film and taking care of the little details. "That (film study) is one thing I've found to be
more important over my career. In the beginning, I was just going in there and looking at my mis- takes. But now I'm reading the defenses, I'm look- ing at what other players are doing and putting myself in their shoes.'' Wagner is motivated by winning Big Ten cham- pionships and one other thing: tradition. "Being an offensive lineman, I don't want to be
let anybody down,'' he said. "There's a high expec- tation here and I've embraced that and it moti- vates me to keep practicing and working hard.'' After a recent practice, Rick Wagner sat pen- sively in the third row of seats at Camp Randall. "I've been watching the Badgers play on this field
ever since I was a kid,'' said Wagner, his eyes scan- ning the stadium. "My parents went to games here and, growing up in the state, it's probable more special for me than others. It's a big honor playing here every day.'' Maybe you caught it; maybe you didn't. Yes, it is
Rick Wagner. He would prefer to be called "Rick'' and not "Ricky'' Wagner, but he's OK with what- ever you call him. "It's been Ricky and Rick and I just want to make it one — I want to make it Rick,'' he said softly. "My high school coach always called me Ricky
and he filled out my official questionnaire that way.''
He's bound to hear it said both ways this year. Either/or would look good on the Outland.
34 » VARSITY AUGUST 23, 2012
