Advertisement

These Wisconsin natives had memorable athletics seasons in 2022

jr radcliffe, milwaukee journal sentinel
·15 min read

Which Wisconsin native had the best sports year in 2022? Though we may lack for a clear-cut No. 1 on this list, there's a depth of options, from movers and shakers in the coaching and athletic-directing realm to NBA champions to Olympians. For our list, we considered those in athletics (college and pro) who graduated from or spent significant time at a Wisconsin high school. Here are the names to know this year:

Chris McIntosh's decision to hire Luke Fickell as football coach could be the defining move of his career as UW's athletic director.
Chris McIntosh's decision to hire Luke Fickell as football coach could be the defining move of his career as UW's athletic director.

1. Chris McIntosh (Pewaukee)

McIntosh's days as a star lineman at UW are long over, but the year 2022 was when he made his biggest splash at the school. The University of Wisconsin athletic director made the surprise move to fire head football coach Paul Chryst (formerly of Platteville High School) and install interim Jim Leonhard (Flambeau High School). Then, McIntosh zagged again, hiring former Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell instead of the more expected move of retaining Leonhard as the full-time coach. It's a hire that's received some positive reviews, though it could certainly serve as the defining moment of McIntosh's tenure either way.

T.J. Watt was named the NFL's defensive player of the year in February.
T.J. Watt was named the NFL's defensive player of the year in February.

2. T.J. Watt (Pewaukee)

The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker was named NFL defensive player of the year in February, earning an honor awarded to older brother J.J. three times. Watt finished the 2021 NFL season in early January by matching the NFL sack record at 22½, and though he battled injury at the start of the 2022 season, he was once again selected to the Pro Bowl for a fifth straight year.

Jordan Poole averaged 17 points a game in the playoffs.
Jordan Poole averaged 17 points a game in the playoffs.

3. Jordan Poole (Milwaukee King)

The year marked a star turn for the Golden State Warriors guard, who became an NBA champion when the Warriors defeated the Celtics for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. He scored 30 points in his first postseason game against the Denver Nuggets and averaged 17 points per game in the playoffs with 3.8 assists on 51% shooting. Now 23, Poole is averaging 19.4 points per game for the best mark of his career, even if he got punched by teammate Draymond Green in October.

Johnny Davis was named Big Ten player of the year and then became a first-round NBA draft pick.
Johnny Davis was named Big Ten player of the year and then became a first-round NBA draft pick.

4. Johnny Davis (La Crosse Central)

Davis capped off a meteoric rise during the 2021-22 basketball season at Wisconsin, starting with 37 points and 14 rebounds in an upset of Purdue on Jan. 3 and earning Big Ten player of the year and consensus first-team All-American status by season's end. Davis continued his big year when he was drafted with the 10th pick by the Washington Wizards. He became the first Badgers draft pick since 2015.

Greg Gard had Wisconsin performing above expectations last season and again this year.
Greg Gard had Wisconsin performing above expectations last season and again this year.

5. Greg Gard (Iowa-Grant)

Picked to finish 10th in the 2011-22 preseason Big Ten poll, the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team under Gard's leadership wound up sharing the conference title and earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, closing with a 24-7 record. The Badgers were picked to finish ninth in 2022-23, which already looked suspect after the Badgers jumped out to a 9-2 start, including 2-0 in the Big Ten and a narrow loss to current No. 4 Kansas as one of the setbacks.

Tyler Herro got a four-year, $130 million deal and has moved into the Heat's starting lineup after being the NBA's sixth man of the year.
Tyler Herro got a four-year, $130 million deal and has moved into the Heat's starting lineup after being the NBA's sixth man of the year.

6. Tyler Herro (Whitnall)

Herro landed a four-year contract extension with the Miami Heat worth $130 million after a massive season in 2021-22 in which he averaged 20.7 points per game and won the NBA's sixth man of the year award in a landslide. This season, he's averaging a career-best 21.4 points per game, now as a starter, with a career-best 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Tyrese Haliburton, right, has been a difference-maker since joining the Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton, right, has been a difference-maker since joining the Pacers.

