DAVID STLUKA
DAVID STLUKA
T
heirs is a special bond on the Wisconsin campus. Entry to the inner
circle is not ordained but predicated
on promise and performance ― one
in the same for tailback Melvin Gordon, forward Sam Dekker and winger Nic Kerdiles
― leading many to wonder "What's next?" as they
become sophomores.
"I was telling someone the other day it's fun
watching someone from your school doing well,"
Dekker said. "But it's even more fun watching
someone you know as a person and not just an
athlete. It's more fun watching them be successful
because you kind of build a little emotional attachment.
"That's the great thing about the University of
Wisconsin," enthused Dekker, whose own popularity extends to 18,571 followers (and counting)
on his Twitter account (@samdek1). "All the sports
teams have respect for each other and we're all
18 » VARSITY
JUN E 20, 2013
friends and we all hang out."
Logistically, it's a lot easier for Dekker and Kerdiles to "hang out" because the UW basketball and
hockey teams are based within the Kohl Center
and its extension, LaBahn Arena, whereas Gordon
and the football team operate out of Camp Randall
Stadium and the McClain indoor practice facility.
Gordon has had some classes with hockey and
basketball players, such as Traevon Jackson and
George Marshall, both of whom have been on campus for two years, like he has been. No introduction is needed for Dekker. "I like him," Gordon
said. "We'll see each other and ask, 'What's up?'"
Everyone knows the answer. Swagger is up.
"He does have it," Gordon said. All three have it.
"Sam Dekker," Kerdiles said, "is a very wellknown player on campus and obviously he handles himself pretty well. I look up to that because
when you're an athlete you get a little more notoriety than a regular student. It's always nice to see
