Madison, Wisconsin
April 28, 2007
Promised to be the party event of 2007, the 26th Annual Crazylegs Classic lived up to expectations. A group of ET athletes carpooled to Madison, Wisconsin shortly after sunrise to participate.
The race, a fundraiser, is named in honor of the legendary Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch. Elroy, the native son of Wausau who won All-American honors as a collegian and an NFL Hall of Fame designation, went on to become Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin. The event rose close to $2 million to support UW athletics, underwriting scholarships for men and women student athletes in all sports.
The pre-race fun kicked off about 9:00 a.m. on the Capital Square with Bucky Badger and the UW Cheerleaders dancing the polka to the music of the Badger Marching Band. Campus celebrities aboard the Bucky Wagon greeted the runners as they arrived. Gov. Jim Doyle participated, continuing the tradition of former Govs. Scott McCallum, Tommy Thompson, and Tony Earl as race runners.
The scenic race course is considered a "runner's delight," starting opposite the State Capital Building, going down State Street, moving through the campus between Observatory Drive and Picnic Point, and returning down University Avenue to Camp Randall where it ends at the 50 yard line.
Great job to ET athlete Jeff P. for setting an amazing PR on this challenging course! Along with his fellow ET athletes, Jeff enjoyed the hilly course while taking in the scenic views of the UW campus.
Inside Camp Randall, finishers were congratulated by Badger celebrities. The celebration of completing the race began with the serving of two infamous Wisconsin traditions: beer and brats. The event wrapped up with the post-race festivities on the 50 yard line with push ups led by ET North athlete Suzy C.
A special thanks to ET Coach and UW alumnus, Joe LoPresto, for leading the team on a campus tour. One of the many favorite stops was the Student Union for some post race ice cream. The Student Union was packed with UW students enjoying live music on the shores of the beautiful Lake Mendota.
Photos from our fun day can be viewed on the ET Photo site.
Crazylegs lived up to its promise of being the party of 2007. ET race participants are already looking forward to next year. We extend the invitation to fellow ET athletes to come share the experience in 2008!
