52 // VARSITY February 20, 2014
INSIDE
WRESTLING
Graff leaving a legacy of
success at Wisconsin
Senior ranks in top 10 in career wins at UW
BY ANNA POULTER-HENDRICKSON @BADGERWRESTLING
T
he Badgers' regular sea-
son draws to a close this
weekend with a pair of
home Big Ten duals. Prior to
the start of Sunday's match
against No. 3 Iowa, Wiscon-
sin will honor its five seniors
for all of their hard work and
dedication to the UW program.
Senior Tyler Graff has em-
bodied the Badger spirit in his
time at UW, putting in the time
and energy to become one of
Wisconsin's best.
"He has had a great career,"
UW head coach Barry Davis
said. "I know it isn't his goal to
be a four-time All-American,
but he can be a three-time
All-American and a national
champion, that would make
him a four-time All-American.
"He has had a great career
so far. I know he wants it to
end on a high note in March, but know-
ing Tyler Graff, he is going to take it one
dual meet at a time."
Graff, a three-time All-American at
133 lbs., is leaving a legacy at Wisconsin.
He is one of nine three-time All-Ameri-
cans at UW and a fourth honor would put
him on a list with only Lee Kemp, Matt
Hanuke and Donny Pritzlaff, some of the
Badgers' all-time greats.
"His work ethic is one of the greatest
I've been around," Davis continued. "A lot
of guys have gone through here in my 22
years at the UW, but Tyler Graff is one of
the top guys all-time, training-wise and
focus-wise.
"He loves the sport of wrestling, but
more than that, he has grown as a person
off the mat."
Graff 's career record of 122-23 ranks
seventh all-time on the Badgers' record
list, while his .841 winning percentage is
ninth. Twice, the Loveland, Colo., native
has finished fifth at the NCAA champion-
ships and last year posted his best finish
yet, third.
"He has been a great role model for the
guys," Davis said. "The guys can say 'I see
what Tyler Graff is doing and where he
has been. He is one of the all-time greats
at Wisconsin. I want to be like Tyler
Graff.' Tyler has set that tone. It's a great
thing and he has helped us out quite a bit
since he has been here.
"Tyler Graff is one of those guys who
has earned the right to get his hand
raised on the big stage Saturday night."
SCHEDULE (12-4, 5-1)
COMING UP
Feb. 21 #7 Nebraska 7 p.m.
Feb. 23 #3 Iowa 1 p.m.
March 8-9 Big Ten Championships
Kohl Center All Day
