:30 and advanced riders at 1 p.m. Page will be assisted by other top local racers on the Planet Bike team including Kristin Wentworth, Jesse LaLonde and Marko ...

Semrau: Cosgroves enjoying move back to Madison

Dennis Semrau — 2008-08-29T05:00:00Z

MIDDLETON -- Thursday was a big night in the Cosgrove family household. But it wasn't just because Madison Edgewood opened the 2008 prep football season with a convincing 35-0 victory over Sauk Prairie in a nonconference game. It was a successful homecoming for senior Connor Cosgrove, who moved from Madison to Lincoln, Neb. the summer before he entered eighth grade after his father, Kevin, left the University of Wisconsin where he was the defensive coordinator for ...