Welcome to Jaytalking, edition 30!
Unlike most weeks, when we plan on an early week and/or a Thursday podcast, we’re giving you part one of my exclusive two-part WTMJ Conversations chat with University of Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez.
On December 31 of this year, he will begin his fourth decade with the Badgers, the first 14 as football coach, two years as both coach and athletic director and 14 years solely as the “AD” (with a couple bowl games thrown in as an interim coach when the moment necessitated it).
In part one, we discuss his formative years, what spawned his career dream of coaching and running an athletic department, his influences and pathway to UW and the magical season of 1993.
So many different nuggets came out of our conversation, with a lot touching on the culture change Alvarez instilled at UW, changing the football team from an also-ran to one of the most consistent winners in college football. He is still the only coach to ever win a Rose Bowl at UW.
As always, tweet me with your comments, show topic ideas and more!