Fan Pep Rally Full of Surprising Moments, Appearances

When you say Wisconsin, you’ve said it all. And when you see what Badgers fans did at the Wisconsin Football Pep Rally in Los Angeles, you’ve seen it all. The chancellor embracing a “Cool Mom!” chant from band members. A linebacker wearing a marching tuba. Barry Alvarez turning back the clock to deliver an emphatic (and, yes, earthy) locker-room speech. And to top it off, a surprise appearance from NFL superstar Melvin Gordon and the rock-star UW volleyball team.

Hundreds of Badgers, plus a smattering of curious locals and brave Oregon fans, packed the L.A. Live entertainment district Monday afternoon for UW Athletics’ Rose Bowl fan event. It was a fitting celebration for the most festive football game in the land.

When Chancellor Rebecca Blank was asked on stage which UW sports team she’s enjoyed watching the most this year, she responded: “Asking you to choose your favorite team is a little like asking you to choose among your children.” That got a big response from members of the marching band.

“Well, they’re all my children,” Blank said, motioning at the band and acknowledging their running “Cool Mom” joke.

Her sincere answer was the UW women’s volleyball team, and she took the opening to reveal that four players who competed in the NCAA national championship game earlier this month were in attendance. “Being [there] just gave us a little taste of what’s to come,” said Molly Haggerty, who was joined on stage by teammates Madison Duello, Grace Loberg and Riley Bell.

It was hard to miss UW Athletics Director Barry Alvarez, who was sporting his vintage round sunglasses and red vest. The crowd, clued into the fact that it was his birthday, serenaded him in unison. He rewarded the fans by turning back the clock to his coaching days and delivering a hypothetical locker-room speech to the team. “Play hard. Play smart. Hit them harder. More often. And flat get after their a**,” he said. If the crowd’s response was any indication, he’s still got his motivational chops.

Current head coach Paul Chryst greeted the fans alongside four of his key players: running back Jonathan Taylor, linebackers Chris Orr and Zack Baun, and lineman Tyler Biadasz. “This means a ton,” Chryst said, surveying the scene. “We appreciate everyone for the support through the year, but obviously for being here. This sight right here is special.”

The enthusiasm of the players, band and fans hung in the air throughout the 90-minute program. Perhaps no one embodied it more than the fun-loving Orr, who borrowed a marching tuba from a band member during a rendition of “Jump Around.” He’s also newly engaged, and he jokingly told his admirers in the crowd: “Sorry about that.”

Despite the stiff competition, the biggest celebrity appearance of the night was by Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, who played for the Badgers in the 2012 and 2013 Rose Bowl games. “I’ve got so much pride,” said a beaming Gordon, who grew up in Kenosha, Wis. “I love Wisconsin. I’m from Wisconsin. This is who I am. No one can take this from me.”

Before the marching band played out the crowd with the usual hits, Gordon gave some sage advice to Wisconsin fans during their stay in his new hometown ­– and particularly on a sunny California afternoon.

“Just hit the beach,” Gordon said, laughing. “You go home, it’s cold. Hit the beach, hit the water, put your feet in the sand … and enjoy life a little bit.”