Thanks, Barry: University honors retiring coach with ceremony, praise

On “Barry Alvarez Day,” it was only fitting that the fans’ chants of “Barry, Barry,” which began at the football game at Camp Randall earlier in the day, extended across campus to the hockey game at the Kohl Center that night. The fans’ chants acknowledged UW’s head football coach of 16 years, who coached the final home game of his career on Nov. 12. The Badgers fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes, 20-10.

“He made Badger football what it is today,” said Channel 27 sports director Jay Wilson, who has covered the Badgers for more than 18 years and is also a 1980 UW–Madison alumnus.

Alvarez’s legacy as coach will be exactly that. When Alvarez arrived in 1990, he inherited a losing football program and entered an athletic department deep in debt. He resurrected the UW football program, leading Wisconsin to the three winningest seasons in school history and three Rose Bowl.

“He made my lifelong dream come true,” said Mike Leckrone, who has directed the UW Marching Band since 1969.

By reviving the football program, Alvarez also put life back into the athletic department, allowing the renovation of Camp Randall and the construction of the Kohl Center. So, in a post-game celebration on “Barry Alvarez Day,” his colleagues, players, former players, friends, family and fans thanked the coach for a job well done.

A video presentation highlighted Alvarez’s hiring, Rose Bowl victories, big games and interviews from coaches he’s worked with. Former players, including Darrell Bevell, Terrell Fletcher, Chris McIntosh, Donnel Thompson and Lee Evans gave their thanks, emphasizing Alvarez’s leadership for them not only on the field, but off the field as well.

“He’s a wonderful inspiration to the boys,” said Marjorie and John Thomas, grandparents of junior offensive lineman Joe Thomas. “Joe has really enjoyed playing for him.”

The post-game ceremony played out like an episode of “This is Your Life,” with attendees including Alvarez’s family, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany, UW’s interim provost Virginia Sapiro, the Badgers’ 1993 captain Joe Panos, and the people who hired him: former UW athletic director Pat Richter and former UW chancellor Donna Shalala. Also joining in were about 80,000 Badger fans.

“You kept every promise you ever made to us about bringing back Badger football and you did it with class, with a commitment to our student-athletes, and you did it for Badger fans all over the world. And for that we’ll always be grateful. You’re the best,” Shalala said.

When it was finally Alvarez’s turn to speak, he returned the thanks.

“Wow. I am humbled,” Alvarez said. “It’s been a great ride.”