Luke Fickell, coach of the Badgers, discusses growing up and witnessing the rivalry between Wisconsin and Texas Longhorns

Fickell Reflects on His Roots and the Iconic Wisconsin vs. Red Wings Rivalry

Madison, WI – Luke Fickell, the newly appointed head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers football team, recently opened up about his childhood experiences and his connection to one of the state’s most iconic sports rivalries—the Wisconsin Badgers versus the Red Wings.

Growing up in Ohio, Fickell wasn’t far from the electric energy surrounding major rivalries in sports, but none stood out to him quite like the fierce competition between Wisconsin’s Badgers and the Red Wings. “I remember the intensity, the passion in the stands, and the stories about those games,” Fickell reflected during a recent press conference. “You could feel the weight of the rivalry, and it wasn’t just about football. It was about pride, tradition, and the community coming together. Those kinds of rivalries shape you, even if you aren’t directly part of them.”

Fickell shared how the rivalry was discussed within his own family, where sports talk revolved around the near-mythical clashes between the teams, often going beyond the score to what it meant for local pride and the fans’ connection to their teams. “My dad would always talk about it, how the rivalry was so much more than just a game. He’d say, ‘When the Badgers and Red Wings play, it’s like the whole state is holding its breath.’”

Now, as head coach of the Badgers, Fickell is bringing his deep understanding of competition and his passion for building lasting traditions to his role. “It’s an honor to now be a part of that rich history and to help build new rivalries, while honoring the legacy of games that have defined our culture here.”

As the Wisconsin Badgers prepare for the upcoming season, fans and sports enthusiasts are eager to see how Fickell’s leadership will influence both the team’s performance and the spirit of competition that surrounds Wisconsin sports. Fickell’s personal connection to the state, and his memories of the rivalry, signal a promising future for the Badgers as they continue to uphold the legacy of passionate sports rivalries in the heart of the Midwest.