Wisconsin strength coach Brady Collins provided the highlight of the day Saturday, not on the field but in the waters of Lake Michigan. After the Badgers secured a 23-3 victory over Northwestern, Collins made good on a bold promise he had made earlier in the week: if Wisconsin won, he would take a plunge into Lake Michigan.
True to his word, Collins took center stage after the win, heading toward the lakefront rocks just outside Northwestern’s temporary stadium. “You guys don’t go anywhere!” he shouted to the team, building anticipation as the players gathered around to witness their coach follow through on his vow.
With someone humorously yelling, “Somebody save him!” as he approached the water, Collins waded in and, without hesitation, dove into the cold lake. He splashed around, fully embracing the moment as his players cheered him on with roaring applause.
Safety Hunter Wohler praised his coach’s energy, saying, “I loved it. That’s who Coach Brady is. He brings that energy and juice every single day. He told us during the week, ‘When we win, I’ll jump in the lake.’ And he held true on that promise.”
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Defensive lineman Curt Neal echoed the sentiment, calling Collins “a crazy one” but clearly appreciating his coach’s enthusiasm and commitment. The players rallied around the fun moment, with the celebration adding a lighthearted touch to their dominant performance on the field.
The setting for Collins’ lake dive was unique, as the game marked the fifth and final contest at Northwestern’s temporary lakefront stadium. The intimate venue, with its picturesque views of Lake Michigan and a capacity of just around 12,000, has provided an unusual and scenic backdrop for the Wildcats’ home games this season.
The Chicago skyline was visible in the distance, adding to the charm of the location. Northwestern will now move its remaining home games to Wrigley Field, with matchups against No. 4 Ohio State and No. 22 Illinois later in November.
As for Collins, his playful post-game celebration left a lasting impression on his players, serving as a reminder of the team spirit and camaraderie that can be built both on and off the field. With Wisconsin’s win over Northwestern, Collins’ leap into Lake Michigan became a fitting way to cap off the day and his promise.
