Sept. 22, 2012
MADISON, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department in conjunction, with Oscar Mayer, is pleased to announce Jerry Reif of Glenwood, Iowa, as today’s Wisconsin Football Season Ticket Holder of the Game.
A native of Antigo, Wis., and a retired member of the U.S. Air Force, Jerry has been a season ticket holder for 17 years and has regularly attended games despite being 435 miles and a seven-and-one-half hour drive from Madison. Currently residing outside of Omaha, Neb., Jerry and his wife Barb are known as the “Omaha Badgers” among their friends in section Q.
The University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin football have a special place in the Reif’s heart. Jerry’s first Badger game was as a freshman in September of 1964, as the Badgers took on Kansas State. Jerry met Barb at a social at the Memorial Union in Sep 1965. Their first date was at a Badger game in which they enjoyed their first kiss. Marriage followed in 1967, and now every year they pick the Saturday game day closest to their anniversary to celebrate with family, friends and fellow Badger fans at the Memorial Union, the place they met. In fact today, the couple is celebrating their 45th anniversary.
After serving in the Air Force for 20 years and then retiring near Omaha, the Reif’s hadn’t yet purchased season tickets. However after meeting then head coach and now Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez at a UW Alumni dinner in Omaha, the Reif’s were sold. Jerry was impressed by the confidence the new coach displayed and it gave him excitement for the future. He knew coach Alvarez could turn the program around. As the Hall of Fame coach told Jerry, “It’s not that far from Omaha to Madison!” At that point Jerry knew the trip would be worth it each week to see the Badgers win.
As a season ticket holder Jerry enjoys sitting next to the students in section Q. He loves the energy and excitement generated by the student section each game. In addition, Jerry has attended each of Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl games since 1994. The Badger victories in 1999 and 2000 remain his favorites.
As part of being today’s Season Ticket Holder of the Game, Jerry will receive a reserved parking pass and a tailgate spread courtesy of Oscar Mayer. In addition he will be recognized on the field during today’s game vs. UTEP.
The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department, with the help of Oscar Mayer, is pleased to salute Jerry Reif as this week’s Season Ticket Holder of the Game.
