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Fickell’s presence provides plenty of intrigue as No. 19 Wisconsin opens season against Buffalo

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Fickell’s presence provides plenty of intrigue as No. 19 Wisconsin opens season against Buffalo


MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta only needs to look at the sea of red at Camp Randall Stadium each day to measure how much excitement new coach Luke Fickell’s arrival had generated on campus.

The stands feature red seatbacks purchased by season ticket holders. Njongmeta and his teammates couldn’t ignore the greater red presence in the seats this preseason.

“A lot of guys have brought that up to my attention,” Njongmeta said. “Obviously the buzz is crazy.”

The 19th-ranked Badgers had sold 60,825 season tickets as of Wednesday, up slightly from their total of 60,341 last year. The fact that Wisconsin improved its season ticket sales for the first time since 2017 underscores the excitement surrounding the hire of Fickell.

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Fickell went 57-18 in six seasons at Cincinnati, including a 53-10 mark over the last five years. He led the Bearcats to a College Football Playoff berth in 2021. The addition of offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his Air Raid attack provides even more intrigue.

Now it’s a matter of results. The first indication comes Saturday when Wisconsin hosts Buffalo in a matchup of teams that each went 7-6 last season.

“It’s almost like Christmas morning,” Fickell said. “You’re preparing for a lot of things. There’s a lot of anxieties. You’re excited about it, yet there’s a lot of things you just don’t know from each other.”

Much of that uncertainty for Wisconsin surrounds that offense and how a passing game led by SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai will work in tandem with a potent ground attack featuring Braelon Allen, who has rushed for over 1,200 yards each of the last two seasons.

“There’s definitely a challenge with the down-the-field passing attack and their ability to run the ball,” Buffalo coach Maurice Linguist said. “I think so much gets maybe lost in translation when you think about the spread and the Air Raid. This is a physical north-and-south running team.”

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Buffalo is a 27 ½-point underdog according to FanDuel Sportsbook but boasts some notable performers.

Quarterback Cole Snyder threw for over 3,000 yards last season. Safety Marcus Fuqua had seven interceptions to tie for the Bowl Subdivision lead and earned third-team Associated Press All-America honors a year ago. Linebacker Shaun Dolac had an FBS-leading 97 solo tackles last season.

“We’ve got some guys here at Buffalo who can play some ball,” Linguist said. “We have some veteran players who are seasoned that we’re going to count on, we’re going to lean on to be our big-time playmakers for us.”

BUILDING ON THEIR FINISHES

Wisconsin and Buffalo are seeking to maintain their momentum after ending their 2022 seasons with bowl victories.

Wisconsin beat Oklahoma State 24-17 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Buffalo defeated Georgia Southern 23-21 in the Camellia Bowl. Wisconsin hosts Georgia Southern on Sept. 16.

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Fickell coached the Badgers in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl while working alongside Jim Leonhard, who had served as Wisconsin’s interim head coach after the firing of Paul Chryst.

BUFFALO VS. BIG TEN

Buffalo owns a 1-11 record against Big Ten teams. The lone victory was a 42-13 win at Rutgers in 2018.

BADGERS’ NEW RECEIVERS

Wisconsin used the transfer portal to boost its receiving depth as it adapts to the Air Raid offense. Transfer receivers on Wisconsin’s roster include Bryson Green (formerly at Oklahoma State), Will Pauling (Cincinnati), CJ Williams (Southern California) and Quincy Burroughs (Cincinnati).

The Badgers’ top returning receiver is Chimere Dike, who had 47 catches for 689 yards and six touchdowns last season.

BULLS’ BIG TEN BACKGROUNDS

Snyder began his college career at Rutgers before transferring to Buffalo last year. Buffalo left tackle Isaiah Wright also is a former Rutgers player. Buffalo defensive back Solomon Brown spent three seasons at Minnesota. Linguist was hired as Michigan’s co-defensive coordinator in January 2021 but left less than four months later to take over Buffalo’s program.

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GOING FOR 22

Wisconsin enters the year with a string of 21 consecutive winning seasons, the longest active streak for any Power Five school.

