isconsin's Gary Andersen has never been
around such a "Brotherhood" ― five sets
of brothers ― in all of his years of coaching, including time spent with his older brother,
Mark, on the same staff.
Gary Andersen was the head coach and Mark Andersen was his Director of Football Operations at
Southern Utah for one season (2003) and Utah State
for three (2010-12).
They were also together at the University of Utah
under Urban Meyer and Kyle Whittingham. Gary
Andersen was the defensive coordinator and Mark
Andersen was in operations.
"Our relationship grew," said Gary Andersen.
"When you go through the highs and lows of college
football, the relationship has really no choice but to
get better or to get worse. Ours got better."
Mark Andersen, who's older by 12 years, worked
in the telecommunications engineering industry for
three decades in Salt Lake City and Denver before
retiring in 2002.
He got involved in football operations because
"he was bored," Gary Andersen said. "Initially he
had no idea what he was getting himself into," he
added. "But it all worked out and it was fun."
At Wisconsin, Andersen has inherited the Armstrongs (Ethan and Thad), Biegels (Vince and
W
Hayden), Hemers (Ethan and Ben), Trotters (Marcus and Michael) and Watts (Derek and T.J.).
The Trotters are the only twins.
On the phenomenon of so many sets of brothers,
Andersen said, "It has a lot to do with tradition and
families wanting their kids to come to Wisconsin
and keep coming to Wisconsin."
Gary and Stacey Andersen's three boys were on
a similar path to Utah State. Keegan Andersen is a
junior tight end at the school and his twin brothers,
Chasen and Hagen, were headed there.
"I look at my own kids and I would have loved
the opportunity for a couple of them to play on the
same Division I football team," Gary Andersen said.
"That would have been special times.
"And it was the plan at one point."
Chasen Andersen, a linebacker, is now planning
on playing football for his dad at Wisconsin.
"Now maybe one will be coaching while the other one is playing," Gary Andersen said, "so there's
a chance that might happen if Keegan decides he
wants to possibly GA (after his playing days)."
Sizing up his current "Brotherhood" with the
Badgers, Andersen said, "It's an interesting dynamic. These kids handle it very well. When I say handle
it, that's the truth of the matter."
• • • •
WATCH: BADGER SPORTS REPORT FEATURE ON THE BROTHERS
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VARSITY October 24, 2013
