"Let's say he (Nuttycombe) waited another three
years (to retire). Now I'm 60 and it doesn't sound
the same (to administrators) when you're 60 as opposed to 57."
Byrne also conceded that, over the last 18 months
since guiding the Badgers to the 2011 NCAA cross
country title, "some schools have come chasing."
While there may have been some intriguing options
elsewhere, he couldn't bring himself to leave.
"I love Madison, I love the
university, and I really enjoy
the people I've worked under,"
Byrne said. "I love Coach (Barry) Alvarez's passion. When
you have a legend walking the
halls, you can feel it.
"He (Alvarez, the UW athletic director) gets excited about winning. I like that.
When you walk around this campus, I also love the
way the kids here play hard and work hard. I like the
combination."
What was it about Byrne that convinced Nuttycombe that he would be an ideal successor?
"Obviously having been a head coach for all those
years at Iona, he brings a tremendous amount of experience," said Nuttycombe. "Having worked here
for the last five years, he understands the Wisconsin
setting and he understands the Wisconsin system.
"Had we brought in someone from the outside,
they could have learned, of course. But it will be a
smooth, seamless transition with Mick. I was very
pleased when I got to this point that Mick was there
and I'm happy that he's taking over because I know
he will continue what we
have been doing."
Nuttycombe, 61, will now
serve the program as a volunteer coach.
"Having him on our side is
great for recruiting," Byrne
said, "and it's great for our
continuity, especially in this transition the first year.
I can't imagine going to some of the meets without
him. He's a fantastic resource and he's loved in the
profession all around the country.
"I know that I will be leaning on him a lot because
he has done it for so long. I'm going to try and put
my signature on certain things. But there are cer-
WALT MIDDLETON
"I LOVE THE PROCESS OF CHASING
TITLES,'' BYRNE SAID. "YOU CAN'T
ALWAYS WIN. BUT CHASING
THE DREAM IS FUN.''
42
//
Byrne led the Badgers back
to the top when UW claimed
its fifth national title in men's
cross country in 2011.
VARSITY August 15, 2013
