UW-Madison hosts first annual Badgers in Training month

The UW–Madison Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and UW Health Sports Medicine have teamed up to present a month-long roster of athletic and fitness events to illustrate the importance of health and fitness in our lives. Kids and parents alike can benefit from learning about healthy living and seeing those principles in action through Badger student-athletes and Wisconsin athletics.

UW–Madison invites Badgers of all ages, shapes and sizes to “Badgers in Training: Health and Fitness for Families.” Throughout the month of October, Badger fans are invited to campus for a stadium-sized schedule of activities, which give participants a chance to learn from sports and fitness specialists.

Watch the Badgers hit the grass, the ice and the courts as they take on rivals from around the nation in soccer, hockey and volleyball. Special discounted tickets are available for certain games to make these events affordable for entire families, teams and clubs. See events listing for specific games and ticket prices.

Before the games, kids can brush up on athletic skills in sport-specific clinics led by UW Health sports training professionals. Clinics also include visits from Badger student-athletes and coaches. Adults have the chance to hear presentations from UW Health Sports Medicine physicians and UW coaches on health, injury prevention and athletics.

“Badgers in Training” concludes on Oct. 31 with Kids Day at the Kohl, a full day of activities, games, Badger student-athletes and Bucky Badger in all his furry glory.

Registration for kids’ skills clinic is recommended, but not required. Registered attendees are guaranteed clinic admission. To register, call the Athletic Department’s marketing department at (608) 265-2100 or e-mail gobucky@athletics.wisc.edu.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, Oct. 3
7:30 p.m. (gates open 6:30 p.m.)
Badger Women’s Soccer vs. Illinois
McClimon Complex, 700 Walnut St.
6:45p.m., free soccer skills clinic for kids K-8 by UW Health Sports Medicine athletic trainers. Features a visit from head coach Dean Duerst and Badger soccer players. Parents and coaches can attend a presentation by Kathleen Carr, team physician for UW Women’s Soccer, on injury prevention for youth soccer players. During the game, a “Badger Brain-Teaser” quiz will test kids’ fitness smarts, with prizes awarded throughout the game. Admission: $5 for adults, free for kids 18 and under.

Friday, Oct. 10
7 p.m. (gates open 6 p.m.)
Badger Men’s Soccer vs. Indiana
McClimon Complex, 700 Walnut St.
6:15p.m., free soccer skills clinic for kids K-8 by UW Health Sports Medicine athletic trainers. Parents and coaches can attend a presentation by Thomas Best, team physician for UW Men’s Soccer, on injury prevention for youth soccer players. During the game, a “Badger Brain-Teaser” quiz will test kids’ fitness smarts, with prizes awarded throughout the game. Admission: $5 for adults, free for kids 18 and under.

Sunday, Oct. 12
2 p.m. (gates open 1 p.m.)
Badger Volleyball vs. Minnesota
UW Field House, 1440 Monroe St.
The first 1,000 kids K-8 receive a fun health-related activity book. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for kids 18 and under.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Badger Women’s Hockey vs. Minnesota 2:05 p.m. (gates open 1 p.m.)
Badger Men’s Hockey vs. Quinnipiac 7:05 p.m. (gates open 6 p.m.)
Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St.
A double-header of sticks, skates and SIEVE! Between the two games, kids K-8 can attend a free clinic on dry-land balance and strength training led by Randy Clark and Jude Sullivan, exercise physiologists from UW Health Sports Medicine Center. The clinic begins at 4:30 p.m. and will be located in the Kohl Center’s Nicholas-Johnson Pavilion. Parents and coaches can attend a presentation from Thomas Best, team physician for UW Men’s Hockey, on injury prevention in youth hockey. This Badger hockey experience includes a visit from head coaches Mark Johnson and Mike Eaves. Admission: Women’s game – $5 for adults, $2 for kids 18 and under. Men’s game – $16 for adults, $14 for kids 18 and under. Participants can attend either game and attend the free clinic, or take advantage of a special “Family Four Pack,” which includes tickets to both games and coupons valid for a beverage and sandwich at the concession stands. “Family Four Packs” are $48 and must be ordered in advance by calling the Wisconsin Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-BADGERS or (608) 262-1440.

Friday, Oct. 31
11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Wisconsin public schools in-service day)
Kids’ Day at the Kohl
Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St.
No tricks – but plenty of treats – await children at this daylong adventure. Meet Badger coaches, student-athletes and get Bucky’s autograph. Kids’ Day at the Kohl offers interactive activities, locker-room tours and a chance to hang out with the Badgers. Admission is free.