College bowls connections

Tyler Beach has never been to California, but that’s about to change, thanks to an all-expenses paid excursion.

Luke Benzschawel has been to the Golden State to see a bowl game, but this time he is going as more than just a fan.

Beach, a Port Washington High School alumnus, and Benzschawel, a Grafton High alumnus, are members of the University of Wisconsin football team that is headed to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

“I’m pretty excited. It will be pretty cool to go out there,” Beach said.

It is, however, a business trip that cuts into holiday celebrations.

“We leave on Christmas Day,” Beach said.

Beach is a backup left tackle who got two starts this season, including the final home game of the year against Iowa, helping the Badgers go undefeated at Camp Randall.

An Ohio native, Beach grew up an Ohio State fan and watched the Rose Bowl every year. His mother always watched the parade and now she gets to see it in person.

“It’s the game you want to go to,” he said. “The Rose Bowl is the granddaddy of them all.”

Benzschawel grew up in Grafton as a Wisconsin fan with similar fond memories of the bowl.

“I remember watching Russell Wilson playing in the Rose Bowl. It’s going to be cool to be on the field,” he said.

Excitement has been mounting throughout the Madison community.

“I’d order food from somewhere and the guy — I don’t even know who he is — would say, ‘Good luck in the Rose Bowl,’” Beach said.

The Badgers were rewarded with their trip by beating Minnesota, 38-17, on the road in the final regular season game of the year and in the process taking back Paul Bunyan’s Axe, the coveted traveling trophy between the two teams.

“That was awesome. That’s the whole point you go to Wisconsin ­— to beat Minnesota and get the axe,” Beach said.

Beach got to hold the axe inside the locker room.

“It’s hefty,” he said.

That earned a trip to the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis, where the Badgers played a sharp first half, taking a 21-7 lead over Ohio State before the Buckeyes stormed back for a 34-21 win.

“I thought as a team we played really well. Obviously, there’s a lot of stuff we have to improve,” Beach said.

In Pasadena, the Badgers will play Oregon, winner of the Pacific 12 title game.

Benzschawel has cousins who live on the West Coast attend Oregon, but he said they won’t be rooting for the Ducks.

“They’re all Wisconsin fans. Both their parents went to Madison,” he said.

Benzschawel plays tight end and missed the season due to a knee injury. He had surgery a few weeks ago and will be on the Badgers’ sideline on Jan. 1.

“I wish I was able to play, but it’s nice to go there,” he said. “My goal is to be back for next year.”

Regardless, he said his mother and grandmother are flying out for the game.

The last time Benzschawel was in California was to watch his older brother Beau help the Badgers to a Holiday Bowl victory in San Diego in 2015. Luke was a senior at Grafton.

Beau is now in the NFL as a backup center with the Detroit Lions. Beau and Luke’s younger brother J.P. is a lineman for Grafton High who has committed to play for Wisconsin.

The Badgers will get a chance to visit Disneyland after the big game.