Sports

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Column: Previewing the 2014 FIFA World Cup

After four unbearably long years, World Cup season returns and is coming to its spiritual home in Brazil. To preview this month-long celebration, here are my picks for what to expect at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. For each category, I first give an answer that is more on the obvious side, followed by a not-so-obvious answer that significantly less people are talking about. Finally, I give my predicted winner and break down why I see them hoisting the trophy at the Maracanã in Rio De Janeiro July 13.

Men's Cross Country: Wisconsin distance runners extend their streak of national dominance

Men’s cross country head coach Mick Byrne has built his team into a national powerhouse that shows no sign of slowing down.

Women's Hockey: Under Johnson, UW becomes one of nation's elite

Since Mark Johnson took over as head coach in 2002, few programs in collegiate women’s hockey have been as consistently successful as Wisconsin.

Volleyball: Looking to take one more step to the championship

At the beginning of last season, new head coach Kelly Sheffield took over a national program that seemed to have fallen dormant. After a streak of nine straight NCAA tournament appearances, former head coach Pete Waite’s program missed the tournament six times in a row.

Men's Basketball: Seniors bring leadership to UW

Wisconsin will not have an easy task repeating the success of last season, but it certainly has the ability.

Football: Badgers face on-field changes in 2014

After the 2013 season brought a new coaching staff and a transition to the 3-4 defense, changes will continue this fall as Wisconsin heads into the 2014 campaign.

Softball: Badgers fall to Michigan in walk-off fashion

Wisconsin softball lost 4-3 to No. 1 seed Michigan Saturday in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament after a walk-off single by Wolverine first baseman Caitlin Blanchard.

Football: Three Badgers taken in Day 3 of NFL Draft

Day Three of the 2014 National Football League Draft brought fortune to three Badgers, who will all continue their football careers with 2013 playoff teams.

Football: San Francisco 49ers select Chris Borland 77th overall

After a stellar career with the Badgers, linebacker Chris Borland was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the 13th pick of the third round, 77th overall.

Football: Atlanta Falcons select Dezmen Southward 68th overall

In a very surprising development, graduated Wisconsin safety Dezmen Southward was the first Badger taken in the 2014 National Football League Draft. The Sunrise, Fla., native was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the fourth pick of the third round, 68th overall.

No Wisconsin players drafted in first round

For the first time since 2010, no Wisconsin players were selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft following the round’s completion Thursday night.

Softball: Badgers take two games from Michigan

In the last series of conference play, the Badgers battled it out to defeat the Wolverines 2-1 this past weekend in Ann Arbor.

Top sports moments of spring 2014

Badgers' Final Four run

Top athletes of spring semester 2014

Frank Kaminsky

Men's Basketball: Wisconsin to play Duke at Kohl Center next season

Wisconsin will welcome Duke to the Kohl Center on the second day of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, according to a Sports Illustrated report. The pairings will be officially announced Thursday afternoon.

Men's Basketball: Breaking down Bo Ryan's postseason perception

For years, people have been saying Bo Ryan can’t win in March. Why?

Softball: Nebraska snaps Badgers' record tying 13-game win streak

Wisconsin had its record-tying win streak snapped at the hands of Nebraska Wednesday at Goodman Diamond, but the Badgers did not allow the loss to loom over them for long.

Column: Maintain the momentum from racism dialogue

America is buzzing about Donald Sterling and racism.

Column: Softball deserves more attention

You should love softball.

Giving back the Wisconsin way