7. Tyrese Haliburton (Oshkosh North)

Traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Indiana Pacers in February, Haliburton has been the engine that's helped the Pacers outplay expectations, leading the league in assists during the 2022-23 season thus far (10.5 per game) while averaging 20.7 points and 3.9 boards. Could he wind up starting the All-Star Game in February?

J.J. Watt bounced back from a disappointing 2021 in which he was hindered by injuries.
J.J. Watt bounced back from a disappointing 2021 in which he was hindered by injuries.

8. J.J. Watt (Pewaukee)

Bouncing back from an injury-shortened 2021 season, Watt has 9½ sacks this year (with two games left to play), already surpassing his previous three years combined, and he has double-digit tackles for loss for just the third time in the past seven years. On Dec. 27, he announced the 2022 season would be his last, capping the end of what will be a Hall of Fame 12-year career.

Jesse Marsch leads Leeds.
Jesse Marsch leads Leeds.

9. Jesse Marsch (Racine Case)

In February, Marsch was named manager of Leeds in the Premier League, becoming the third American to manage in the prestigious soccer organization, and he helped Leeds avoid relegation for the first time since 2011. Two players on his roster are 22-year-old Brendan Aaronson and 23-year-old Tyler Adams, standouts for the United States men's soccer team. Could Marsch someday wind up as the leader of the USA men's soccer program?

Goaltender Alex Cavallini helped Team USA win silver at the Beijing Games.
Goaltender Alex Cavallini helped Team USA win silver at the Beijing Games.

10. Alex Cavallini (Arrowhead)

The goalie for the United States women's hockey team earned a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and she saved 25 of the 26 shots she faced in the semifinal against Finland to help the U.S. reach the championship battle against Canada, where she was in net for a 3-2 loss. Madison's Amanda Kessel and Dousman's Brianna Decker were also part of the team, though Decker was injured early and missed most of the games.

More:Meet the 2022 Olympic athletes who have ties to Wisconsin

Keegan O'Toole won the NCAA championship at 165 pounds.
Keegan O'Toole won the NCAA championship at 165 pounds.

Let's talk about some national champions

Keegan O'Toole (Arrowhead): Now 44-1 in his college wrestling career, O'Toole won the 2022 NCAA championship for the University of Missouri at 165 pounds, completing an undefeated season for just the fourth time in school history (with Arrowhead's Ben Askren recording two of the other three in 2006 and 2007).

Drew Bosley (Homestead): Bosley took third at the NCAA Division I cross-country meet, but more importantly, helped Northern Arizona secure a third straight team championship on a tiebreaker. He could win a fourth next season.

Jack Washburn posted a 3.35 ERA for Mississippi, which won the NCAA championship.
Jack Washburn posted a 3.35 ERA for Mississippi, which won the NCAA championship.

Jack Washburn (Webster). Pitching for Ole Miss, Washburn made 15 appearances and posted a 3.35 ERA, including the final inning of the regional clincher. Webster made one appearance in the College World Series, where the Rebels ultimately defeated Oklahoma for the NCAA title.

Olin Hacker (Madison West): Hacker won the 5,000 meters at the NCAA Division I track and field meet for the University of Wisconsin, following in the footsteps of his father, Tim, who won a cross-country title at UW.

Reilly Tiltmann (Brookfield East). Swam backstroke, butterfly and freestyle for the NCAA champion Virginia women's swimming and diving team, earning All-American status in five different events. Her 400 free relay team broke the NCAA and American record with a time of 3:06.91, and the Cavaliers won the team championship for a second straight year. She won an ACC championship in the 200 backstroke.

Danny Krueger (Deerfield/home schooled). Three-time national champion and 19-time All-American swimmer for the University of Texas won gold at the NCAA swimming and diving championships with his 400-meter freestyle team, touching the wall in 2:46.03. He also took third in the 200 free relay and eighth in the individual 100 free for the Division I runner-up Longhorns.

Ellie Barney (University School). It doesn't get much better than scoring the overtime game winner for an NCAA title, which is what Barney did for her Middlebury women's hockey team to cap an undefeated season — the first such season in NCAA Division III history.