___

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll





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Wisconsin

Reports: Biden could visit Wisconsin this week as campaign plans meeting with governors

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Reports: Biden could visit Wisconsin this week as campaign plans meeting with governors


(WBAY) – President Biden’s team is discussing having him visit Wisconsin and Pennsylvania this week, according to a report from the New York Times.

The Times reports the President could visit Wisconsin on Friday and Pennsylvania on Sunday.

Additionally, some Democratic governors are seeking a meeting with the White House to discuss their concerns about the President following the aftermath of his debate performance, according to a report from CNN, which cites multiple sources.

CNN reports concerns from some of the nation’s Democratic governors were aired on a call Monday organized by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, one of the sources said. The call was attended by governors only.

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Plans for the meeting at the White House are underway but it has not been scheduled, CNN says.

Action 2 News has reached out to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers for comment.



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What to know about ‘The Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran, who’s also a UW-Madison alum

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What to know about ‘The Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran, who’s also a UW-Madison alum


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Here’s what to know about Jenn Tran, “The Bachelorette” of Season 21 — who also happens to be a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum.

Tran appeared on “The Bachelor” last season, and during the finale, was announced as the next “Bachelorette.”

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How did she end up on “The Bachelor” in the first place? Did she ever dream she’d become “The Bachelorette”? And, how does it feel to be the show’s first Asian American lead?

After chatting with Tran over Zoom last week, we’ve answered all of these questions and more:

How old is ‘Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran?

26

Where is ‘Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran from?

She was born in New Jersey after her parents and brother immigrated to the United States from Vietnam, Tran shared in a “Get Ready with Me”-style video “Bachelor Nation” posted in May in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

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Jenn Tran is ‘The Bachelorette’s’ first Asian American lead

“It’s overwhelming,” Tran told the Journal Sentinel. “There’s a lot of emotions around it.”

Mainly, she’s grateful and honored.

Tran hopes to inspire young Asian American girls who are “dealing with the same things” she did as a kid — “having a bit of an identity crisis and not knowing where they fit in” — as well as anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in somewhere.

“I never would’ve dreamed of becoming the role model I once needed when I was a kid,” she said. “It’s really quite full-circle and surreal.”

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What does ‘Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran do?

Tran has been working toward becoming a physician assistant, but is currently taking a “little break” from PA school, which is in south Miami. In the words of her favorite artist Taylor Swift, Tran has “a lot going on at the moment.”

“I want to be able to really focus on PA school the best that I can because the end goal is to be a good provider,” Tran said. “I’m just pushing it off until I have a lot more time to dedicate to it.”

Jenn Tran’s time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Tran transferred in the middle of her sophomore year to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied molecular biology.

“Madison just seemed like the best college town — and it definitely was,” she said.

She enjoyed going to Badger games and playing club lacrosse. Her hangouts included the Memorial Union Terrace, Eno Vino Wine Bar and Bistro (where she used to work) and The Coopers Tavern.

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Tran was in the class of 2020, so her spring commencement was virtual. She returned to Madison in September 2021 for an in-person graduation celebration.

Tran wants to make it back sometime during a summer and also for a UW football game.

Read more about Tran’s Madison days here.

How did Jenn Tran end up on ‘The Bachelor’?

Tran got a direct message on Instagram from a casting producer who had come across her PA school TikToks, she said, and was offered an interview.

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At the time, she wondered if it was a scam and didn’t think she was going to go through with it.

“I did the interviews, and then, one thing led to another,” she said.

Tran made it to the top six on this past season of “The Bachelor” with Joey Graziadei, who also has ties to Wisconsin. She was announced as the next “Bachelorette” lead on the Season 28 finale of “The Bachelor.”

Did Jenn Tran ever dream she’d be ‘The Bachelorette’?

“God no,” Tran said, laughing. “I never saw myself in this role at all.”

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After her time on “The Bachelor,” she was just going to go right back to PA school.

So, when she got a call about “The Bachelorette,” she said, it really took her by surprise. She went through meetings and interviews for it. And, while she was initially “on the fence,” she ended up deciding to give it a whirl.

“I am a hopeless romantic and I really believe in true love and finding your partner,” she said. “I hadn’t ever really been in love before. And, I know how fast connections can build the first time around, so I was like, this is a really good environment for that to happen. And, I wanted to follow my dreams and fall in love.”

What does ‘Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran like to do?

