Tag: Tarek Saleh

University of Wisconsin announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class

University of Wisconsin announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class

The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced its Athletic Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 on Wednesday, with 12 new members set to be added at the induction ceremony on September 6.

There are nine athletes from the contemporary era (after 1974) being welcomed into the hall of fame:

Two former Badgers football defensive players Tarek Saleh (1993-1996) and Donnel Thompson (1996-1999) will be inducted. Saleh is the program’s all-time leader in sacks (33) while Thompson won back-to-back Rose Bowls in 1999 and 2000.

Next, Adam Burish was a member of the men’s hockey team from 2002-2006, most notably serving as the captain of Wisconsin’s 2006 NCAA Championship team.

Two-time gold medalist and former Badgers women’s hockey player (2004-2007) Meaghan (Mikkelson) Reid will be inducted, while former goaltender Alex Rigsby Cavallini (2010-2014) also got the call.

Mark Laporte (Soccer, 1979-1982), Gina Panighetti (Swimming, 1996-2000), Marja Neubauer (Tennis, 1990-1994) and James Dunkleberger (Track & Field, 1994-1997) rounded out the nine athletes from the contemporary era.

Men’s hockey player John Jagger (1967-1971) was the lone heritage era athlete to be chosen while former women’s volleyball head coach Pete Waite and the legendary Herb Kohl will also be inducted.

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Badger Countdown: All-time leader in sacks finishes with 33

We are now two-thirds of the way through our 100 day countdown to the Badgers’ 2023 season opener with Buffalo on Sept. 2.

We are now two-thirds of the way through our 100 day countdown to the Badgers’ 2023 season opener with Buffalo on Sept. 2. Luke Fickell has created an incredible amount of hype around his squad and considering he’s a defensive coach, Wisconsin’s all-time leader in sacks is worth mentioning.

A member of the Badgers roster from 1993-1996, Tarek Saleh was a forced to be reckoned with on Wisconsin’s defense. Over his four seasons, he recorded a total of 33 sacks. He played both linebacker (1993-1994) and defensive end (1995-1996), excelling wherever he lined up.

In 1995, Saleh compiled 12 sacks (fourth-highest ever) and in 1996 he added a couple more, finishing his final campaign in Madison with 14 sacks (second-highest).

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The Big Ten football all-time leaders in sacks

A look at the all-time sack leaders in Big Ten Conference history:

Much like the conference that they play in, the Wisconsin Badgers are a team that emphasizes great defense. In fact, one Badger is ranked in the top 9 in all-time sacks in Big Ten history.

This is an outstanding accomplishment for the Badgers, considering that others in the top 9 in career sacks include players like former Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan and former Ohio State defensive lineman Mike Vrabel.

It is impressive to see how many of these players went on to have extremely successful professional careers. Their outstanding collegiate careers truly represent the embodiment of physical Big Ten football.

Below are the top 9 in career sacks in Big Ten Conference history:

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