Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/124924
The FREEMAN SPORTS MAY 2013 Inside Glacier skater makes select hockey team........3B SECTION B Strickland goes from playing at Central to coaching secondary at Wisconsin New head coach retains former Lancer By Daniel Mike Freeman Staff BROOKFIELD – Ben Strickland has a fondness for learning and teaching. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in education. He's closing in on his master's degree at UW. But he also has a fondness for football. He played the sport as a youth through college, becoming a special teams ace for the Badgers during his time in the program. He's putting both of those loves to use at the school that helped him get to this point. Strickland was retained as secondary coach Ben Strickland originally didn't intend to get involved in college coaching. by new Badgers coach Gary Andersen after Strickland was promoted to a full-time assistant before the 2012 season. "I was tremendously proud when coach Andersen gave me the opportunity," said Strickland, a 2003 Brookfield Central High School graduate. "One thing I've learned over the years is there are a lot of good coaches out there. The fact that Gary trusted me spoke a lot to me." Strickland didn't intend to get into college coaching. His first year out of Wisconsin, he taught at Wayzata High School in Minnesota and was an assistant coach at Minnetonka High School. But he came back to UW to pursue his master's degree and became a graduate assistant for the Badgers in 2009. "(Wisconsin) offered me an opportunity, and I decided to give it a shot," Strickland said. "I was in my master's program, so I knew no matter how things worked out, I'd have a better edu"It's opened more doors toward Strickland said he is two papers cation. getting that degree." away from earning his master's Submitted photos degree, but it has taken a tad longer than he had hoped. Getting promoted from graduate assistant to full-time in 2012 meant more time constraints, but it doesn't mean he won't earn the degree. "If I'm going to preach education to my players, I better follow through, too," Strickland said. Preaching education is something that comes easy to Strickland. Getting to do so while coaching football has been a perfect mix. "I have a passion for football, but I also have a passion for teaching," Strickland said. "Being able to do both through coaching – both on and off the field – gives me a tremendous sense of pride and something I can instill in the kids. I'd like to do it for as long as I'm allowed to." Strickland has earned a reputation as a strong recruiter, and he brings a unique perspective to the Badgers. He was an in-state player who decided to walk on with the Badgers – and earned a captain's role as a senior. He understands what Wisconsin means to high school kids in the state, and he has helped bring many in-state kids to the Badgers. "I have a great relationship with the high school coaches and the kids in the state," he said. "Having a good, trusting relationships was a factor in coach Andersen keeping me on staff. I'm looking forward to keeping that going. One thing coach Andersen understands is you've got to win in state. You have to protect the borders and keep the kids in state. "One thing I stress to these guys is there's no place that can duplicate Wisconsin. Getting to watch them growing up and then playing for your dream school is special." Strickland was considered undersized for the NCAA Division I level coming out of Central, where he played with Cleveland Browns perennial all-pro Joe Thomas. He was an all-state running back but had to fight for a spot on the Badgers. He admits he likely had to work harder than others along the way, but it's paying off now in his coaching position. "Any coach will tell you that you're only as good as their players," Strickland said. "If guys aren't as talented, you've got to figure out ways to put them in the best situations. I understand the limitations I had, and being able to coach guys without as many limitations helps you figure out their roles. "I understand the detail it takes to be successful. I coach those things up and try to understand that they're 18- to 22-year-old men and how they learn." And that brings Strickland back to his role as an educator. "The things I took away from my background in education, those are priceless," he said. "The details of teaching the game of football are something I respect a lot." Email: dmike@conleynet.com 231843002 • • • • • • • • Join us for Mother's Day Sunday Brunch Our Brunch Buffet will be served Sunday, May 12, 2013 From 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in our Panos' Banquet Hall For Starters Side Dishes Fresh Fruit & Cold Pasta Salads Fresh Dinner Rolls Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Noodles, Rice, Stuffing, Hot Fresh Vegetables Exams/Restorative Care Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening Implants Crowns • Bridges White Fillings Limited Orthodontics Root Canal Treatment Get to know us at our newly remodeled office. Breakfast Items (Only available until 1:00 pm) Desserts Scrambled eggs, French Toast, Hash Browns, Sausage & Bacon Omelets to order Variety of Desserts, Cakes and Pies Main Entrée Items Champagne Fountain, Regular/Decaffeinated Coffee, 2 Juices on the buffet and Milk are included Chef Carved Prime Rib, Virginia Baked Ham, Beef Tenderloin Tips, Oven Roasted Turkey, Sautéed Chicken Breast, Peel and Eat Shrimp B.B.Q. Baby Back Ribs NEW PATIENT SPECIAL • • • • Beverages (All other beverages would be extra) $ Delta Dental Premier & PPO In-Network Providers We serve only the best We cater to your group of 50 to 500 AMPLE PARKING Check out our online menu 89 $ All Services Listed are Included In-Network Provider For Most Dental Plans www.BrightSmiles.net 262-754-2727 231364001 www.panosbanquetcenter.com 20290 W. Bluemound Rd. | Brookfield, WI 53045 262.782.8670 | Fax: 262.782.6456 Professional Cleaning Comprehensive Exam Cavity Detecting X-Rays Free Second Opinion Additional charges may apply if gum disease is present. Valid only with coupon. All for Only Adults 21.95 Children under 10 8.95 (3 and under Free) Reservations Required Please Call 262-782-8670 $ Dr. Grams In the Galleria West Shopping Center 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Ste. 218, Brookfield