Tran enjoys working out, painting, paddleboarding, reading and traveling.

Who are the contestants vying for ‘Bachelorette’ Jenn Tran’s heart?

There are 25 suitors, including the aerospace engineer twin brother of a “Bachelor Nation” alum, medical school students, entrepreneurs and former athletes.

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Here are their names and bios.

How to watch ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21

“The Bachelorette” Season 21 premiere is at 7 p.m. CT July 8 on ABC. It streams on Hulu the next day.





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8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Wisconsin This Summer

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8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Wisconsin This Summer


Wisconsin is a charming state brimming with natural attractions to explore across all seasons. Blessed by the elegant shores of Lake Michigan alongside other series of lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife, the outdoor scenery in Wisconsin is as pretty as it comes. While the state is renowned for its chilly winters, it becomes a dazzling world of beauty and adventures in summer, as the lakes unfreeze and the land is kissed by the sun. From the irresistible shores of Lake Geneva with its thrilling water sports to the Swiss appeal of New Glarus, step into these eight lovely towns in Wisconsin this summer and have a blast!

Sister Bay

Aerial view of Sister Bay.

Sister Bay is a lovely small town in Door County that promises a sensational summer experience. Typical of Door County towns, the shores of Lake Michigan are always a draw, and Sister Bay is one of the county’s finest waterfront communities. Hence, the town’s beach, boasting 1,900 feet of public waterfront, is a focal point for tourists during the sunny season, serving as a launch pad to kayak, paddle, boat, sail, and swim on the lake. Otherwise, visitors can bask under the sun, build sand castles, enjoy picnics, catch the sunset, and promenade the massive waterfront area. Sneak out from the beach to check out what the past looks like at Corner of the Past Museum and for art lovers, check out handcrafted works sourced locally and regionally at Earth Art Studio. Don’t forget to dine at the Waterfront Restaurant or Sister Bay Bowl and enjoy mouthwatering treats.

Ephraim

Siblings walking on the handicap accessible ramp at Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park, Door County
Siblings walking at Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park. Image credit Christine Dannhausen-Brun via Shutterstock.

Ephraim is a small town with just below 300 residents; however, it has plenty to offer in summer. For starters, it is across Eagle Harbor, with scenic views of bluffs and the picturesque shoreline of Green Bay. The outdoors already looks enticing from its location, but it gets more sensational at Peninsula State Park, where one can spend the entire summer exploring. The park features 468 campsites, 150-foot bluffs, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, hiking/biking trails, a sand beach, a summer theatre, a nature center, a 76-foot observation tower, and an 18-hole golf course. Elsewhere, history buffs can immerse in the past with historic tours at the Ephraim Historical Society. Regarding dining, Ephraim offers great options like Old Post Office Restaurant with its waterfront views and Sip with its exotic and colorful culinary offers.

New Glarus

Shops in New Glarus, Wisconsin.
Shops in New Glarus, Wisconsin.

New Glarus is a small town in Green County famous for its nickname – the little Switzerland of America. True to its name, this town offers a taste of Switzerland, especially as it is home to the Swiss Historical Village Museum, which features 14 historic buildings filled with artifacts reflecting Swiss pioneer life. Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum and the Swiss Center of North America are more attractions in town dedicated to preserving and showcasing Swiss culture. Away from its Swiss heritage, New Glarus invites adventurers to the 435-acre New Glarus Woods State Park, featuring hiking/biking trails alongside campsites and picnic areas. The park also links to the 24-mile Sugar River State Trail, where adventurers can hike and bike across woods, farmlands, and rolling hills. If there’s time, New Glarus Bakery is a great place to stop by for fresh treats, while Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery offers delicious wine and great vineyard views.

Elkhart Lake

Overview of the Gather on the Green vintage car show on the grounds of The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Event on the grounds of The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Image credit ajkelly via Shutterstock.

Elkhart Lake is a small village big on history and outdoor charms. A summer vacation here can start at the Elkhart Lake Historic Depot and Museum, where tourists can glimpse the town’s railroad past. The Henschel’s Indian Museum is another historic attraction in town, located in an archaeological site, housing a collection of Indian pottery, stone tools, copper implements, and other artifacts. For outdoor buffs, Fireman’s Park and Beach is the town’s only public beach and opens in summer. The beach features gorgeous sands, picnic tables, grills, and the charming waters of Elkhart Lake for dips and water sports. In addition, the all-season Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park is a must-visit outdoor attraction in town, with fishing, camping, and picnic areas alongside an 80-foot observation. After the exploration, visitors can always chill at Lake Street Café and enjoy palatable meals.