FILE - North Dakota State fullback Hunter Luepke (44) hugs offensive tackle Cody Mauch after scoring a touchdown against Arizona during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. Not all players worthy of NFL talent scout consideration play in the Power Five conferences. (AP Photo/Chris Coduto, File)
FILE - North Dakota State fullback Hunter Luepke (44) hugs offensive tackle Cody Mauch after scoring a touchdown against Arizona during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. Not all players worthy of NFL talent scout consideration play in the Power Five conferences. (AP Photo/Chris Coduto, File)

Hunter Luepke (Spencer). The All-American fullback scored three touchdowns in the FCS championship game in January, helping North Dakota State defeat Montana State for the NCAA crown. He finished the game with 14 carries for 82 yards and also rushed for 110 yards in the semifinal win over James Madison.

He's one of several members of the North Dakota State football team that won the title in early 2022 from Wisconsin, including Jake Lippe (Port Washington), Cole Wisniewski (Sparta), Kegan Huber (Badger), Sam Jung (Neenah), Nate Forystek (Bay Port), Drew Klein (Hortonville), Isaac Hyland (St. Mary's Springs), Alex Oechsner (Muskego), Luke Kokat (Union Grove), Caleb Bowers (Whitefish Bay), Bryce Friday (Markesan), Max Rader (Notre Dame), Trevor Fiecko (Roncalli), Jake Rock (Kettle Moraine), Joe Stoffel (River Falls), Dylan Hendricks (Pulaski) and Reed Ryan (Waunakee).

Marlowe Eldridge (Madison Memorial). Part of the Texas varsity four team that took third in its race and helped secure the 2022 NCAA team championship in women's rowing. She was part of back-to-back titles at Texas.

Ziyad Saleem (Milwaukee King). Swam on the NCAA champion Cal swimming and diving team.

Kirstin Rood (Monroe). Part of the NCAA women's bowling championship team from McKendree.

Scott Servais led the Mariners to their first playoff berth in more than 20 years.
Scott Servais led the Mariners to their first playoff berth in more than 20 years.

11. Scott Servais (Westby)

The manager of the Seattle Mariners guided his team to a 90-72 mark in the 2022 season, helping the squad make the postseason for the first time since 2001. The team includes Waukesha West's Jarred Kelenic among its top prospects, though Kelenic struggled in 2022 with a .534 OPS.

Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale became an all-star for the second time.
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale became an all-star for the second time.

12. Arike Ogunbowale (Divine Savior Holy Angels)

The Dallas Wings guard was named an all-star for the second time after she won all-star game MVP last season, and the Wings reached the playoffs before losing in the first round against Connecticut. She led the team with 19.7 points per game and was second with 3.6 assists.

Daulton Varsho, who became a standout outfielder with the Diamondbacks, has joined the Blue Jays.
Daulton Varsho, who became a standout outfielder with the Diamondbacks, has joined the Blue Jays.

13. Daulton Varsho (Marshfield)

The catcher-turned-outfielder became one of the best defensive outfielders in Major League Baseball, and he also posted a career-best season at the plate with a 109 OPS-plus for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now, the UW-Milwaukee alumnus heads north to Toronto after serving as the centerpiece of a trade for catching prospect Gabriel Moreno.

Shaka Smart is in his second season as Marquette's head coach.
Shaka Smart is in his second season as Marquette's head coach.

14. Shaka Smart (Oregon)

Marquette opened the calendar year with a double-overtime loss to Creighton but then won seven straight games (including four over ranked opponents) to return to the top 25, reaching as high as No. 18. The Golden Eagles ultimately returned to the national rankings early in 2022-23, as well, despite getting picked to finish at the bottom of the Big East. At the forefront of it all is Smart, sustaining success in his second year as MU's head coach.

Warriors center Kevon Looney is a three-time NBA champion at age 26.
Warriors center Kevon Looney is a three-time NBA champion at age 26.

