Physically, Wisconsin's Brian Calhoun and Minnesota's Keith Lipka are exact opposites. Calhoun, at 5'10' 194 lbs is a shifty, clean-cut running back that has burst onto the national scene this year. At 6'3' 260 lbs with blond hair flowing down to his shoulders, Lipka is a perfect example of the brute force that exists on the line of scrimmage in the Big Ten Conference. But the duo's journey from the halls of Oak Creek High School to Saturday's battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe is exceptionally comparable.
\The two were similar in the fact that they kind of blended into the woodwork,"" Oak Creek head football coach Joe Koch said. ""Kind of quiet and unassuming, so they were similar in those regards.""
Both were a part of Oak Creek's storied tradition in high school football that has produced over 20 Division I players in the past five years. So it becomes difficult to imagine that both questioned their commitment to football during their freshman years in high school.
""Most people don't know, but those two were very close to not playing football in high school,"" Koch said. ""Brian actually walked away from the freshman team. Keith had a lot of ability but he was lazy so I got on those guys everyday.""
""I knew I couldn't let two guys like this turn out to be average players. They bought into our system here, and I am extremely proud of what both players have accomplished,"" he said. Both the Minnesota and Wisconsin programs should pay tribute to his philosophy. A man who forces his players to buy into his weight-training and off-season conditioning program, Koch was able to convince his two young stars to shine under the Friday-night lights.
""He is a great coach,"" Calhoun said in a past interview. ""We still talk on weekly basis.""
An accomplished athlete in track and field and basketball, Calhoun initially did not take pleasure in the game that has elevated him to Heisman talk around the country. Similarly, Lipka questioned the benefit football would have on his life.
""At that time, I really didn't know I had the ability to play at the next level,"" Lipka said. ""But after my sophomore year, coach Koch, he pushed me and made me realize the potential was there.""
After high school, both entertained scholarship offers from Wisconsin, but, ultimately, each needed a change of scenery. During his senior season, Lipka committed to play in Minnesota for the Gophers. A year later, Calhoun signed with the University of Colorado, in large part to his relationship with former Buffaloes running backs coach Eric Bienemy.
However, it was not long before both players would part ways with their original selection. After two seasons at Colorado, Calhoun, amid scandals and violations swirling around the Boulder campus, decided to return home and play in front of his family and friends.
Conversely, academic difficulties forced Lipka to transfer to North Dakota State College of Science in order to improve his grades. Taking 44 credits over the course of one year, Lipka left with both an associates' degree and a humbling life lesson as he returned to the Twin Cities.
""I needed that, I really did,"" Lipka said, reflecting on his time at NDSCS. ""It made me appreciate the position that I am in right now.""
Koch shared the outlook of his former player. ""As crazy as it sounds, it was actually good for him, because he realized what a gift it is to have a Division I scholarship,"" Koch said. ""I think it was necessary in order to achieve the success that he is having this season.""
It now appears both are in an environment that provides them with the opportunity to prosper. Calhoun is the No. 5 running back in the nation in total yardage (141.5 yards per game), while Lipka is a stalwart on a defense that has lead the Gophers to a 5-1 record heading into Saturday.
Though Lipka and Calhoun downplay the battle between high school teammates, both are looking forward to lining up on opposite sides of the field.
""You know, I'm excited,"" said Calhoun. ""I haven't really thought much about it, but I'm excited to play against him because I never had the chance since we were on the same team in high school.
""I'm not going to be mad if [Lipka] hits me. You know, my plan is for him not to hit me, but its just good competition and I'm excited for it,"" he said.
As for Koch, he plans to view Saturday's game on television, watching two of his brightest pupils.
""I'll be rooting for Badgers to win, but for both to do well,"" Koch said. ""As long as Keith doesn't get Brian for too many losses in the backfield, I'll be happy. I'm just proud for both of them, they deserve the success.\
