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UW bound: Big Foot senior fulfills a dream

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Travis Frederick

WALWORTH — Talk about making a strong impression.

That's exactly what Travis Frederick did two weeks ago at the University of Wisconsin's summer football camp for linemen.

Frederick, who will be a senior at Walworth Big Foot High School, wowed the UW coaching staff with his athleticism and strength.

How impressed were head coach Bret Bielema and offensive line coach Bob Bostad? Enough to offer the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Frederick a full ride to play for the Badgers in 2009.

"When I was younger, I always dreamed of playing in front of the home-town crowd," Frederick said. "Now, I'll get that chance.

"It wasn't an impulsive decision. I thought about it for a couple of days after Wisconsin put the offer on the table, but I think it was the right one for me and my family."

Frederick had qualifying offers from University of Minnesota, University of Iowa and the University of North Dakota after impressive performances at their summer linemen camps, but Wisconsin was an easy sell for Frederick. The honor-roll student would like to design airplanes and missiles if the NFL is not in his future, and the UW has a top-notch mechanical engineering program that specializes in aerospace dynamics.

"Wisconsin's a beautiful school with everything I want—both academically and as far as football goes," Frederick said. "They didn't have to do a lot of selling to get me to commit. I just needed a couple of days to make sure it was what I wanted.

"I'm really excited to be staying close to home, too. That was a big selling point."

Rod Wedig, the Big Foot football coach, was a bit surprised with Wisconsin's offer.

"It did take me by surprise," he said. "I thought Wisconsin was cooling on him, but he had such a tremendous camp."

Wedig said he thought Fredrick has the skills that would make a program like Wisconsin take serious notice.

"I thought he had a chance, because he has the frame," Wedig said. "He's a good student, a bright kid with a good work ethic."

Frederick has terrorized Rock Valley Conference opponents the last two seasons in helping Big Foot to an 18-4 record, including a 9-0 regular season last fall. He has been named the Lineman of the Year both seasons, and said he will really be on a mission in the 2008 season because his college plans have been finalized and the defending champion Chiefs again are expected to be a Rock Valley contender.

That's bad news for the rest of the Rock Valley, according to Edgerton coach Mike Gregory.

"There's no doubt about it that he's the real deal," Gregory said of Frederick. "When Travis was a sophomore, he was already a man among boys. I can't imagine how dominating he's going to be this season.

"The thing that really impresses me about him is that he not only plays the game hard on every play, but that he is so intelligent and athletic as well. Usually, kids that are that big can't move. Travis can play anywhere on the field because he's so athletic, and he's always where he's supposed to be.

"Wisconsin got a good one with him. I'll be glad to see him go, and I can guarantee you the other coaches in our league will, too."

Frederick said the week-long summer camp at UW was anything but laid back. Staff members at the camp stressed plenty of one-on-one drills, at which Frederick excelled. Three campers were injured the first day, including one with a serious neck injury.

"That camp is hardcore," Frederick said. "It got nasty right away at the first practice because almost everybody there is going all out to try and get noticed.

"This was the third year I attended the camp, and I really think my performance this year sold UW on my abilities."

Wedig said the Wisconsin staff told Frederick he fits the Wisconsin Badger lineman mold.

Frederick said the UW coaches told him they were impressed with his footwork and hip rotation at the camp, along with his tenacity during one-on-one drills.

"They told me I really dominated off the ball. That's what they were looking for," Frederick said.

That shouldn't be a big surprise. Frederick has been dominating Rock Valley Conference opponents for two years, with one to go. And then next up—the Big Ten.