Coach of the Year

Coach Bielema was honored today as Big Ten Coach of the Year. Alvarez won the award twice ('93 and '98), and Bielema proved himself worthy of the confidence that Barry bestowed upon him at the outset of the '05 season.

PJ Hill, Joe Thomas, and Jack Ikegwuonu were named 1st Team All-Big Ten by the media in the case of Hill, both the media and coaches for Thomas, and the coaches for Ike. Rogers, Shaunnessey, and Melhoff were second team selections, and a host of players earned honorable mention status. Beckum did earn 2nd team with the media. Who was a better TE in the league than #9? Hill was the unanimous selection as freshman of the year.

Joe Thomas is one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy for the top lineman in the land. If he wins the award on 12/7 he would be the first Badger to claim the honor, surpassing Gibby and MacIntosh, past semifinalists.