Jan. 2, 1990, Wisconsin announced the hire of Barry Alvarez, a hotshot defensive coordinator from the University of Notre Dame, as their new head football coach.
Alvarez faced the daunting task of turning Wisconsin’s football program around. Wisconsin had just five wins in the past three seasons combined, and attendance at Camp Randall had dipped significantly.
Even when entering a difficult situation, Alvarez quickly instilled confidence in Badgers fans.
In his introductory press conference, Alvarez said fans, “better get season tickets right now, because before long they probably won’t be able to.”
What followed in Alvarez’s 31 years at Wisconsin was a complete culture change of not only the football program, but the entire athletic program.