The players’ parents emphasized how grateful they are that their sons play for Wisconsin.
“We’re just you know, grateful to be called parents, to be called a dad to a son that plays for the Badgers, and course the culture in Wisconsin is one that for sure helps to make a better citizens of every son and daughter who goes there,” Leo Mjongmeta said.
“Will [Pauling] was at Cincinnati with Coach Fick, and he’s just done a great job developing a program mentality. And I think that as he has more time here, that’ll really sink in and, and it’ll be great for the program,” Gerald Pauling said.
“I mean, wearing red, they’re everywhere,” Eric Strey said. “I mean, I think one of the reasons we get great bowl games is they know Badger fans are going to travel. It’s been forever.”
The dedicated Badger fans got a chance to interact with some of the players before cheering for them on New Year’s Day.
“I just talked to Hayden Rucci and Tanner Mordecai, and to see those kids ball out to the very end, I mean that it almost brings tears to your heart because they could walk away at any time,” Lake Mills native Matt Kooiman said. “And just to see the kids that decided to come down here and do it one last time with each other, that’s awesome.”
As for the team, the players are enjoying the team bonding that comes with bowl week.
“Now you know our lives, and it’s 24/7 football every single day so to have time like this to get out, to enjoy the weather, no time like it,” Defensive End James Thompson Jr. said. “It’s real fun to sit back relax a little bit before you’re ready, go play.”
Wisconsin faces LSU on Monday at Raymond James Stadium at 11 a.m. Tune in to WKOW on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. for our Badgers Bowl Game Special.
