WPT documentary captures Badger football history

The players, passion and pageantry of UW football are captured in “U Rah Rah Wisconsin: A History of Badger Football,” a new documentary produced by Wisconsin Public Television.

“U Rah Rah Wisconsin” plumbs the rich legacy of UW football, from the 1942 team of Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch that won the mythical national championship to the program’s current resurgence.

The spotlight also shines on the connection between the team and its devoted fans — from a man who traveled the original Route 66 to see the team in California to a couple who married on the 50-yard line. And the program wouldn’t be complete without a focus on the beloved Badger Band.

“We set out to go beyond just rehashing the seasons and scores,” says producer Steve Jandacek. “We wanted to bring out the flavor of Badger football, the loyalty of the fans, the things so many of them do to show their love for Wisconsin football.”

The program will debut March 10 at 7 p.m. on Wisconsin Public Television stations.