Pat Christenson (former UW, NCAA wrestling Champion, currently President of Las Vegas Events) thanked Russ and Duane for recruiting him to UW. He related his discussion with Badger Head Coach Barry Davis enumerating what is needed to take the UW to the next level (NCAA Champions). 1) A top notch practice facility for athletes. 2) A wrestling club. 3) Starting of an annual tradition among alumni.

Special Badger wrestling supporter, businessman Tom Talbot described his arrival in Madison in the 70’s coming from Iowa, and his continuing interest in seeing the Badgers do well. He has been involved in generations of Badger wrestling headed by Duane, Russ, Andy Rein and Barry Davis. Tom encouraged and challenged attendees to make a financial commitment to Badger wrestling and expressed his hope to see an NCAA Championship by the Badgers in the next five years or sooner.

Badger supporter and former successful Milton head coach and Auctioneer Bob Johnson took the podium to auction off a number of items including: A Leroy Nieman print of a LeRoy Neiman signed Serigraph of “Dave Schultz”; Golf outing with Coach Davis; Golf Package; Luxury Suite in Las Vegas (at the Thomas and Mack Center) for the June 2008 Olympic wrestling trials; and custom shirts signed by the Badger Coaching staff.

Humorist and comedian, Ron Dentinger entertained the audience.

Mitch Hill announced individuals who would introduce the three Honorees.

Dave Evans, former Badger wrestling team mate and college roommate introduced 3 time NCAA Champion and 3 time World Champion and successful businessman Lee Kemp. Dave shared anecdotes and little known facts about Lee. He noted Lee Kemps “Four C’s” for success:
1) Commitment 2) Concentration 3) Consistency 4) Courage

Lee Kemp spoke of his arrival at UW in 1974 and the motivation he found in UW’s first NCAA Champion, Rick Lawinger, as well as describing the tremendous talent and work ethic that surrounded him in the UW wrestling practice room. As well as the great support he received from teammates such as Dave Evans and Craig Horswill.

Mitch Hill introduced former Badger wrestler, head coach and Ohio State head coach Russ Hellickson as a man who defines integrity and commitment.

Russ Hellickson recounted the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, where Spartan King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fought to the last man against Persian army. He mentioned the “Four C’s” of Lee Kemp (Commitment, Concentration, Consistency, Courage) and the Spartans as representing the wrestling community.. As well as stressing the brotherhood of the wrestling community. Saying “wrestlers would make phenomenal Spartans”.
Russ noted he came to the UW at “an amazing time” when Georger Martin had layed a base for wrestling in the state and 87% of high schools in Wisconsin had a wrestling program.

Jim Haines, Badger NCAA wrestling Champion introduced former UW head coach Duane Kleven.

Duane Kleven told anecdotes and lighthearted stories of the men he coached at UW and his enjoyment of the experience.