Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - January 26, 2012

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MAKING A CONNECTION The Badgers' new offensive line coach spent 19 years working with one head coach, but an even older relationship helped bring Mike Markuson from Mississippi all the way to Madison BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM Markuson — Alvarez couldn't help but smile. "I'm thinking to myself, 'You don't have to sell me on Markuson — I know he's a good coach,'' Alvarez said. "I've followed Mike's career and he's very passionate about what he does.'' In 1989, Alvarez was the defensive coordina- W tor at Notre Dame — his final season with the Irish before taking the UW job — and Markuson was a graduate assistant on Lou Holtz's staff. "Mike was trained by one of the best O- line coaches ever in Joe Moore,'' said Alvarez. "Markuson is a tough guy and understands physical football. "When I called Bret, he told me that he had al- ready made contact with him. I was really happy about that. Mike has coached in a lot of differ- 42 » VARSITY JANUARY 26, 2012 hen Houston Nutt called Wisconsin athletic direc- tor Barry Alvarez to put in a good word for his offensive line coach of 19 years — Mike ent offenses, but he understands what we're all about.'' In taking over as the UW's offensive line coach, Markuson admitted that he really hasn't had much communication with Alvarez over the last few years other than to say "Hi'' at the con- vention. "I'll be honest with you,'' Markuson said, "I would periodically write him (Alvarez) a note back in my early days. My first couple of years at Arkansas, I even came up to visit when he was the head coach. "To me how it all came together was Coach Alvarez. I know he was influential with Coach Bielema in helping get me to Wisconsin. I'm thankful for that and proud as punch to be a Badger.'' How proud? "It's a dream come true,'' he said, "because we've always talked about it.'' Working for the Badgers actually came up in conversation less than a month ago.

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