Hayward

The world's largest muskie, at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, is Hayward's most famous landmark
The world’s largest muskie, at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

Hayward is a unique town in Sawyer County, famed for its numerous surrounding lakes. However, it is more renowned for hosting the world’s largest muskellunge (aka muskie) sculpture at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. While the museum houses records of the world’s largest freshwater fish in the US, tourists can climb to the mouth of the 143-foot muskie sculpture to enjoy views of the town and Hayward Lake. Fishing enthusiasts can hop the many lakes outside the town, such as Round Lake, Sand Lake, Lake Namakagon, and Chippewa Flowage, to fish bass, muskie, crappie, and walleye, among others. Otherwise, recline back in town to enjoy Lake Hayward Public Beach by swimming, building sand castles, picnicking, and promenading. For animal lovers, Hayward offers the Wilderness Walk Zoo, home to lemurs, fawns, tigers, wolves, and bears. If there’s still time, head to Out of the Woods Winery to taste some of the finest wines in America.

Eagle River

Street view in Eagle River, Wisconsin
Street view in Eagle River, Wisconsin

Eagle River is a unique town renowned for its 28 connected lakes between Eagle River and Three Lakes. The 28 chains of lakes make up the world’s largest inland lake network, so a summer vacation in this town will surely include a lot of water adventures, although there’s more. Once here, Eagle Lake County Park and Beach is a great spot to begin an adventure as it offers scenic lake views, birdwatching opportunities, picnic pavilions, a swimming pier, and a beach. Silver Lake Park is an alternative just outside the town, featuring picnic stands, a beach, and a playground. Away from the numerous lakes, history enthusiasts can learn about the town’s railroad history at the Eagle River Depot Museum. For ardent hikers, hit the 12-mile Anvil Lake Trail or the mile-long Franklin Nature Trail for sightseeing and birdwatching. When it’s time to wine and dine, head to Andy’s Pontoon Saloon or Braywood.

Sturgeon Bay

Sister Bay is a Town on the Wisconsin Door Peninsula.
Sister Bay is a Town on the Wisconsin Door Peninsula.

Sturgeon Bay is an inviting town in the bay of the same name that promises a sensational waterfront summer experience. Once here, visitors can head to the captivating Cave Point County Park to hike to magnificent dolomite cliffs overlooking the charming Lake Michigan. Next, step down from the cliffs and join kayakers on the lake to discover underwater caves. Proceed with more adventures at Sunset Park, featuring an 18-acre lake, a swimming beach, a short trail, sports areas, and mesmerizing sunset views. Mix the experience with a little history at the Door County Maritime Museum which educates the public about the region’s maritime roots. Meanwhile, Sonny’s Pizzeria and Nightingale Super Club are great spots to stop by for world-class dining, while the Third Avenue Playhouse hosts exciting shows.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is a charming town in Walworth County with so much to offer year-round. In summer, the town is especially exciting as the waters of Geneva Lake offer endless opportunities for cruising, boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Visitors are also invited to recline at Riviera Beach to sunbathe, build sand castles, play, catch the sunset, and swim in the water. Head to Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures for some thrills to tour nine ziplines, five sky bridges, and four spiral staircases. History buffs can head to the Geneva Lake Museum to see Potawatomi Indian artifacts, Geneva Hotel artifacts, and other historic exhibits about the area. Before the end of the vacation, grab a souvenir from Trader’s Jack Gift Shop and White River Gifts to remind you of the town’s amazing features.

There are tons of reasons why towns like these have continued to top the list of summer travelers. With their irresistible natural and man-made charms, they offer a thing or two for every kind of visitor. From history buffs to foodies, adventurers, and laid-back visitors, everybody in these towns will have something to appreciate. Plus, each town is beside one or more water bodies, and there’s no better place to be in the middle of summer than near plenty of H2O. Visit these towns today and create memories while the summer lasts.

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