15. Kevon Looney (Milwaukee Hamilton)

Looney appeared in all 82 games, starting 80, for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors in 2021-22, with 6.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the regular season (plus 5.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in the postseason). He's just 26 years old and has been part of three NBA championship teams. This year, he's averaging a career-best 6.4 points and 7.6 rebounds for Golden State.

Dawn Plitzuweit took South Dakota to the Sweet 16.
Dawn Plitzuweit took South Dakota to the Sweet 16.

16. Dawn Plitzuweit (West Bend)

The South Dakota women's basketball coach led her squad to upsets in each of the first two rounds in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, including a win over No. 2 Baylor to reach the Sweet 16, followed by a narrow defeat to Michigan for the best tourney run in program history. Then, she was named head coach at West Virginia, where her team has started the year at 9-2.

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger's 2022 highlights included beating Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger's 2022 highlights included beating Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament.

17. T.J. Otzelberger (St. Thomas More)

It was a whale of a homecoming for Otzelberger in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, when he led Iowa State to an upset of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. His team last year included Tyrese Hunter (Racine St. Catherine's), who played a key role in an upset of LSU in the first round. This year's Iowa State team opened the season 9-2.

Joe Pavelski became the oldest player in Dallas Stars history to record a hat trick.
Joe Pavelski became the oldest player in Dallas Stars history to record a hat trick.

18. Joe Pavelski (Stevens Point)

The NHL veteran scored twice in a 4-2 playoff win for the Dallas Stars during the opening round of the NHL playoffs, though Dallas lost the series. He finished the year with 81 points, a career best, and has 33 points already in his 17th NHL season. In October, Pavelski became the oldest player in Dallas history to record a hat trick. He's already the record holder for most playoff goals by an American-born player.

Danny Jansen hit 15 homers as the Blue Jays reached the playoffs.
Danny Jansen hit 15 homers as the Blue Jays reached the playoffs.

19. Danny Jansen (Appleton West)

The Toronto Blue Jays catcher had his best offensive season in 72 games played, with a .855 OPS, 15 homers and a .339 on-base percentage. The Blue Jays reached the playoffs this season, falling to Seattle in a wild card series.

Natisha Hiedeman was a starter much of the season for the WNBA champion Connecticut Sun.
Natisha Hiedeman was a starter much of the season for the WNBA champion Connecticut Sun.

20. Natisha Hiedeman (Green Bay Southwest)

She averaged 9.1 points per game for the Connecticut Sun this year, starting most games for a team that advanced to the WNBA Finals. She started all 12 playoff games, averaging 8.2 points and 3.0 assists.

EUGENE, OREGON - JUNE 25: Kenny Bednarek competes in the first round of the Men's 200 Meters during day eight of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 25, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - JUNE 25: Kenny Bednarek competes in the first round of the Men's 200 Meters during day eight of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 25, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

21. Kenny Bednarek (Rice Lake)

Just seven months after breaking a toe, Bedarnek took the silver medal in the 200 meters at the World Track and Field Championships in Oregon, following up his silver medal last year in the Summer Olympics. He crossed the line in 19.77 seconds behind only Noah Lyles, who set a new American record at 19.31.

Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) runs past Nebraska safety Myles Farmer (4) enroute to a 53-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Nebraska 35-28.
Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) runs past Nebraska safety Myles Farmer (4) enroute to a 53-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Nebraska 35-28.

22. Braelon Allen (Fond du Lac)

After a breakout freshman season that ended with a bowl-game MVP award, Allen racked up another 1,126 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2022 heading into the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 27, where he finished with 116 yards and an offensive player of the game nod.

Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler
Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler

23. Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin Lutheran)

Steady as a rock during his 10-year NFL career, Zeitler has started 14 games this year at guard for the Baltimore Ravens after starting all 17 games there last season. The Ravens are headed back to the AFC playoffs in 2023.

Aug 15, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux (9) gestures while circling the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux (9) gestures while circling the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

24. Gavin Lux (Kenosha Indian Trail)

Entrenched as an infielder for the perennially potent Los Angeles Dodgers, Lux posted a .745 OPS this season and a league-leading seven triples.

25. Jordan Stolz (Kewaskum)

Jordan Stolz is the American record holder in the 500 meters.
Jordan Stolz is the American record holder in the 500 meters.

The teenager made his first U.S. Olympic team in speedskating, becoming one of the youngest to make that cut, and then went on to re-set his own American record in the 500 meters and win a race at the World Cup in December.

Others

Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Sussex Hamilton): Though his time at UW-Milwaukee was brief and star-crossed, Baldwin was picked 28th in the first round of the NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, where he has seen action in nine games.

Nick Bellore (Whitefish Bay): The former Pro Bowler is in his fourth season as a special-teams ace for the Seattle Seahawks and 12th NFL season overall.

Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton recorded eight sacks this season.
Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton recorded eight sacks this season.

Keeanu Benton (Janesville Craig): The defensive tackle finished with eight sacks for the Wisconsin Badgers this year and has declared for the NFL draft.

Tyler Biadasz (Amherst). The starting center for the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys has started every game this season thus far.

Cole Caufield (Stevens Point): He finished his 2021-22 season with the Montreal Canadiens with 23 goals and 20 assists, and he's already up to 19 and 9 in 2022-23.

Leo Chenal (Grantsburg): After getting taken in the third round of the NFL draft, the linebacker has played in every game for the Chiefs and started seven with a sack and two tackles for loss.

Lexi Donarski (La Crosse Aquinas): The Big 12 defensive player of the year last year for the Iowa State women's basketball team now scores in double figures for a Cyclones team ranked No. 15.

Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has 17 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has 17 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns.

Jake Ferguson (Madison Memorial): The fourth-round draft choice has made a smooth transition to the NFL, making 17 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns with the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys, with two games to play. Ferguson was a standout tight end at Wisconsin.

Shelby Harris (Homestead): After he was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson from Seattle to Denver, the veteran defensive tackle has two sacks and five tackles for loss with the Seahawks.

Joey Hauser (Stevens Point): The senior leads the Michigan State men's basketball team in both scoring and rebounding in 2022-23.

Sam Hauser (Stevens Point): He is averaging 6.4 points per game for the Celtics this season after seeing action in seven playoff games last season as Boston reached the NBA Finals.

Alec Ingold (Bay Port): The Miami Dolphins fullback, in his fourth NFL season, has two touchdowns this year and a career-best 15 receptions for 105 yards.

Jalen Johnson (Nicolet): The second-year player for the Atlanta Hawks has started six games and averages 4.6 points.

A.J. Klein (Kimberly): The Buffalo Bills linebacker has played in just nine games this year, mostly on special teams, but his squad will be among the Super Bowl favorites in early 2023.

Lance Leipold (Jefferson): The second-year Kansas coach led the Jayhawks to the national rankings (No. 19) for the first time since 2009 after a 5-0 start to the year. Kansas will play in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 28.

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold cheers on his team in the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Nov. 5, 2022.
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold cheers on his team in the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Nov. 5, 2022.

Quinn Meinerz (Hartford): The Whitewater alumnus has started 11 games for the Denver Broncos this year.

Owen Miller (Ozaukee): After he was part of a Cleveland Guardians team that qualified for the playoffs, Miller was picked up by the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade in December.

Ryan Ramczyk (Stevens Point): The three-time all-pro right tackle has started every game for the New Orleans Saints this season.

Mary Theisen-Lappen (Eau Claire Regis): In March, she set the American powerlifting record for clean and jerk in the superheavyweight category, a mark that had stood since 2018.

Terrin Vavra (Menomonie): The infielder made his major-league debut for the Baltimore Orioles, posting a .677 OPS in 103 at-bats.

Max Wagner (Green Bay Preble) and Connor Prielipp (Tomah): The third baseman out of Clemson and left-handed pitcher out of the University of Alabama were both selected in the second round of the MLB June draft, taken by the Orioles and Twins, respectively.

Did we miss anyone? JR Radcliffe can be reached at (262) 361-9141 or jradcliffe@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JRRadcliffe.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin-native athletes had impressive sports seasons in 2022